Understanding Player Mental Models in Game Design
Players bring expectations from other games. We’ll explore how to understand these mental models and design interfaces that feel intuitive from day one.
Read Article
“Great game UI is invisible to the player. It anticipates their needs before they realize them. That’s what we’re building toward — interfaces that feel so natural, players forget they’re even there.”
Background
14 Years Crafting Player Experiences
Marc’s journey into game UX started in 2010 at a small Montreal studio. He began as a UI artist but quickly realized that beautiful interfaces meant nothing without thoughtful user experience architecture. That realization shifted his entire career path.
Over the next decade and a half, he worked with studios ranging from indie teams to established publishers. He’s contributed to over 40 published titles across Canada, learning what works, what doesn’t, and why players really care about the details most designers overlook.
His breakthrough came in 2016. He led a complete interface overhaul for a struggling multiplayer title — the kind of project everyone thought was a lost cause. Three months later, new player retention had jumped 35%. That success became his teaching foundation. Now he helps other designers understand that player experience isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation of every great game.
Specializations
What He Does
Player Experience Optimization
Analyzing how players interact with games, identifying friction points, and redesigning interfaces that get out of the way. His consulting work has improved player engagement by an average of 28% across client projects.
UI/UX Design for Games
Designing menus, HUDs, and navigation systems that are both functional and beautiful. He focuses on accessibility-first thinking — making sure every player, regardless of ability, can navigate your game.
Data-Driven Iteration
Combining rigorous playtesting with analytics to guide design decisions. He refuses to rely on industry conventions that don’t actually serve players. Everything is tested, measured, and improved.
Course Design & Mentorship
Leading the Player Experience Optimization course at PlayFrame Design Inc., teaching the next generation of designers. His curriculum combines real-world case studies with hands-on projects that reflect actual studio workflows.
Accessibility-First Design
Building interfaces that work for everyone. Colorblind modes, text scaling, controller remapping — accessibility isn’t an afterthought, it’s the starting point. Inclusive design makes games better for all players.
Studio Consulting
Working directly with indie and AAA studios to diagnose UX problems and implement solutions. He’s helped teams cut onboarding time by 40%, reduce tutorial friction, and improve retention across multiple titles.
Credentials
Education & Recognition
Bachelor’s Degree in Interactive Media Design
Université Laval, Quebec City
Published in Game Developer Magazine
Multiple articles on player retention and interface design
GDC Canada Speaker
Presented on UX practices multiple times at Game Developers Conference Canada
40+ Published Game Titles
Contributed UX and interface design across indie and AAA projects
Career Path
From Artist to Instructor
2010
UI Artist, Montreal Studio
Started career designing visual interfaces. Quickly realized beautiful pixels weren’t enough — the experience had to make sense to players.
2012-2015
Transition to UX Design
Moved into dedicated UX roles, working with teams at Behaviour Interactive and other Quebec studios. Started learning playtesting, user research, and iteration cycles.
2016
Breakthrough Project
Led complete interface overhaul for struggling multiplayer title. New player retention jumped 35% in three months. This became the foundation for his teaching approach.
2017-Present
Studio Consulting & Course Leadership
Founded PlayFrame Design Inc. consulting practice. Now leads the Player Experience Optimization course, mentoring next-generation designers across Canada and beyond.
Resources
Recent Articles & Guides
Deep dives into player experience, interface design, and what actually works
HUD Design: Information Without Clutter
Your HUD is constantly communicating with players. Learn how to display critical information without overwhelming them or breaking immersion.
Read ArticleMenu Navigation: Making Choices Feel Good
Menus are often an afterthought, but they’re where players spend real time. Discover how thoughtful navigation improves the entire experience.
Read ArticleTesting & Iteration: From Feedback to Better Interfaces
You can’t design in a vacuum. Learn practical playtesting methods that reveal what players really think about your interface.
Read Article
Get In Touch
Work With Marc
Whether you’re a studio looking for UX consultation or someone interested in learning game interface design, we’d like to hear from you.