Today I've seen a thread re: feedback for just released game demo. Someone asked if there's a Discord channel to provide feedback, the developer responded there's none and suggested writing it under the post (I've removed author info because it doesn't matter). #gamedev - ThreadSky

goshki.vigeo.dev • 16 days ago

Today I've seen a thread re: feedback for just released game demo. Someone asked if there's a Discord channel to provide feedback, the developer responded there's none and suggested writing it under the post (I've removed author info because it doesn't matter).

#gamedev

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goshki.vigeo.dev•16 days ago

So first few points are valid feedback mentioning issues with controls and input in general. The commenter rightfully complains about unintuitive control scheme and lack of support for one of the most popular game controllers.

goshki.vigeo.dev•16 days ago

But soon enough the thread becomes a list of *shoulds* ranging from loose game design advices to whole new features that the game should ultimately have. So now I'm wondering if inviting and gathering feedback like that is actually the right way to go.

goshki.vigeo.dev•16 days ago

I mean, I totally get it that inviting community to talk about the game is beneficial. And I understand that players may want to express their opinion about how they'd like the game to evolve. But there's a fine line between actual feedback and giving unsolicited advices.

goshki.vigeo.dev•16 days ago

Also I'm wondering if it's feasible for solo developers to build a community around their games (i.e. on Discord) during development without sinking too much energy into it.

goshki.vigeo.dev•16 days ago

Because it seems like a lot of work not related to actual development and a potential source of frustration for both sides if developer's vision of the game does not match that of the community.

nullstar.bsky.social•16 days ago

Maybe if you're a full-time patreon dev and you can play pretty loosely with your time.
From what I've observed with other devs and their projects, there's rapidly diminishing returns on spending time and energy on social media stuff of all kinds.
Sure, some hit it off, but it seems like pure luck.

nullstar.bsky.social•16 days ago

Feedback is always a take it or leave it thing. I'm glad when people take the time to give their thoughts, even if it's just a wishlist of what that person wants. Even if I put nothing of that in the game, I'm at least glad that the person cared enough about the game to write it.

goshki.vigeo.dev•16 days ago

But don't you feel any kind of obligation to at least explain to them why none of their advices will make it to the game? Like you said, they've spent time to write it so I feel (maybe it's just a me-thing) that I owe them at least some effort to explain why I won't use it.

nullstar.bsky.social•16 days ago

I tend to write a short thank you note for the feedback and suggestions, and then think on it on a nice walk to see how I want to proceed with that, but beyond that, no.
That's probably due to me mostly treating online interaction like a dead letter box, where you exchange notes without obligation.

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