Think Aloud

☻Qualitative Method:
Explore how players feel and behave through interviews, observations, and open-ended feedback. (with optional quantitative metrics)

Best Stage: Early Prototype → Mid Development

Primary Goal: Understanding player decision-making, mental models, and points of confusion as they play

Effort: Moderate

Overview

A think-aloud for games involves asking users to verbalize their thoughts out loud as they play. This helps researchers understand their actions and decision-making process. It’s a cheap and robust qualitative technique for identifying issues a player might have with a game, especially those that aren't easily detected through self-reporting methods like surveys or analytics.

Think-aloud tests can be conducted in real-time, with a developer or researcher observing the player either in person or via a digital conference call. Alternatively, players can record their thoughts while playing, and the recording can be analyzed later.

How it works:

The player is told to say whatever comes to mind that are relevant to the game—questions, confusions, decisions, expectations, etc.
The session is usually observed or recorded by a researcher or developer who takes notes.
The player might say things like:
- “I’m not sure what this button does.”
- “I think I’m supposed to go this way, but I’m not sure why.”
- “Oh, I didn’t realize I could jump.”
After the session, researchers often conduct a follow-up interview to clarify points or dig deeper into observed behaviors.

What it reveals:

Usability issues: Confusing controls, unclear objectives, poor on boarding, etc.
Player expectations vs. game design: Are players interpreting mechanics and goals the way you intended?
Emotional responses: Frustration, joy, confusion, boredom—all can be caught in the moment.

More Resources:

Nielsen Norman Group. (n.d.). Thinking aloud: The #1 usability tool. Nielsen Norman Group. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/thinking-aloud-the-1-usability-tool/

antidote.gg. (n.d.). A player’s guide to think-aloud comments. Antidote.gg. https://antidote.gg/a-players-guide-to-think-aloud-comments/