MasterClass: Mastering Data for Engaging Game Design

Steel Media (Publishers of Pocket Gamer)

The PocketGamer.biz MasterClasses are a collection of deep-dive workshop sessions, covering practical game design topics.

Thanks for checking out this PG.biz MasterClass! Sales are ended now and we are looking forward to hosting this online class. If you have any questions or queries please contact the team at masterclass.support@steelmedianetwork.com. You can find out more about the whole range of MasterClasses, and other upcoming events in our games industry series, at PocketGamer.biz. https://www.pocketgamer.biz/events/

If you are new to data and curious about how it’s applicable in games, you’ll want to sign up for this MasterClass. Data isn’t something to be intimidated by or overwhelmed with. We often associate data or metrics with product management and number crunching, though it is relevant to understanding game design alongside player experience, psychology and the player’s journey.Have you always wondered how data can be used to make informed decisions, how to identify issues before they avalanche out of control, or how to work towards getting the key results expected from your game? Data is essential for these situations and more.The 'Mastering data for engaging game design' MasterClass will touch upon how we can influence game design and game experience with the help of data and also how to use game design to move different metrics. This will act as a starting guide for you when you are thinking about your next big idea or looking at improving your current game.The key takeaways people can expect from this session are:<ul><li>Why data is important in free-to-play (F2P) games and games in general</li><li>What are the kinds of data available</li><li>How to interpret and understand player behaviour</li><li>Weaving data with game design </li></ul>

TARGET AUDIENCE: For this MasterClass, we recommend that attendees have a basic understanding of the game development process and lifecycle. This session would be suitable for people from a range of disciplines including (but not limited to) design, product development, business intelligence, live ops and production. The takeaways from this MasterClass will be more relevant to the free-to-play (F2P) genre of games.

Poornima has been part of the gaming industry for over 15 years and undertaken roles varying from Game Designer to Producer to Studio head and Entrepreneur. She has been part of companies like Indiagames (Disney India), Jumpstart, GSN Games etc. She is currently a Director of Design at Zynga. She has worked on franchises like BioShock Mobile, How to Train your Dragons, Neopets, and FarmVille 2: Country Escape to name a few. She is a Women in Games Ambassador and also a Hall of Fame Inductee at the Global WIG Awards 2020, making her the first Indian game developer to receive such an honour.

With close to two decades of work experience, Vimal's been at the helm of building games long enough to see the inception and growth of the free-to-play business model in the casual space, as well as the advent of the OG iPhone and the consequent touch-screen games boom. His experience working on a multitude of hit games and incredible IPs (The Walking Dead, UFC, CSR Racing 2, etc.) and across varied platforms (Nintendo DS, AR/VR, Plug and Play, mobile, etc.) brings a well-rounded and informed perspective to the table - a key element in helping enhance design as a skill amongst others. Vimal currently works as the Director of Design at Zynga.

Part 1: F2P Metrics 101 (60 minutes)The first subtopic focuses on making sure the audience understands the most common metrics available in the free-to-play game ecosystem. It also dives into interpreting the data and how impacting one set of data can influence another.Part 2: F2P Player Behaviour 101 (60 minutes)This part focuses on understanding the player types, what drives their behaviour, and how different aspirations of these players can inform who your core audience is, and what needs to be done to cater towards them.Part 3: Data &amp; Design Interplay (60 minutes)This subtopic will help the audience understand how well your design is performing. It would also include how to distil the information obtained from metrics around player behaviour, and using them as take-away points to solve problems within your game.

Part 1 : <ul><li>Presentation lecture (20 minutes)</li><li>Group activity (20 minutes)</li><li>Review and feedback (20 minutes)</li></ul>Part 2:<ul><li>Presentation lecture (20 minutes)</li><li>Group activity (20 minutes)</li><li>Review and feedback (20 minutes)</li></ul>Part 3:<ul><li>Presentation lecture (20 minutes)</li><li>Group activity (20 minutes)</li><li>Review and feedback (20 minutes)</li></ul>

<h2>Looking for more deep-dive content?</h2>

This MasterClass is part of a wider series of deep-dive workshop sessions, covering practical game design topics, brought to you by PocketGamer.biz in collaboration with some of the finest minds in the games industry.If you’re interested in attending another MasterClass, you can find more information at <a href="https://www.pocketgamer.biz/masterclass" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.pocketgamer.biz/masterclass</a>MULTI-BOOKING DISCOUNT DEALS:<ol><li>3 for 2: Book three MasterClasses for the price of two!</li><li>Corporate discount: a group of six or more from one company can get 30% off if booked together.</li></ol>To arrange any of the bespoke packages above, please email sally.kevan@steelmedia.co.uk for more information.Please note the final ticket price is in £GBP, and may be subject to UK VAT at a rate of 20%. You will be sent a VAT receipt by email along with confirmation of your booking.For all other questions, please contact support@pgconnects.com. Terms and conditions apply

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MasterClass: Mastering Data for Engaging Game Design

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