Assignment III: All Game Controllers Assemble Here
Initially, I was carrying out the project based on my prefrence. For example, I wanted a game library management app for my multi-platform apps, but there are alreday exsitent websites and apps, and I could do nothing other than combining all their functions together. Then I noticed a field that many have ignored, the video game controllers, or in a broad sense, video game peripherals/accessories. I want to check out those legacy controllers and need a database and a store, but there’s not. This could be an opportunity.
Obviously I cannot rely too much on my judgment, and I have to presume some personas and conduct interviews to test them out. I had two personas in my mind, retro players who need legacy controllers and modern players who need the latest controllers. After the interviews, the first persona is eliminated, because there are not many retro players, only one of the five interviewees showing slight interst in retro games. Also, legacy controllers are usually sold along with legacy consoles. Selling legacy controllers only is not a good idea. The second persona is the modern players. They could be console players (PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox), PC players, or mobile players (very few). Later I find out the first persona can be combined with the second one. Players looking for controllers are interested in the history, evolution, and tips of controllers. Not only buying controllers, they can enrich their knowledge of controllers and games. A community can be formed, and players can get attached to the site.
The next question is whether the project is sustainable in terms of monetization. To tackle the problem, the persona shouls be explained in detail. There is a large player base of PC gaming in China, and many of them don’t have controllers yet. They have shown strong interest in controllers though. For the console players, many of them only bought one controller before, and will possibly buy one more for 2-player games or as backup controller. Also, controllers are consumables. For example, Nintendo Switch Joy-Con is very fragile and many Switch users have bought many controllers. What’s more, controllers can be collectibles such as the limited versions. For the hardcore gamers, there are also elite controllers. For the disabled, there are even the Xbox adaptive controller. Monetization is assured.
Should I divide the persona further? No. Though I have mentioned PC, console, hardcore, and even disabled players above, they actually have more similarities than differences. If you want to buy controllers, you have already known much about games, which is a vey important one. They have a basis for games, and are eager to learn more. The user journey map is almost the same, from learning about controllers to purchasing them.
The overview of the project can be seen here.
