How I Critique Independent Developers

[Jon Bon 43]

Foreword

This is written in a general aspect, and does not pertain to our community here, but to the independent development process in general. I wrote this with the intent to show the reasoning behind why independent developers need a special type of feedback versus commercial developers. As well as why we as fans should start looking more towards independent developers to try and make better more innovative games with our help.

 

Introduction

Too often I see posts from new developers or teams with such negative and critical feedback with no constructive criticism in sight. That type of feedback is not helpful to any development process, commercial or independent, because creative people need to know why you don't like their product. Maybe if explained well enough they will agree and make every effort to change it. Even further, if you are able to propose a solution or alternate method to the problem they are even more likely to listen and see it as necessary. This in turn allows other gamers to see what you think and either agree or disagree. This is what constructive criticism is.

 

The 'This Sucks' Method

This is what I deem the method used by short sighted commentators. On a scale of 1 - 10 of helpfulness this method is the one. The reason this method is so unhelpful is because there is nothing beneficial to the statement other then the fact that someone obviously dislikes your product. Without reasoning for the comment there is no way to know if it's a just or founded comment and not some person having a bad day. On top of that, without reason there is no way for the developer to know what they can change to fix the problem if it is in fact just/founded.

 

How To Fix The Problem

Here are a few things you can use to think about when criticizing someones work, in order of my perceived importance;

WHY?

Why didn't you like what they are showing you. Give specifics, about your dislikes in any way you can.

WHAT?

What could they have done, or can they still do to make it better. Hindsight is 20/20 but can still help prevent repeat mistakes of problems if not correct them immediately.

WHERE?

Where was the problem you were having. Be specific as to the surroundings of the issue, was it only a certain aspect or the whole thing that has issues.

WHO?

Who are you? What kind of consumer are you that makes your opinions so relevant. Justify your opinion with quick examples of past experience with similar products to the one you are commenting about. Prove you have valuable insight and they are even more likely to take it under advisement.

WHEN?

When should you give your opinion? Whenever something you use offer's a section for it and you have one. Even if you are just happy with the product. An overall glowing review can go a long way for someone making something. Constructive criticism can also help immensely to catch mistakes early in the creation process which is crucial.

 

Judge Accordingly

If a commercial company released a game equivalent to Mario 3 for NES in every way, I would be disappointed. If an independent developer achieved the same feat I would be greatly impressed. Can you see the difference? Professionals are just that, educated in their field through years of proven training techniques (post secondary school). Independent developers are often people who pursue or pursued it as a hobby and don't have the proper background in training and skill as the commercial people do. For this reason you can not grade them on the same scale as a commercial company. If someone has been developing for 3 months and presents their game for input, as long as it doesn't crash all the time, you can't walk through the walls, and there is even a basic story, and characters, that should be super impressive to anyone. Independent developers are achieving what whole teams of dozens of people needed years to make 15+ years ago, by themselves in a matter of only months. Then people go ahead and rip them down about it. I think when this happens they don't truly realize the passion, commitment and persistence that video game development takes. Creating a video game is an art form as far as I am concerned and the creation process needs to be respected as such.

 

Why Help Indy Developers So Much Over Commercial?

Because independent developers are almost always doing it for free if not a small fraction of the pay that the commercial companies are. Additionally independent developers tend to strive to create the best product they can and be as innovative as possible. For these reasons they need your help in giving them the best most friendly constructive criticism you can give them. Let's stop the forceful release of $60 commercial games as a flat fee. Some Independent developers are making games better then full price commercial releases, and for free. A $60 game should earn that price, not be a clone of the last engine with new trinkets, or a sticker price justified by licensing rights (Disney, etc.). Games should earn their sticker price, like the Elder Scrolls , or Fallout series, of which in my opinion justify $60. Independent developers are starting to put work into their games that surpass lesser titles on the 'new release' commercial market, games that go from $60 to $15 in three months, which should have been the original price to begin with. Let's back the people who want to make games worth $15 but are already doing it for free.

 

Conclusion

We need to rate independent developers on their experience and past achievements, not compared to what the commercial people are releasing. Let's help the independent developer get the feedback and direction they need to release the hold of greedy corporate businesspeople on the video game market direction. Put an end to cookie cutter video game release, funding only 'proven game dynamics' and support the outside the box thinkers. People who do it for free or next to nothing and gladly, just to give you a quality product they can be proud of and you can enjoy.

[Ecowolfsteen 14]

Totally agree. +1 on the post. I've been criticized on my works in the past and too many times has there just been a "This sucks.", "Stupid and gay." This has no real input and is a "Stupid and Gay" way to criticize work.