Monetization Myth: Tutorials Aren't Ads, They're UX

Tutorials are not ads.

They are UX.

Let’s get that straight right away. Thinking of your tutorial as a chance to shove monetization down players’ throats is a recipe for disaster. It’s a surefire way to get players to bounce before they even understand the core loop of your game.

The Retention Trap: Tutorial as Foundation

Retention is the holy grail of game development. You pour your heart and soul into building a world, mechanics, and a compelling narrative. But all of that effort is wasted if players don’t stick around long enough to experience it. Your tutorial is not an interruption. It’s the foundation upon which that retention is built.

A poorly designed tutorial is like building a house on sand. It might look good at first, but it will crumble under the slightest pressure. Frustrated players will abandon your game, no matter how amazing it might be underneath the surface.

I’ve seen so many games with brilliant concepts fail because the tutorial was an afterthought. It’s a checkbox item, something developers feel obligated to include but don’t truly invest in. The result? Walls of text, confusing instructions, and a steep learning curve that scares away potential fans.

Instead, think of your tutorial as the first, and most important, impression.

It’s your chance to onboard players, teach them the ropes, and get them excited about what’s to come.

Instruction Woven into Gameplay

The best tutorials are those that don’t feel like tutorials at all. They seamlessly blend instruction with enjoyable gameplay, guiding players through the mechanics without ever breaking the immersion.

Think of it as “learning by doing.”

Instead of telling players how to do something, create a scenario where they have to do it. A great example of this is puzzle games that introduce mechanics slowly by creating easy to understand puzzles. This method works by making the tutorial an integral part of the gameplay experience.

This involves a delicate balance. You need to provide enough information to guide players, but not so much that you overwhelm them.

Avoid walls of text at all costs. Break down complex concepts into smaller, digestible chunks. Use visual cues, animations, and clear instructions to guide players through the game.

In my experience, one of the most effective techniques is to use a “show, don’t tell” approach. Instead of explaining a mechanic in detail, demonstrate it visually and let players experiment with it themselves.

Soft Calls-to-Action: Hints of Potential

Monetization is important, but it should never come at the expense of the player experience. A tutorial stuffed with ads or aggressive prompts to purchase in-app items is a guaranteed turnoff.

Instead, focus on subtle hints and soft calls-to-action that highlight the benefits of premium content without feeling overtly sales-y. For example, show the player a locked area that would be unlocked with premium or a character skin they could unlock.

Consider a game where the tutorial introduces the player to basic weapons. You could subtly showcase a more powerful, premium weapon that can be unlocked later. This isn’t a hard sell, but rather a glimpse of what’s possible and a way to incentivize players to invest in the game.

Remember, the goal is to build a positive relationship with your players. Showing them that you’re offering genuine value, not just trying to extract money, is crucial for long-term success.

Another way to do this is by subtly highlighting conveniences. For instance, if your game has a resource-gathering element, the tutorial could briefly show how premium players can automate this process. This highlights the benefit of paying without interrupting the tutorial’s flow.

The Iterative Process: Tutorials Evolve

Your tutorial is not a one-time thing. It’s a living, breathing part of your game that should be continuously iterated and improved based on player feedback.

Pay close attention to where players are struggling. Analyze your analytics to see where they’re dropping off. Read reviews and forum posts to understand their pain points.

Use this information to refine your tutorial and make it more effective. Add more visual cues, simplify instructions, or even redesign entire sections.

A/B testing can also be a powerful tool for optimizing your tutorial. Try different approaches and see which ones resonate best with players.

I’ve often found that even small tweaks can make a big difference. Something as simple as changing the wording of a key instruction or adding a visual indicator can significantly improve player understanding.

The key is to be data-driven and always be willing to experiment. Don’t be afraid to throw out ideas that aren’t working and try something new.

Lowering Frustration, Increasing LTV

A well-designed tutorial directly impacts your game’s Lifetime Value (LTV). By reducing frustration and improving the onboarding experience, you increase the likelihood that players will stick around, invest time and money, and become loyal fans.

A great tutorial means players can easily learn the game, which makes it easier to have fun.

A frustrating tutorial means players get frustrated with the game, which makes it difficult to have fun.

Think of it this way: a good tutorial is an investment in your game’s future. It’s a way to ensure that players have a positive first experience and are more likely to stick around for the long haul.

In conclusion, don’t treat your tutorial as an afterthought or a necessary evil. Treat it as a crucial part of your UX, a foundation for player retention, and a subtle way to encourage monetization by keeping players engaged and invested in your game.

Remember, tutorials aren’t ads. They’re UX.