[Case Study] Analyzing FTUE in RPG Game A and Key Insights for Story-Driven RPG Design

In the mobile gaming market, the First-Time User Experience (FTUE) is a critical factor that determines player acquisition and early churn. This case study draws on the actual FTUE research conducted on RPG Game A, offering key UX insights for developers working on story-driven mobile RPGs.

🎯 Why FTUE Matters

The first 30 minutes can make or break a game: This is when players decide whether to continue playing.
Tutorial design directly affects immersion: It must be helpful, but not disruptive.

🔍 Step 1: Key FTUE Findings from RPG Game A

1. Lack of Tutorials and Guidance → Confusion for Beginners

Insufficient explanations for basic actions (e.g., breaking rocks, deactivating traps)
Lack of clarity on quest objectives and how to proceed

2. No Skip or Speed-Up Options → Frustration for Experienced Players

While the story is rich, players cannot skip or fast-forward, disrupting immersion

3. Poorly Explained Equipment/Upgrade Systems

Confusing equipment restrictions tied to specific characters with no clear guidance

4. Positives Noted by Players

Fun exploration with puzzles and gimmicks
Generous rewards without requiring payments
High-quality visuals and immersive music

🎤 User comments: “It has freedom, but there’s a steep learning curve.” / “If you don’t understand something, you can get stuck.”

🔁 Step 2: Comparison with FTUE Best Practices

Key Element	FTUE Best Practice	RPG Game A	Gap & Insight
Tutorial Structure	Seamlessly integrated into gameplay	Separate tutorial	Reduces immersion; should be more natural
Learning Through Understanding	Repetitive, action-based learning	Lacks repetition or reinforcement	Focused on info, not comprehension
User Type Flexibility	Offers skip, summary, or repeat options	No skip/speed options	Leads to fatigue for experienced players
UI Focus Guidance	Uses highlights/minimaps to guide	Unclear objectives/UI hierarchy	Needs better visual hierarchy and attention cues
Early Engagement Hooks	Core fun shown in first 30 min	Puzzles/rewards exist but hard to reach	UX optimization needed to reach core fun faster

⚙️ Step 3: FTUE Design Suggestions for Story-Driven Mobile RPGs

✅ 1. Learn Through Story Progression

Integrate basic controls, puzzles, and equipment into the first story chapter
Let players learn during actual combat (e.g., introduce dodging or weapon switching in a boss fight)

✅ 2. Lightweight, Repeatable Practice Moments

Introduce an action and reinforce it through multiple in-game scenarios (e.g., break rocks 2–3 times across early quests)

✅ 3. Support for Skipping & Recalling Tips

Offer players a choice: “Quick Start” vs “Detailed Guide,” with optional tip reminders anytime during play

✅ 4. Immersive and Minimal UI Design

Use highlights or story-triggered prompts (e.g., object glows during dialogue)
Avoid excessive pop-ups and intrusive UI elements

✅ 5. Combine Story + Action + Reward in 30 Minutes

Provide tension-filled story arcs leading to boss battles + meaningful upgrade rewards
Link player choices to story direction or character progression

🧭 Conclusion: The Goal is Understanding Through Immersion

RPG Game A earned praise for storytelling and content, but from an FTUE perspective, it showed clear issues such as lack of guidance, delayed feedback, and limited learning structure.

For story-driven RPGs, it is essential to blur the lines between tutorial and narrative. Players should feel they’re discovering and learning naturally as they progress.

Game developers can use this case as a reminder: FTUE isn’t just about delivering information—it's about providing a starting point for immersive, self-directed learning.