Learn how to use psychology in your games at Develop Live

To design the best video games, you have to understand what makes gamers tick, what they enjoy and what will keep them playing.

Many developers around the world actually consult with psychologists to help enhance their games, prevent player disengagement and get a better understanding the different types of players out there.

Think that sounds like a confusing and long-winded process? Fear not – cyberpsychologist Berni Good will be breaking it down for Develop Live attendees in a short, no-nonsense talk.

Good is a member of the British Psychological Society and specialises in cyberpsychology: the study of how human beings interact with technology. With a background in the video games industry and publishing, her skills are geared specifically towards games development.

In here talk ‘Video Game Psychology: Applying psychology to video game development’, Good will discuss how developers can use this line of thinking to enhance their games, from monetisation strategies that encourage gamers to spend to game design the ensures they want to keep playing. She will also touch on the ethical issues around using psychology int this applied way.

Good’s talk is one of many lined up for next month’s Develop Live conference. You can check out the full programme at www.develop-live.com.

Develop Live is the first conference to be curated and organised by the team behind Develop magazine and its website. It will be held at The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland on Thursday, October 2nd.

Tickets cost £149, with discounts available for UKIE/TIGA/SGN members, students and independent developers (those with less than 10 employees). To apply for a discount code, email James.Batchelor@intentmedia.co.uk, or head to www.develop-live.com to book your place.

Develop Live is supported by event partners OPM Response and Abertay University. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Alex.Boucher@intentmedia.co.uk or call him on 01992 535647.