Player Lost? UX-ify Your Game Tutorials, Not Just Document Them.

Posted by Gemma Ellison

July 24, 2025

We’ve all been there. A promising new game, beautiful graphics, intriguing premise… and then a brick wall of text appears. The tutorial. It’s a soul-crushing experience that can kill a game before it even begins.

Tutorials as UX, Not Just Documentation

Think of your tutorial as the crucial first impression. It’s not just about listing controls or explaining game mechanics. It’s about engaging the player, sparking their curiosity, and empowering them to succeed. We need to stop treating tutorials like documentation and start designing them as a core UX element.

Documentation explains. UX teaches through interaction.

The Problem: Information Overload and Agency Deprivation

The biggest sin tutorials commit is information overload. Walls of text, complex diagrams, and endless instructions bombard the player. They’re told everything at once, retaining almost nothing. This is death by exposition.

Another common mistake is depriving the player of agency. Following rigid, linear instructions without any freedom to experiment or make choices feels restrictive and boring. Players want to feel like they’re discovering the game, not attending a lecture.

I saw this firsthand when working on an indie strategy game. Our initial tutorial was a series of pop-up windows explaining every single unit type and building. Playtesters were overwhelmed and disengaged within minutes. They weren’t learning, they were memorizing, and they hated it.

UX-Focused Solutions: Engagement is Key

So, how do we fix this? The answer lies in applying UX principles to tutorial design.

Progressive Disclosure: Reveal Information Incrementally

Don’t dump everything on the player at once. Introduce concepts gradually, as they become relevant. Start with the core mechanics and slowly layer on complexity. This approach, called progressive disclosure, allows players to digest information in manageable chunks and build a solid foundation of understanding.

Instead of explaining every unit type at the start, our strategy game tutorial now introduces them one at a time, in the context of a specific mission. The player learns about the archer when they need to defend against an enemy attack, and the swordsman when they need to breach a fortified position.

Contextual Tooltips and Hints: Guidance When Needed

Instead of intrusive pop-ups, use contextual tooltips and hints that appear only when needed. These provide just-in-time information without disrupting the flow of gameplay.

Think of it like this: the player tries to attack an enemy with a unit that’s weak against it. Instead of a generic “this unit is ineffective” message, a tooltip pops up explaining the unit’s strengths and weaknesses and suggesting a more suitable counter.

Interactive Challenges: Teach Through Play

Ditch the passive reading and embrace active learning. Design interactive challenges that force players to apply their knowledge and experiment with game mechanics. These challenges should be fun, engaging, and rewarding.

Our strategy game tutorial now includes a series of small scenarios that require the player to use different unit types and tactics. Completing each scenario unlocks new units and upgrades, creating a sense of progression and accomplishment.

The Importance of Feedback

Provide clear and immediate feedback to the player. Let them know when they’re doing something right and, more importantly, when they’re making a mistake. Use visual cues, audio cues, and concise explanations to guide them towards the correct solution.

Games That Get It Right

Some games excel at UX-driven tutorials. Portal 2 is a masterclass in teaching complex concepts through environmental puzzles. The player learns by doing, gradually mastering the game’s mechanics without ever feeling overwhelmed.

Baba Is You cleverly uses its core mechanic – manipulating rules through word blocks – as a tutorial in itself. The player is constantly experimenting and discovering new possibilities, leading to a deep understanding of the game’s systems.

Celeste is another strong example. It avoids explicit tutorials altogether, instead teaching players through level design. Each new obstacle introduces a new mechanic, forcing the player to learn by trial and error.

A Tutorial UX Checklist for Indie Devs

Here’s a checklist to evaluate and improve your game’s onboarding experience:

Is the tutorial skippable? (Respect the player’s time and agency.)
Does the tutorial introduce concepts gradually, using progressive disclosure?
Are there contextual tooltips and hints to provide just-in-time information?
Does the tutorial include interactive challenges that teach through play?
Is there clear and immediate feedback on player actions?
Does the tutorial feel like a natural extension of the gameplay, rather than a separate experience?
Have you playtested the tutorial with new players and gathered feedback?

Beyond the Basics: Iterate and Refine

Tutorial design is an ongoing process. Gather feedback from players, analyze their behavior, and iterate on your design. Use analytics to track how players are progressing through the tutorial and identify areas where they’re struggling. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new approaches.

Your tutorial is not just an instruction manual; it’s the player’s first step into your game world. Make it count. Embrace UX principles, prioritize engagement, and create an onboarding experience that’s both informative and enjoyable. Your game will thank you for it.