Development and Usability of a Location-based Game

Naghadeh F. B., Çağıltay K.

Interaction Design and Architecture(s), vol.65, pp.62-89, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 65
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.55612/s-5002-065-002
  • Journal Name: Interaction Design and Architecture(s)
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.62-89
  • Keywords: Human-Computer Interaction, Location-Based Games, Usability Testing
  • TED University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Location-based games (LBG) incorporate players’ location as their main game element. Therefore, they are played in the physical world by turning every place into a playground. Due to the pervasive nature of LBGs, usability evaluation can differ from the other game genres. This study aims to develop an LBG based on a university campus by implementing a criteria-based method to populate the map and distribute points of interest. Ten participants tested the developed game, and a qualitative analysis was conducted via holding interviews with each participant to evaluate the game’s usability and identify usability issues specific to the developed LBG and LBGs in general. The findings show that participants showed a positive attitude towards the game; however, multiple issues were identified regarding the LBGs. These usability issues are the inaccuracy of the map in representing the points, the radius of interaction, and location update delay.