PopFlash is a custom match-server platform for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and aimed to transform the experience of players seeking higher, 128 tick servers. The objective was to revamp a basic, functional service into a visually appealing and user-friendly platform, tailored for a global audience.
Our target audience included CS:GO players worldwide, with a particular focus on the European community, who were seeking 128 tick servers. Additionally, we catered to players who valued straightforward and intuitive custom match setup for groups and teams.
Our design approach was driven by the need to create an intuitive, engaging experience that resonated with our diverse, global audience.
Redesigning PopFlash's UX demanded a deep understanding of player behavior and preferences. To cater to a global audience, we prioritized clear language and universally recognizable icons and abbreviations in the gaming community. Collaborative discussions with the owner and lead developer, were instrumental in balancing aesthetics with functionality.
Our approach focused on creating a seamless transition from login to gameplay, ensuring a intuitive navigation experience that enabled players to get into their match as easily and quickly as possible.
To host a match on PopFlash, only one of the ten players need to have a subscription. Player’s with a PopFlash subscription can then host scrims/matches from their community dashboard. As only one player needs to host the scrim, the other nine players to have an incredibly quick onboarding experience. Players click a link that was shared to them, login via Steam (the platform that hosts CS:GO), and they’re in—no additional data needed. No account sign up or email verification—it’s all through a shared platform every player already has a login for.
When players that have previously logged into PopFlash click on a match link, they drop right into the scrim lobby. This allows for pick-up games to be organized in seconds. When a scrim/match is launched, the scrim page automatically progresses to the match page.
On the match page, all players are provided with the necessary server information as well as a full display of live statistics from the match. After the match is finished, these scorecard stats remain active in a list of recent matches found on the hosting community’s dashboard.
Throughout this project, our unwavering commitment to delivering a super smooth experience for the players drove nearly every decision that was made.
This project went beyond visual enhancements and created a space where players felt valued and catered to.
Our iterative design process was backed by extensive beta testing and feedback sessions. We actively engaged with the PopFlash community on it’s Discord channel to gather players’ invaluable insights and feedback regarding usability and functionality. The working design and development sessions that followed were the driving force behind any design refinements.
The platform's design, with its focus on clear language and universally recognizable icons, ensured accessibility to a diverse, global audience, allowing players from various regions to intuitively navigate and enjoy the CS:GO experience. As PopFlash underwent this visual transformation, it emerged as a more appealing and competitive choice in the market.
Players were happy. Scrims were hosted. Fun was had. After more than 18 months worth of work, we couldn't have asked for a better outcome.
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