**"Click Here to Win": Our Tutorial's UX Flow Rescue**

Tutorials That Don’t Suck: Building Flows That Keep Players Hooked

Your tutorial is the gatekeeper. It decides whether players fall in love with your game or bounce faster than a rubber ball on a trampoline. I’ve seen amazing games die a slow death because of a terrible onboarding experience. Don’t let that happen to you.

The “Click Here” Curse and How to Break It

“Click here” prompts. We’ve all seen them. We’ve probably all made them. They are the tutorial equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. They tell the player what to do, but provide zero context why they’re doing it. This is the fastest route to player frustration and disengagement.

The core issue is a lack of player agency. You’re treating the player like a robot, not someone eager to explore and learn.

A better approach? Guide, don’t dictate. Let’s look at an example.

Imagine a real-time strategy game. Instead of a giant arrow pointing at the “Build Barracks” button with the text "CLICK HERE!", try something like this:

“Our village is vulnerable to goblin raids. We need to train soldiers. Barracks are where warriors are trained. Building one now would greatly increase our defense. You can find building options in the lower left corner of the screen.”

See the difference? The player understands the why. They understand the consequence of not building a barracks (goblin raids). They’re empowered to make a decision, even if that decision is building the barracks.

Avoiding the Wall of Text: Bite-Sized Learning

Nobody wants to read a novel before they can start having fun. Tutorials that dump a massive wall of text on the player are a surefire way to overwhelm them.

Break down complex information into smaller, digestible chunks. Use visual cues. Think “show, don’t tell.”

In my own game development experience, I drastically improved player retention simply by splitting a single, lengthy text box explaining combat mechanics into three smaller, sequential prompts that appeared only when the player encountered their first enemy. Each prompt focused on a single mechanic: attacking, blocking, dodging.

Consider using interactive elements instead of just text. Teach players how to combine items by having them physically drag and drop the items together. Demonstrate movement by gently pushing the player character in the right direction, instead of just saying, “Use WASD to move.”

Respecting Player Intelligence: The Option to Learn

Assume your players are intelligent. Many of them have played games before. They don’t need to be told how to breathe.

Offer optional tutorials. Let players skip sections they already understand.

Implement tooltips that players can hover over for more information. This keeps the core experience clean while still providing access to deeper explanations for those who want them.

In a recent project, I added a simple checkbox to the settings menu labeled “Enable Detailed Tutorials.” Players who wanted a more in-depth learning experience could check the box, while experienced players could dive right in. The result? A significant increase in positive player reviews praising the game’s accessibility.

Identifying Friction: Playtesting is Your Best Friend

You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. Playtesting your tutorial is absolutely crucial. Watch players struggle. Ask them questions. Don’t interrupt unless necessary.

Pay attention to where players get stuck. Where do they hesitate? Where do they get confused?

Don’t just rely on experienced gamers. Get feedback from people who are new to the genre. They’ll offer a fresh perspective on what’s confusing or overwhelming.

One time, during a playtest of a puzzle game, I noticed that several players were completely baffled by a seemingly simple mechanic. I had explained it clearly (or so I thought) in the tutorial. Turns out, the problem wasn’t the explanation itself, but the visual representation of the mechanic. After redesigning the visuals, the confusion vanished. The lesson? Your intuition is not enough. You need external validation.

A/B Testing Your Way to Tutorial Nirvana

Don’t assume your first tutorial design is perfect. A/B testing allows you to compare different tutorial variations and see which performs best.

Test different text prompts. Test different visual cues. Test different pacing.

Use analytics to track player behavior. Are players completing the tutorial? Are they abandoning the game halfway through?

Simple A/B tests can reveal surprising insights. I once ran an A/B test where one variation of the tutorial included a short, humorous cutscene. The other variation didn’t. The version with the cutscene had a significantly higher completion rate and a better player retention rate in the first week. Why? Because it made the tutorial more engaging and memorable.

Measuring Success: Beyond Completion Rate

A tutorial completion rate is important, but it’s not the only metric that matters.

Track player retention in the first week, the first month, and beyond. A good tutorial should not only teach players the basics, but also make them want to keep playing.

Monitor player feedback. Read reviews, forum posts, and social media comments. What are players saying about the tutorial? What do they like? What do they hate?

Pay attention to player behavior within the game itself. Are players using the mechanics you taught them in the tutorial? Are they exploring the world? Are they engaging with the story?

Ultimately, the goal of a tutorial is to set players up for success and enjoyment. If your tutorial is doing that, you’re on the right track. If not, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Your game deserves it.