Frame Buddy
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Project Overview
Fighting games are some of the most difficult but rewarding genres of video games any player experiences. From understanding crucial fundamentals to applying moves and properly responding to attacks, the fighting game genre naturally has a dedicated group of players that strive to improve their gameplay the more they enjoy their game. No matter the type of move used in fighting games, whether it comes in the form of a basic attack, a fancy super, or a unique move pertaining to a character, it all contains frame data, which serves as the foundation for the properties of the move.
Fighting game players may know what certain moves can do, but there are also more nuances involving the certain properties of moves, and naturally the player would go find the specifics of certain attacks and how positive or negative the condition of it can be. Frame data is readily available online, but seeking this information comes through a variety of issues. For this project, we gathered six different users who have prior experience with playing fighting games, varying in experience with playing fighting games. We asked them what were some of the inconvnenient aspects when it comes to finding frame data and retaining that information:
Defining the Problem:
- What does the app offer for users that current solutions doesn't offer?
- Why would users need this app over current options they have?
- How can this be beneficial for users to make the most out of learning more about their interested fighting games and characters?
- Can the user have an easier time navigating data?
- What's the best way to break down terminology for newcomers?
The Client
Fighting game players looking to improve their skills and gain better understanding of fundamentals pertaining to their characters
The Challenge
Fighting game players are not having the most optimal approach to accessing & utilizing frame data from a variety of games that would not only serve to be crucial but to also be a convenient asset in improving their gameplay experience with further knowledge.
The Objective
Create a mobile app to aid fighting game players so they can use the Frame Buddy application to access desired frame data, movelists, matchup information, & other relevant information with ease along with organizing & retrieving data from external sources.
Project Execution
Whiff Punish the Problem
Fighting game players may know what certain moves can do, but there are also more nuances involving the certain properties of moves, and naturally the player would go find the specifics of certain attacks and how positive or negative the condition of it can be. Frame data is readily available online, but seeking this information comes through a variety of issues. For this project, we gathered users who have prior varying experience with playing fighting games. We asked them what were some of the inconvenient aspects when it comes to finding frame data and retaining that information:
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Too Much Information, Not Enough Simplicity
A common pain point that's apparent within user feedback received from the Google Forms survey we've sent out highlighted that many pages tend to not only have an extremely robust data repository but the layout makes it overwhelming for users:
Counter the Pain Points
As the sole designer of this project, I have quite a lot that I need to consider when producing the designs for this app. Some prevalent factors are:
- Providing convenience for the user to find relevant information
- Having all the relevant info the user wants in one centralized source
- Keeping information contained yet visibly clear for the user
- Giving the user the option to add specific data to their library
- Allowing the user to navigate data within the character page
User Flow
Designs
Low Fidelity Wireframe
High Fidelity Wireframe
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Development Handoff
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Promotional Ad
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Results
Results
Users have tested out this prototype and have given feedback that reflects how Frame Buddy looks, functions, and displays core elements and information. As a result, the feedback provided about this has been relatively positive, with a lot of components alleviating the issues most users have found. Despite the positive feedback, we received essential feedback pertaining to the details shown within the app and loading times affecting certain games (mainly those that have several dozen characters and select 3D titles like Tekken) as the use of polygon models add in towards the buffering of pages. Ultimately the app is retired from the Play Store as the maintenance costs and updates were beyond the team's budget as the months post-launch went on, but served as a costly reminder of making effective apps while retaining a userbase as well as optimizing costs.
What I've Learned and Personal Thoughts
Having the opportunity to design the overall user interface and experience of Frame Buddy further strengthened my thought process and obtained a better understanding and approach to alleviating user pain points. Reflecting back on this project, the core comments alongside use of colors and loading times include:
Simplifying Terminology Used
Just as in the world of UX, you don't want to overwhelm newcomers with jargon that only seasoned and experienced individuals are accustomed to.
Further Elaboration on Matchups
The users wanted more complex information regarding specific matchups in depth that covers characters' strengths and weaknesses.
Consistent Updates on Select Games
Fighting games are a core genre that needs constant updates to address users' dissatisfaction towards any imbalance issues during all stages of the games' life. The app should also reflect accordingly and in a timely manner to reflect the latest changes.
App Launch and Maintenance Costs
Taking part of a passion project for the first time
1. Development Costs:
Android Development: $10,000 - $20,000+
Factors: Device fragmentation, complexity, features.
2. Design Costs:
UI/UX Design: $2,000 - $10,000
Factors: Complexity, custom graphics, branding.
3. Testing Costs:
Quality Assurance: $1,000 - $5,000
Factors: App complexity, number of iterations, device coverage.
4. Deployment Costs:
Google Play (Android):
One-time Registration Fee: $25
Review Time: Few hours to 3 days
5. Maintenance Costs:
Updates & Bug Fixes: $1,000 - $10,000/year
Factors: Frequency of updates, complexity.
6. Marketing & Promotion Costs:
Advertising & PR: ~ $5,000
Factors: Campaign scope, targeted regions, platforms.
7. General Issues:
App Rejections: Due to non-compliance with platform guidelines.
Device Fragmentation: Especially on Android; requires additional testing.
OS Updates: Can break app functionality, requiring updates.
Market Saturation: Hard to stand out without unique features or strong marketing.
User Feedback: Negative reviews can impact app's reputation and downloads.
8. Additional Costs:
Third-party Tools: Analytics, crash reporting, A/B testing, etc.
Server Costs: If the app requires backend support.
Licensing: For certain software or content within the app.
As an avid fighting game fan myself, this has definitely given me a greater understanding, appreciation, and approach to the design process of UI/UX that goes into user engagement of a robust app. I've also been more cautious on not hastily launching an app especiialy one tailored to fighting games where updates are sporadic ranging from uncommon to frequent and having these game updates applied to their respective games within the Frame Buddy app.
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