Document / Paper
Reducing Player Frustration Through Gradual Mechanic Introduction in FTUE
A research-led paper focused on onboarding design, cognitive load, and how gradual mechanic introduction can improve early player confidence.
Examines where new players struggle, how information overload happens, and practical patterns to make onboarding clearer and less frustrating.
Key topics
What the paper investigates.
- Early churn moments
Where players typically drop off in the first session and why.
- Cognitive load
How too many mechanics and UI layers at once create frustration.
- Gradual onboarding patterns
Staging mechanics through contextual prompts and paced challenges.
My contribution
How I approached the work.
- Literature review
Connected research on learning and overload with real onboarding flows.
- Flow breakdown
Mapped mechanic introduction pacing and friction points.
- Actionable guidelines
Converted findings into reusable onboarding recommendations.