UI/UX Mobile Games Transformation towards Translated Language: Case Study Ragnarok Mobile Eternal Love

This research examines the challenges of adapting mobile game user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designs when translating games from Chinese to languages using Latin-based alphabets, such as English and Indonesian. The study focuses on the MMORPG Ragnarok M: Eternal Love, which utilizes a fixed-layout interface originally designed for the vertical text orientation of the Chinese language. The primary thesis is that while icon-based navigation serves as a viable solution for maintaining fixed layouts across different languages, it requires a significant initial learning curve for users to master the interface functions.

The methodology involved a two-period experiment conducted with 25 gamers in West Jakarta, Indonesia. Participants were tasked with navigating the game’s interface to perform specific actions, such as checking character status or using chat functions. Data was collected through questionnaires administered during the first session and again one week later to measure the time required for users to successfully interact with the UI.

Findings indicate that participants initially struggled with the interface, requiring an average of 5.4 minutes (approximately 1.35 minutes per question) to navigate the game during the first session. However, after one week of gameplay, the average time dropped significantly to 27.84 seconds (approximately 6.96 seconds per question). The study concludes that while the developer’s use of icons combined with temporary text pop-ups effectively bypasses the limitations of horizontal text in a fixed-layout system, it necessitates an adjustment period. Ultimately, the research confirms that a well-designed UI, even one with a steep initial learning curve, allows users to memorize and efficiently utilize navigation systems once they become familiar with the game’s underlying mechanics.