We’ve got a local game retail shop making some news in the newspapers and magazines since last year. All of which belong to Software Boutique that runs the online website, Gamers.com.my Though the original game scene isn’t very supported by many here since the comparison of value you get between the original and pirated version doesn’t show significant value.
Unless of course you compare to games like World of Warcraft – though there have been cases of piracy for that as well. Anyway, the piracy is the ‘yang’ and it’s bound to be around in order for balance of the gaming industry in some way. Before I float off further into some psychological frenzy, here’s an exclusive review of the Gamers.com.my website.
Navigation
- The header for each panel isn’t easily read.
Homepage
- The overall text size is too small.
- The banner above looks too much like an advertising banner and confuses between the website identity and its slogan.
- The sidebar menu link colors clash with the blue background.
- The headers in the banner aren’t clear enough.
- Featured Products section is below the fold of resolutions 800 x 600.
- Between New Releases, New Classics, Top 10, and Coming Soon, what’s the average number of people who view them accordingly?
- It doesn’t state upfront how or what I need to do when I’d like to order online?
- It doesn’t inform me above the fold or upfront that this site is e-commerce driven.
- The website doesn’t tell me or show me why I should but from you.
- There’s a redundancy of the logging in and signing up. (one in text and the other in a form)
News
- Unnecessary cause of further clicking to just read the latest news in full.
Login/Sign Up
- Why I am only informed here that if I’m a privilege member that I’ve already an existing account created for me?
Create Profile
- Why are there so many personal fields like my home address to fill in? What do you do with my extra details?
Product Page
- The rating or comments about the game should be given same importance with the details of the game.
- Which is the latest added/most bought game in that category?
- I’m not buying this game because it’s said or reviewed to be good. I’d more likely buy the game if there were more visuals. The game isn’t about words but graphics and gameplay.
- The leading of the copy can be increased for further readability.
- The standard today is to never open a new window without telling the user.
- An ability to compare certain versions of the same game would be a beneficial value to some users who aren’t hardcore gamers.
- Not everyone understands the terms TBC.
- Not everyone knows where to find the meaning of Pre-Order or Back Order.
These are the only weaknesses I’ve found on the Gamers.com.my website. As you know, weaknesses aren’t a bad thing because there’s room for improvement and in support of the word, it actually signifies the opportunity for growth. :)
I’ve used a few pesonas on my own when analyzing the website but I’d like to hear what comments you might have of the website if you’re a gamer or not using it.