Now there is always that point in time where the developers would be asking the question; “Is now the right time to release the game?” Well, here’s a checklist of bullet’s that are supposed to help you determine if the game is ready for release or not:
- Are all the aspects of the game completed at this point?
- Are each levels of progression properly defined?
- Are all the Music and Graphical Implements deployed within the game?
- Are the majority of Interface and UI assets in place?
- Are there appropriate tooltips that will help a player navigate your game for the first time?
- Did you fully test your game with ample run-throughs? (link to first hand impression and heuristic testing)
- Did you conduct the proper load and scale tests on your server to determine your bandwith requirements for the consumers? (link to load/scale testing)
- Is the game understandable?
- Is it fun?
- Are there no obvious glaring bugs at this point?
If all your answers to the questions are “Yes,” then you’re definitely much closer to release as anticipated. But if there is just one “no” from the list, then you will not be ready for release… just yet.
If there is an individual that will take on the point of view of “Let’s launch the game now and deal with the bugs later when we have subscription/micro-transaction revenue.” Then we promise you that the game will FAIL. We need to have these stringent qualifications in place so that the end user is compelled to return or re-visit your title past the trial stage. It’s a total turn-off to us gamers when arrogance takes reign and some executives actually think the title will make money just because of the advertisements. This is the real challenge before coming out to the market. Polish, polish, polish!
Ultimately, the first impressions experience is always the defining experience of your title. If you are not able to capture the player’s attention or time within the first 20 minutes of game time, do not expect them to be playing over a month. We implore all developers (big and small, well funded or not) do not release a title on Facebook without it being complete. It’s a precursor for people to stop paying attention to all your released titles.
Sponsored by Tukko Labs
