The article is devoted to the study of the gaming experience of users and the formation of a cognitive model of their interaction with the new video game "Koshchejskie prodelki", which is at an early stage of development. The UX research methodology proposed by the authors, as well as the results obtained during it, demonstrate how qualitative data on the perception, emotions, feelings, behavior patterns and achievements of players help optimize the process of creating video games, making them not only entertaining, but also psychologically effective. The results of the work have practical value for indie developers who, with limited resources, strive to create high-quality gaming products.