author: destroytheardor
What do The Sims Fant Want? Experimental Psychologist Will Help EA Figure It Out
Electronic Arts has posted an intriguing job offer for an experimental psychologist who could play a big role in shaping the future of The Sims brand.
- EA is looking for a UX specialist with a background in experimental psychology.
- The research is to help build a better game experience based on player needs and preferences.
The Sims is a brand that may not be heating up like the big blockbusters, but it is constantly present in the minds of gamers and boasts huge commercial success. A recent job announcement posted by EA suggests that the American company not only does not intend to give up with the further development of this franchise, but actually plans to develop it in a rather surprising way.
Experimental psychologist wanted
Electronic Arts' website posted a job ad for an experimental psychologist. Let's make it clear right away: this is not some exotic field of science, but a methodological approach that focuses mainly on conducting research through experiments. Experimental psychologists most often work on issues such as learning, conditioning or identifying stimuli to which different people respond in similar ways.
The announcement is for a UX researcher position with a degree in experimental psychology. Why does EA need this kind of specialist?
The person hired for the new position will have to conduct a series of studies and then present the results to the development team, which will decide what elements should appear in the game. The idea is not only, so that players spend more time in front of the screens, but also so that they evaluate this time better.
UX research is no surprise nowadays and is used in many areas of business, but the steps taken by EA suggest a greater emphasis on improving the gameplay experience in the near term..
The benefit will be mutual - Electronic Arts will make more money from selling expansion for its titles, and the players, will receive more enjoyable and accessible gameplay.. Time will tell if the effects of the research will be visible in future DLCs for The Sims 4, or will we see them only in The Sims 5.
