THQ announced today that it will open a Usability Lab at The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University. The lab will be the primary usability test center for all of THQ's titles and will be led by Senior Manager of Usability Dr. Karl Steiner.
“The standard for creating great games rises higher and higher as the industry continues to uncover innovative and cutting edge concepts in gaming,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, THQ Core Games. “As game design evolves, it is critical that we keep the basic needs of gamers at the forefront of our minds by continuing to develop titles that ensure user-friendly, intuitive game play. We are confident that our investment to expand THQ’s usability resources with the new Lab located at SMU will allow us to augment our track record of consistently delivering highly-rated titles with tried-and-tested playability.”
THQ expects the lab to be functional by Summer 2010, where it will help faculty deal with graduates, paid interns and research projects. The Guildhall will notably be the only graduate video game design and development program with an on-site usability lab.
“We are incredibly excited by this opportunity for collaboration with one of the game industry’s leading global publishers,” said Dr. Peter Raad, Executive Director of The Guildhall at SMU. “THQ’s presence at SMU will have a significant impact on its faculty and students by providing valuable hands-on access to professional video game usability equipment. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with industry executives who can offer topical and real-world insights on video game design and production. In return, THQ will be able to tap into 120 of the most serious, experienced gamers in the US for testing, consultation and research.”
