Marketing Myth: Tutorials Aren't Docs, They're Onboarding Flows

Game tutorials: they’re not documentation. They are often mistaken for such, especially by indie developers stretched thin.

Many assume that a tutorial’s primary function is to exhaustively explain every game mechanic. This is wrong. Tutorials are onboarding flows, carefully crafted experiences to hook players.

Onboarding, Not Encyclopedias

Documentation is a reference manual. It’s there when a player needs to understand the nitty-gritty details of a specific system.

Tutorials have a completely different job. They are designed to ease players into the game world and make them want to learn more.

Imagine a first date. You wouldn’t start by listing all your accomplishments and deepest insecurities. You’d aim for a connection, a spark.

Tutorials are the first date for your game.

The Hook: Core Gameplay Loops

Tutorials should prioritize teaching the core gameplay loop. This is the central cycle of action and reward that drives player engagement.

In a platformer, it might be jump, collect, reach goal. In an RPG, it could be explore, fight, loot, upgrade.

Forget about edge cases and advanced techniques. Focus on teaching the fundamentals well.

Don’t bury the lead. Get players experiencing the core of your game as quickly as possible.

Interactive Experiences, Not Lectures

Avoid walls of text and passive learning. Nobody wants to read a manual before playing.

Make your tutorials interactive. Guide players through actions and reward their progress.

A great example is Celeste. It introduces mechanics gradually, often using optional challenges that build on what was previously taught.

These challenges feel like part of the game, not a separate tutorial mode.

Another example is Baba Is You, which utilizes the game’s core mechanic of manipulating rules to teach the player how the game works.

That keeps the player immersed and engaged.

Gradual Introduction: Avoid Overload

Resist the urge to explain everything at once. Information overload leads to frustration and abandonment.

Break down complex mechanics into smaller, digestible chunks. Introduce them progressively as the player advances.

Think of it as scaffolding. Provide support where needed and gradually remove it as the player becomes more confident.

A mistake I often see is tutorials that throw everything at the player in the first five minutes. This overwhelms players and leads to instant disengagement.

Reward Progress: Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is crucial. Reward players for completing tutorial objectives.

This could be through visual cues, audio feedback, or even in-game rewards.

Make players feel like they are accomplishing something. This reinforces the learning process and motivates them to continue.

Don’t just tell the player they did something right; show them. A satisfying sound effect or a visual flourish can go a long way.

Balancing Hand-Holding and Discovery

Finding the right balance between hand-holding and allowing for discovery is tricky. Too much hand-holding can feel condescending.

Too little guidance can leave players feeling lost and frustrated.

The key is to guide the player without restricting their freedom. Offer subtle hints and suggestions, but allow them to experiment and discover things on their own.

One way to achieve this is to use contextual tutorials that only appear when the player is struggling.

Hollow Knight does this exceptionally well, offering vague directions but never holding the player’s hand. This encourages exploration and experimentation.

Case Studies: Indie Success Stories

Untitled Goose Game cleverly teaches the player its stealth and manipulation mechanics through a series of objectives. The tutorial is seamless, integrated directly into the gameplay.

Disco Elysium has zero tutorial. Instead, it relies on the player’s character as a proxy to the game world, creating a bond that immediately involves the player.

Outer Wilds provides almost no explicit instruction. The game’s mystery and the player’s innate curiosity serve as the primary drivers of learning.

These games demonstrate that a successful tutorial doesn’t have to be a separate, linear experience.

Documentation Still Matters

While tutorials are not documentation, proper documentation is still vital.

Create a comprehensive reference manual that players can consult when needed. This should include detailed explanations of all game mechanics, items, and systems.

This can be a separate in-game menu or a website. Ensure it is easily accessible and searchable.

Documentation is for players who want to delve deeper into the game’s mechanics, after the tutorial has hooked them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to teach everything at once is a common pitfall. Break down complex mechanics into smaller, manageable chunks.

Walls of text are a guaranteed way to lose players. Make tutorials interactive and engaging.

Ignoring player feedback is a huge mistake. Pay attention to where players are struggling and adjust your tutorial accordingly.

Forcing players through a linear tutorial is a major issue. Allow for some freedom and exploration.

Assuming players already know certain concepts is a bad practice. Start with the fundamentals and build from there.

Conclusion: Embrace Onboarding

Tutorials are not documentation. They are carefully crafted onboarding flows designed to hook players and teach core gameplay loops.

Focus on creating engaging, interactive experiences that gradually introduce mechanics and reward player progress.

Prioritize the core gameplay loop, avoid information overload, and find the right balance between hand-holding and discovery.

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed tutorial. It can be the difference between a player becoming a lifelong fan and abandoning your game after five minutes.