My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Celia Hodent, UX specialist (Ubisoft Montreal, LucasArts, Epic Games).
Apr 14, 2025
Celia Hodent, a UX specialist with a rich background at Ubisoft and Epic Games, discusses the intersection of cognitive science and game design. She delves into balancing user experience with artistic vision, particularly in 3D action games like Fortnite. Celia reflects on her childhood in Paris, revealing how nostalgia shapes her identity and passion for gaming. The conversation highlights memories of classic titles and the evolution of player engagement, emphasizing the vital role of psychology in enhancing gameplay experiences.
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Essence of User Experience (UX)
- User experience (UX) considers the entire final player experience and human cognitive limitations like attention and memory.
- UX involves iterative prototyping and testing to ensure usability and engagement align with the designers' artistic goals.
Balancing Art and Usability
- Balancing artistic vision and player guidance involves deciding where to challenge players and where to assist them.
- Visual aids like highlighted paths aid immersion by reducing frustration when exploration isn't the challenge.
Early Love for Audio Design
- Celia played Advanced Dungeons & Dragons on Intellivision as a child, captivated by its sound design and tense gameplay.
- The game’s audio cues helped detect enemies in a visually limited maze, creating a lasting impression.