Quick Fix: Solving Player-First Design Backfire with Vision Notes

Quick Fix: Solving Player-First Design Backfire with Vision Notes

Player-first design is gospel in game development. We’re constantly told to listen to our players, to build experiences tailored to their desires.

But what happens when “player-first” leads your solo project astray?

It’s a common pitfall, especially for indie developers pouring their hearts and souls into unique creations.

The Allure of Player-First Design

The benefits of player-first are obvious. It helps ensure your game is enjoyable.

Feedback provides valuable insight into confusing mechanics. It highlights frustrating difficulty spikes. It can even reveal hidden potential in unexpected features. A receptive approach leads to a more polished and engaging final product.

When Player-First Backfires

Blindly following every suggestion is dangerous. Feature creep explodes your scope. A clear vision gets diluted. Your game starts resembling a committee-designed Frankenstein monster rather than your original, unique creation.

The core identity of your game suffers. Suddenly you’re catering to everyone and pleasing no one.

This is especially true for solo developers where resources are limited. You need to wear many hats.

The Solution: Vision Notes

The key is balance. Listen to your players, but filter their feedback through the lens of your core vision. Vision Notes act as that filter.

They are a system for documenting, categorizing, and implementing feedback in a way that strengthens, rather than weakens, your original game idea.

1. Document Your Initial Vision

Before seeking feedback, meticulously document your vision. What are the core pillars of your game? What feeling do you want to evoke? What unique mechanics define it?

Be specific. Don’t just write “a fun RPG.” Detail the combat style, the narrative themes, the art direction, and the overall player experience you’re aiming for. This document will be your North Star.

2. Categorize Player Feedback

As feedback rolls in, don’t treat it as gospel. Categorize it. Is it validation? Does it confirm that a core mechanic is working as intended?

Or is it deviation? Does the player suggest changing a fundamental aspect of your game? Does it push you in a direction that feels…off?

3. Filter Feedback Through the Core Vision

This is where the Vision Notes truly shine. When faced with feedback that deviates from your vision, ask yourself:

Does this change enhance the core pillars of my game, or does it detract from them?

Does it make my game more unique, or does it push it towards generic tropes?

Does it align with the feeling I’m trying to evoke, or does it create dissonance?

Be honest with yourself. It’s okay to discard feedback, even if it’s popular.

4. Implement Changes Strategically

Only implement changes that demonstrably enhance your core vision. If a suggestion adds depth, polish, or accessibility without compromising your game’s identity, consider it.

But if it fundamentally alters the core experience, be prepared to push back.

Example

Imagine you’re making a slow-paced, atmospheric exploration game. Players complain that it’s “boring” and suggest adding fast-paced combat.

Your Vision Notes remind you that the core pillar of your game is atmosphere and exploration. Adding combat would fundamentally change that. Instead of combat, you might consider adding more environmental puzzles or expanding the lore to keep players engaged.

Preventing Vision Dilution

Regularly review your Vision Notes. Compare your initial vision to the current state of the game.

Are you still on track? Have you inadvertently drifted away from your original goals?

Common Pitfalls

• Treating all feedback as equal: Some feedback is more valuable than others. Prioritize feedback from players who understand your game’s vision.
• Fear of alienating players: You can’t please everyone. Focus on creating a unique and compelling experience for your target audience.
• Lack of documentation: Without a clear record of your initial vision, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.

Actionable Tip

Start small. Focus on documenting one core mechanic or feature. Track the feedback you receive and how it impacts your design decisions.

Keeping a detailed game dev journal and log of player feedback doesn’t have to be hard. It all begins with getting into the practice of actively tracking all feedback you get, and then, when you’re ready to make a design decision, having access to all that information in one place. Why not get started today with our journaling tool and make sure your vision stays focused? Craft Your Game’s Vision