Like you all souls out there I am an avid gamer…done it all, seen it all. Right from playing tetris, super mario, ping pong and other flash games online for free to massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) with anything and everything in between, I have been part of the story as a user, and I have to say that you guys suck.
Spurred by hatred, I became a developer - computer science degree (quite natural, ha ha!) and job with a *real* software company, the works. This enlightened me to certain facts, like what made the blockbuster games, well, blockbusters. I will share with you guys the essentials of a successful online game, or a game of any kind, played for free or otherwise. These have been a constant over the years and are likely to remain so. I pronounce this. They are:
They should be fun
The basic principle which even the most scatterbrained developer would follow, but is often ignored during the zeal of getting the next level of technique. Don’t ever forget that people play games for one reason: to have fun! Your games are not fun. Except Squiggles and Fuck You. I like those.
The KISS principle
Yes, that ‘KISS’. It's important to wear lots of face paint while you program. And you can type with your long Gene Simmons tongue.
Smooth Controls
Even the blandest game can be fun, if controls are easy to master. On the other hand people won’t play the greatest game in the world out of frustration if they have to struggle with the controls. So take care. TARN ADAMS could learn from this. Dumbass.
Graphics and Sound
Make a good first impression. These are the first things a gamer encounters when he first logs in to play online. So make them attractive and relevant, but don’t go overboard.
Technically sound Structure
Easy to use authoring interfaces.
Detailed Help files, sample games, and demonstrations.
No messy software downloads or installation requirements.
Options to create games from your web browser.
Your games have none of these things.
[ January 04, 2008: Message edited by: Toady One ]