Gaming has changed, there’s no doubt about it. It’s hard to see gaming as the same thing when it used to be made by a bunch of like-minded buddies or a lonely nerd in a bedroom. Now, budgets are in the multi-millions, and development timeframes can be several years with thousands of staff.
It’s easier than ever to playtest low-budget indie games and sometimes get a copy for free. However, large groups of players can review bomb games if they dislike them. The good news is that players have more say than ever before.
This article explores how player feedback is changing modern gaming. It defines player feedback, why it’s essential, how game creators use it, examples of how they use it, why it helps, and how players can share feedback. By the end of the article, you’ll know how to get it if you’re a developer and how to offer it as a player.
What is Player Feedback?
Player feedback is the opinions and ideas that players share about a game. For example, players might talk about what they like, such as cool graphics or fun challenges. They might also say what they don’t like, such as too-hard levels or glitches that make the game stop working.
Players can give feedback in many ways, like:
- Writing reviews on websites.
- Posting comments on social media.
- Joining online forums or communities.
- Sending messages directly to the game makers.
Game creators collect this feedback to understand what players think about their games.
Why is Player Feedback Important?
Player feedback is important because it helps game creators improve their games. When players share their thoughts, it’s like advising the creators.
This advice helps them know what to fix, change, or add to the game. For example:
- If many players say a game is too easy, creators might make it more challenging.
- If players find bugs or glitches, creators can fix them in the next update.
- If players ask for new features, like more levels or characters, creators can add them to make the game more exciting.
By listening to players, creators can make games that more people will enjoy.
How Do Game Creators Use Player Feedback?
Game creators use player feedback in different ways. One common way is through updates.
Updates are changes to a game that players can download. These changes might include:
- Fixing bugs or errors.
- Adding new levels, items, or characters.
- Changing how parts of the game work to make it more fun.
Another way creators use feedback is when they make new games. They look at what players liked and didn’t like in older games, which helps them create even better new games. Tools like ad intelligence data software can help see how many players see advertisements for new seasonal content like DLC in a game and predict the popularity of future additional content.
Some game creators also invite players to test their games before full release. These players, called testers, try the game and share their opinions. This approach helps creators find and fix problems before the game releases.
Examples of Player Feedback in Action
It’s helpful to consider examples of player feedback for developers to consider how to collect player opinions and for players who want to offer their views but don’t know how.
Player feedback has helped improve many popular games. For example:
- A game might have a level that is too difficult. After many players complained, the creators could make the level easier.
- A new character might not be robust. If players give feedback, the creators could update the game to make the character more powerful.
- Players might suggest new types of weapons, vehicles, or missions, which game creators could incorporate into future updates.
These changes show how creators use feedback to make games more fun for everyone.
Why Feedback Helps the Gaming World Grow
Player feedback helps the gaming world grow by making games more creative. When creators listen to feedback, they learn what players like and what they want to see in the future. This approach helps them create more fun and exciting games.
Feedback also helps creators stay competitive. If one game listens to feedback and improves, more people will want to play it. Conversely, other games might lose players if they don’t listen to feedback.
How to Share Feedback as a Player
Many players may want to share their views but have no idea how. If you’re in this position, consider the methods below because developers are constantly seeking player responses to improve their games.
If you want to share feedback about a game, here’s how you can do it:
- Write a review on the game’s website or app store.
- Join online communities where players discuss the game.
- Send a message to the creators through their website or social media.
When giving feedback, it’s important to be kind and clear. Explain what you like and don’t like and how you could boost the game’s success. This feedback helps creators understand your ideas.
Conclusion
Player feedback is changing modern gaming by helping creators make better games. When players share their thoughts, it helps fix problems, add new features, and make games more fun to offer the best experience.
Players can offer their feedback on games with reviews, posting to online communities, or sending messages directly to game developers.
By listening to feedback, creators can make games that players love, helping the gaming world grow and improve.
