Birmingham City University

First Time User Experiences in Mobile Games: An Evaluation of Usability

First-time user experiences serve as a critical bridge between initial engagement and long-term retention in mobile gaming.

• Onboarding sequences function primarily as educational tools for mechanics and interface clarity rather than as comprehensive drivers of overall game usability or player satisfaction.
• Excessive or intrusive tutorial guidance can negatively impact player engagement by restricting user agency and limiting the freedom to explore.
• Effective mobile game design requires balancing the communication of essential mechanics with the preservation of player autonomy.