Dear Developers: Using Game Platforms for other Game Platforms

Before I jump into this... I must say that this has nothing to do with the games or platforms involved (specifically). The problem I have is the overall approach of how those games are made playable... specifically through Steam.

Steam is a game platform, games are available for purchase through it... but suddenly you get hit with this process (after the basic "Install" and pressing "Play"):

The game software opens wanting you to set up... AFTER you thought you were ready to roll through Steam (since you did buy the game through Steam... and pressed play there).

My expression when another platform opens.

After investing in the game, you go ahead and install... thinking you will just roll after that finishes, but then you have to go through the whole rigmarole of creating an account, confirming the email address... and then you can play. Seems like it might not be that big of a deal... right? It's not, for the people who don't mind and have the extra time. For those that don't, this could mean the difference in customers returning or running for the hills.

Some of us want our games tied DIRECTLY (not kinda sort but not really) to the platform we made the purchase on... without a need to do more than hit play. To sign in through the game, I can respect that (at least it's in the game... once)... but outside of that... some gamers don't want to take that extra step and some refuse to.

Going that extra mile to simplify the access to your game (by making it actually accessible through the initial platform like Steam)... could, in turn, boost the bottom line, especially with free-to-play titles like the newly released Gigantic (for example). You can get it through Steam, but you can kinda sorta don't play through Steam... since you have to open Arc through Steam in order to play it (through Steam). I put the extras on it because it really is accessible... like that, and Uplay games are also in that boat. It's not the end of the world, just remember that some gamers are pressed for time.

Think about what the wins could be for you and your team by simplifying the process.

(Speaking of... Gigantic, here is my first time playing it... online.)

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Dear Developers: Bugs

This is one of those topics that goes beyond one platform, one generation... no matter who the audience is, and that is bugs. Bugs... do just that, bug gamer's if they affect game play for the worse. It doesn't matter the size of the developer... granted smaller developers get more of a pass, especially if the game is more ambition than a small indie title. That said... no one gets a pass if a game has been released and goes un-patched, that's annoying, especially if the game is still being sold like fully functional games are.

There are fun bugs, but the ones that stand in the way of gameplay should result in the game being temporarily free until... it gets fixed. There could be a free window to play... like how games have those free weekend's on Steam. That would be motivation to fix the game asap.

As a matter of fact... it may piss a lot of developers off, but games released without a disclaimer of still being development (which there are a few on Steam)... I think all platforms should do a free window until it's patched. Some games may not be able to do that since the experience can be enjoyed in one sitting... but in that case they shouldn't be available to play or buy. It would be cool if developer could decide between not having the game available for sale or a play window, until they swat those bugs.

I'm not deliberately trying to make myself public enemy #1 with this post, but there is a silver lining.

Think of the reviews, the word of mouth, the detoured sales and your overall reputation when it comes to future games. This isn't our first dance with this topic, but I was reminded of it... when I saw a fellow gamer, Gunn3r... playing Mercenary Kings on Steam.

I inquired on whether the game had been patched since the last time I had played... which was quite awhile ago (granted many games have to be played). He did a bit of playing and testing it out, only to get back to me saying that there are still problems with the game (main when he plays in full screen).

I still have to check it out myself... but that game was released back in 2014! I mention this game for the purpose of including all games in a similar space... don't let your efforts go to waste.

On the flip side... there are situations that occur in development teams that never reach the public. Arguments between teammates, legal disputes, team mates leaving the project. So there are things that can affect the project beyond a developer merely choosing not to get it done, but there should be efforts to seek new members to fill those voids... because someone is still collecting a check as long as the game is being purchased.

A game like Mercenary Kings doesn't have to stop at the initial missions... because it's one of those multiplayer games where more can be added on to further and enhance the gamer's experience. I'd personally take and expand over the course of 4 years based on crowd funding. That would extend the life of the game and... pave the way for a new installment (if it makes sense based on new ideas and tech). Anyway... developers, think about this stuff, especially if you're just starting out and haven't considered the downside of incomplete game releases.

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