🟢Onboarding

Onboarding refers to the initial moments of a player's experience with your game. It's your chance to make a stellar first impression, teach the basics, and set the tone for the adventure to come. Effective onboarding is crucial for keeping players engaged and preventing them from becoming overwhelmed or frustrated.

Key Aspects of Onboarding to Evaluate:

• Pacing: Does the onboarding introduce information and gameplay elements at a manageable pace? Does it avoid overload, but also not leave the player feeling bored or directionless?

• Clarity of Tutorials: Are in-game tutorials (if used) clear, concise, and easy to follow? Are instructions integrated seamlessly into the action?

• Control Mastery: Does the onboarding effectively teach essential controls? Do players feel confident using them before tackling more complex challenges?

• Skill Building: Do early levels or tutorial areas gradually introduce core mechanics and build player competence?

• Motivation: Does the onboarding spark curiosity and excitement? Does it clearly outline the player's objectives and give them a reason to care?

• "Aha!" Moment: Is there a clear point where the player grasps the core gameplay loop and begins to feel a sense of mastery?

Types of Feedback to Encourage

• Emotional Reactions: Ask playtesters to note points during onboarding where they felt confused, frustrated, lost, excited, or had "lightbulb" moments of understanding.

• Quit Points: If any playtesters abandon the game during onboarding, gather information about why and where they left.

• Comparison to Similar Games: If playtesters are familiar with games in your genre, ask them to compare your onboarding process for better or worse.

Remember: Even if your game isn't aimed at total beginners, never assume prior knowledge. A smooth onboarding process benefits players of all skill levels.