Gamers who are not game developers but...

[Silverous]

Gamers who are not game developers but would like to be "part of" the game development process?

Anyone felt like that before??
Hoping to have talked to game developers when they are in the early stage of their game, contributing indirectly and eventually seeing the game become successful (hopefully).

Many indie developers are (at least from those that I know) trying to get more involved with engaging community at early stages of their project, but it's always challenging to find interested parties when you are so early in the project.

Have anyone done something like that?
or would like to do so?

What would be your consideration if you would want to contribute to indie game developers with their early stage project?

Would love to learn from you!

[EPX]

Originally Posted by Silverous

Gamers who are not game developers but would like to be "part of" the game development process?

Anyone felt like that before??
Hoping to have talked to game developers when they are in the early stage of their game, contributing indirectly and eventually seeing the game become successful (hopefully).

Many indie developers are (at least from those that I know) trying to get more involved with engaging community at early stages of their project, but it's always challenging to find interested parties when you are so early in the project.

Have anyone done something like that?
or would like to do so?

What would be your consideration if you would want to contribute to indie game developers with their early stage project?

Would love to learn from you!

Silverous,

This is a good idea.

It is hard to find people who have interest in the game prior to be in alpha stage. Now i assume if the developers had the gamers as beta tests early on. then a lot of issues with game design would be addressed prior to the game release date.

The hardest or scariest part i can see for some gamers is Signing the NDA that developers need to build trust between both parties. Some people don't want to sign them.

I think its good for developers to spend time and talk to the gamers in the forums. It builds good character.

I started a contest for my first iOS Game "Night Whisper Lane", in which people had to create a death trap in the game that looked normal, but was deadly. The feedback I received was very welcoming and helpful. Many good ideas where posted.

The hardest thing for a developer would be getting feedback for the game, when there isn't much exposure for it.

[Silverous]

Originally Posted by EPX

The hardest or scariest part i can see for some gamers is Signing the NDA that developers need to build trust between both parties. Some people don't want to sign them.

That sounds very true. NDA do seems like a potential barrier to beta testers.

The challenge is trying to get attention on your "under development" game when you are unknown to the world. =/ I guess people need a reason to believe in the development, still gotta show them something first huh? Easier when the product have some flesh and meat? =0

[EPX]

Originally Posted by Silverous

That sounds very true. NDA do seems like a potential barrier to beta testers.

The challenge is trying to get attention on your "under development" game when you are unknown to the world. =/ I guess people need a reason to believe in the development, still gotta show them something first huh? Easier when the product have some flesh and meat? =0

The NDA is needed to protect the game.

To get attention its best to contact web sites prior to the game beta and have them get involved to. I tried that, but everyone just wanted to get the promo code for the final , not beta.

[Silverous]

Originally Posted by EPX

The NDA is needed to protect the game.

To get attention its best to contact web sites prior to the game beta and have them get involved to. I tried that, but everyone just wanted to get the promo code for the final , not beta.

I tried that too, and like you said.. everyone is more interested in the final product, not the beta. =0

Anyway, are you working on your next title?

[EPX]

Originally Posted by Silverous

I tried that too, and like you said.. everyone is more interested in the final product, not the beta. =0

Anyway, are you working on your next title?

Silverous, what game did you release>??

I was able to get a few quality beta testers who helped me out, only thing i wish is i started the beta 1 month earlier.

Currently I'm working on Scenario 2 for Night Whisper Lane. Basically a scenario is like a New chapter in the story of the game. A New start and End to the chapter.

From the start of the game i wanted to include the scenarios for FREE as a bonus for the fans who supported the game.

[Silverous]

Originally Posted by EPX

Silverous, what game did you release>??

I was able to get a few quality beta testers who helped me out, only thing i wish is i started the beta 1 month earlier.

Currently I'm working on Scenario 2 for Night Whisper Lane. Basically a scenario is like a New chapter in the story of the game. A New start and End to the chapter.

From the start of the game i wanted to include the scenarios for FREE as a bonus for the fans who supported the game.

I was doing marketing in my previous company for a few games... one of them is called Dark Dot, an unique cute-looking shoot'em up which allows you to draw and manipulate formation. (it's free but only available on iPad) Pretty neat stuff, gotta quite a bit of attention.

yea, but reviewers didn't really response to my emails before Dark Dot's launch. They are busy people... i guess.=p

Sounds like you have a overall story arch planned out for your game! Where did you find your testers? from TouchArcade too?

[EPX]

Originally Posted by Silverous

I was doing marketing in my previous company for a few games... one of them is called Dark Dot, an unique cute-looking shoot'em up which allows you to draw and manipulate formation. (it's free but only available on iPad) Pretty neat stuff, gotta quite a bit of attention.

yea, but reviewers didn't really response to my emails before Dark Dot's launch. They are busy people... i guess.=p

Sounds like you have a overall story arch planned out for your game! Where did you find your testers? from TouchArcade too?

Silverous,

did the free game have in app purchases to bring back revenue to the developers? I dont have a iPad to try out the game.

From what i've learned review web sites can receive 100s of app review requests each day, they can't review all game nor do they have enough staff to do reviews.

Well there is a story arch to the game, but there are also other things that I'm planning (time permitting). Can't elaborate much now as i've just starting working on Scenario 2. Ive been tied up with updates and fixes for scenario 1.

The majority of my testers were my friends, while others were fans of the game and contacted me directly via email. I Announced the game early on in May, and started a little bit of buzz. Keep in contact with them, they had no problem submitting NDA's so it was a smooth process.

I might ask a few members from these forums later on to see who wants to beta test the next scenario.

[Silverous]

Originally Posted by EPX

Silverous,

did the free game have in app purchases to bring back revenue to the developers? I dont have a iPad to try out the game.

From what i've learned review web sites can receive 100s of app review requests each day, they can't review all game nor do they have enough staff to do reviews.

Well there is a story arch to the game, but there are also other things that I'm planning (time permitting). Can't elaborate much now as i've just starting working on Scenario 2. Ive been tied up with updates and fixes for scenario 1.

The majority of my testers were my friends, while others were fans of the game and contacted me directly via email. I Announced the game early on in May, and started a little bit of buzz. Keep in contact with them, they had no problem submitting NDA's so it was a smooth process.

I might ask a few members from these forums later on to see who wants to beta test the next scenario.

Nope, the game is totally FREE. no ads, no in-app purchase. (It was experimental.. and company wasn't revenue-driven..... hmm yup. lol)

yeaa, I'm hoping to see if i will be able to get a few members here to playtest too. It would be better to get perspective from other countries too. =D

Have you chanced upon any other good forums, other than TA?

[defred34]

Originally Posted by EPX

The hardest or scariest part i can see for some gamers is Signing the NDA that developers need to build trust between both parties. Some people don't want to sign them.

Why do people find it hard (scary) to sign an NDA? I haven't had problem or secon thoughts signing various NDAs in the past.