In Game Tutorials

[ruiznick]

When it comes to in game tutorials, what approach are you taking? The ones that "lock you in" them, meaning can't do any other actions until you complete the task. Or a easily skippable tutorial screen.

My initial approach has been to have the information available for those that seek it. Giving the player the option to figure out while they play or learn the mechanics first. The approach I see from games that are very addicting is they lock you in the tutorial. In essence, they are using the tutorial system as a skinner box that will give stimuli and also useful information about the game.

It's not a coincidence if a lot of games are doing it, it's very deliberate and seems to work. I'm still on the fence because I get extremely frustrated when forced through X amount of minutes, when all the tutorial system is doing is trying to modify your behavior so you will be compelled to do a specific action for a response.