Analyzing Heatmaps

[poLemin]

Hey everybody!

Sorry in advance, if this is the wrong subforum. Couldn't find any fitting one for that topic, but since it is about 3D Level Design it might be okay here.

I was wondering what the process of analyzing heatmaps for 3D Levels looks like. What design information can I pull out of it and how can I read heatmaps? Furthermore, can anyone recommend any lecture or tutorial videos regarding that topic?

Thanks in advance!

[jackophant]

Hello,

This topic could probably have gone under Gaming Discussion, but never mind.

Heat maps aren't a metric in themselves, it depends on what data is being plotted on it. A tool like http://demo.ehvag.de/ allows you to select which metrics are shown. I would say it's pretty self explanatory from this point, but something you conclude would be where a lot of choke points are and what angles people hold to make those kills based on the kills / deaths categories.

I would use them as a shortcut to watching hundreds of demos to get an idea for how people play the map. I believe it can also map the routes people take, so you can see if there's a lot of back and forth and what that could mean.

[FrieChamp]

There is a talk by Jim Brown (Epic Games) where he also talks about interpreting heatmaps if I remember correctly: http://gdcvault.com/play/1020844/The-Importance-of-Everything-A

[poLemin]

There is a talk by Jim Brown (Epic Games) where he also talks about interpreting heatmaps if I remember correctly: http://gdcvault.com/play/1020844/The-Importance-of-Everything-A

While this is mostly about analyzing data in general, this is VERY helpful! This is kind of talks is what I was looking for. Thank you alot!