01 Emphatize - understanding the problem
Research enables me to dig deep into my understanding of users - not only their immediate frustrations, but also their hopes, fears, abilities, limitations, reasoning, and goals. It lays essential foundations for creating solutions in later stages.
Methodologies used:
•Market Research
•Competitive Analysis
•Users & Stakeholders Interview
Research Goals
•Understand the market of platforms related to games
•Understand the market of platforms related to blockchain
•Identify the target audience of Versus
•Learn about how the main competitors are catering to customers’ needs, as well as their strengths and weaknesses
Market Research:
•Lack of a place to both earn and have fun, regardless of the type of game
•It's not possible to play for stakes in the form of cryptocurrencies in traditional games
•Web3 games do not match up to traditional games
•Players are not familiar with blockchain technology
Competitive Analysis
It is equally important to research enterprises that pioneer in the market of platforms connecting blockchain with gaming, as their solutions to similar problems will help me gather insights about their strengths and weaknesses. These insights also help me identify any gaps in features that Versus might address. I analyzed 3 direct competitors, who are trying to solve the same problem as us, and 3 indirect competitors, who solve one part of the problem very well.
Users & Stakeholders interview
Insights gathered from market research helped me frame provisional ask meaningful questions in User Interviews. These are the conclusions I came up with:
•Potential users are usually skeptical about the topic of cryptocurrency, and It’s still very obscure to them.
•Users are not satisfied with the current existing applications similar to the Versus
•DEXs lack intuitiveness and are more suitable for traders who have spent some time in the crypto space, it is not user-friendly for newbies. Blockchain transactions can be more complex than traditional in-game transactions, requiring users to manage private keys, wallets, and interact with blockchain interfaces. This added complexity may deter less tech-savvy gamers and hinder mainstream adoption.
•Many blockchain networks involve transaction fees, known as gas fees. In a gaming environment where microtransactions are common, high fees can discourage users and make small transactions economically impractical.
•Transaction Delays in gaming industry: Blockchain transactions, especially on congested networks, can suffer from delays. Gamers may find this frustrating, particularly when waiting for in-game purchases, asset transfers, or other transactions to be confirmed
•Different blockchain platforms and games may have varying user interfaces, creating a lack of consistency across experiences. This can confuse users and make it more challenging for them to navigate different blockchain applications.
•Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory environment for blockchain and cryptocurrencies is still evolving. Uncertainty about future regulations can create hesitancy among gamers and developers, impacting the long-term viability of blockchain gaming.
•The play-to-earn model, where users can earn cryptocurrency or valuable in-game assets by participating in the game, is generally well-received. This provides a new way for players to benefit from their time and skill investment.