Context
In 2018 to 2020, I worked for Location Games on its flagship project Run an Empire - an iOS and Android app that gamifies running. Played by over a million users, the game turns exercise into an adventure.
Run an Empire
A free to play iOS and Android app that turns running into an adventure
Two runners at a Run an Empire Playtest
Players built their empires across the real world
Each run transformed real-world effort into meaningful in-game progress
Process
During my time at Run an Empire I was responsible for the user experience of the game, working closely with game designers, data analysts, product managers, developers, and artists.
My work included designing and maintaining the design system that underpinned the app, prototyping and testing new features, using analytics tools to iterate on features, and producing the game’s best performing Facebook Ads.
I established the company's user research approach, and facilitated playtests, interviews and workshops to understand users and their needs.
I took a leading role in project management, chaired project retrospectives, crits and joined interview panels to hire new members of the team.
As their empires expanded, players progressed through the ages and unlocked new buildings
Free-to-play mechanics enabled faster in-game progression
Results and Impact
Since it launched globally, Run an Empire has been played by over a million users, and has featured in Business Insider, Forbes, The Guardian and Apple App Store. More importantly, it has helped many users to get active. It even inspired me to run the 2018 London Marathon.
Users could power up their empire through in game subscriptions
Competitive features made it fun to compete with neighbours and friends.
