Understanding your players

In my opinion, web2.0 offers a priceless opportunity for game developers. For the first time ever, this is our chance to be face to face with the players that play our games. No second hand information, no idiotic knowledge from people who never cared for a game.

This time it’s upclose and personal between us and the players. You do have to understand them though, because if you are a game developer, you crossed a line that will make you look at games from a whole new perspective. You are unable to walk in the common player shoes. Here’s what I think of it.

You are not above the players

Creating a game does not turn you into some kind of mithological entity that players are supposed to love. Don’t jump on your players with an attitude because you can make a game.

Understanding that most players think they could make the best game ever should also be put into perspective.

Filter your player’s comments

Players will say anything, from verbal abuse to expressions of love. One word punchlines is the way of people saying “Yeah I’m here and I participate a lot but I really have nothing to say!” so ignore those unless something really get’s your attention.

Put comments into context

Imagine your latest game is a fantastic dress-up game with dolls! Then you upload it to Newgrounds and Kongregate. What kind of comments are you expecting? The context in which the player accesses your game is important to his own understanding of the game. You need to find where player, portal and game meet to know what comments to filter. 

Stay in touch with your players

If you read a comment that is meaningful in some way, take your time to react to it in a positive way. Players want to hear from you. They want to know more and keep in touch.