Essentials of a Good Online Game

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.

Then I got the chance to become a developer - computer science degree (quite natural) and job with a 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, played for free or otherwise. These have been a constant over the years and are likely to remain so. 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!

The KISS principle

Not that ‘KISS’ silly. Just ‘Keep It Simple Stupid.’ So you are the next whiz kid on the block. Good for you! But for heaven’s sake don’t load people with complex features. Just give clean straight fun without the loops.

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.

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.

[[R]eign`[K]id]

What can i say, I totally agree with you .

Especially this one

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!

The KISS principle

Not that ‘KISS’ silly. Just ‘Keep It Simple Stupid.’ So you are the next whiz kid on the block. Good for you! But for heaven’s sake don’t load people with complex features. Just give clean straight fun without the loops.

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.

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.

Lol

:Moved

[Gamma]

Looks like an advertisement to me, but wth.

It's not advertising anything...this is just...so suspiciously spammy to come from a user who, in all technicality, has 0 posts.

I suppose the majority is right, though - save for complexity.

Imo, and in many others, complexity and difficulty MAKES the game fun.

If it's not a challenge, screw that game, lol.

And if it doens't make you think, or require you to use basic strategic thought, then screw that game, too, lol.

[[R]eign`[K]id]

Lol , I thought it was spam at first but then yeah.

If the graphics are like Runescape ____ the game.

If the game play is like Runescape ____ the game.

If the sounds are like Runescape ____ the game.

[Jorgi]

Well said Puke!

Runescape sucks so much it is horrible.

I really enjoy WoW, the game is so incredibly well made, they use all their time and effort to improve the game all the time, and keeping it stable.

Simply amazing.

[Gamma]

I actually horribly dislike WoW.

I hate it, really.

I played it for a long time, never really got addicted...you wouldn't know it, Jorgi, but there are so many more well-made and updated MMO's...you should try out games like MxO, SWG, etc...

They're really amazing.

(And I mean pre-cu SWG. The new version blows.)

I totally agree that these are essential features that we need for a good online game.

[Shooting Palanx]

Just one question, from readin all of this, I just don't see how this relates to a forum game at the least.

[Halcyon]

It doesn't, you are correct. So why don't you move it?

(Great thingy, Linda.)