Building a game from the ground up is like riding a rollercoaster. For the most part, it's all fun and exciting, but sometimes, you want to scream at the attendant to let you off.
Just imagine it.
All those long nights of hard work finally pay off: you have a great game that works and a loyal playerbase that loves your game—everything should be perfect!
Except, of course, nothing is without its issues.
And in the gaming world, those issues can range from minor bugs to game-breaking glitches that make players throw down their controllers in frustration.
As a gamer, you've probably experienced one or more of these issues yourself, causing you to lose interest in a game you once loved.
What makes this even more frustrating is that even though you know how to address these issues, you may lack the time or workforce to attend to them individually.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to support you.
Let's look at a few common issues players may experience and the kind of support they'd need to get back to playing.
AUDIO PROBLEMS
Audio problems are a significant concern for many gamers.
Whether it's the footsteps of an approaching enemy, the sound of a door opening or closing, or the beep of a timer, every delayed, missing, or misplaced audio cue greatly affects gameplay.
These issues can be a real pain, severely impacting a player's experience and leading to frustration.
Though many players figure out where the problem lies—an issue with their audio device or a connectivity problem, for example—navigating the internet or community forums for an answer isn't always the best way to handle the issue.
Sometimes, a more personalized solution is needed.
To help players with game audio problems, a customer support team can help players troubleshoot the issue by asking questions to identify the root cause of the problem.
Then, they can provide timely and effective assistance through various channels such as live chat, email, or phone support.
There really is no replacement for excellent customer support!
GLITCHES
Glitches are another common issue that can affect a game's playability.
No game is perfect, and bugs and glitches are bound to happen. However, community management can help mitigate their impact by providing a place to actively communicate with players about known issues and provide regular updates on bug fixes.
Additionally, creating a space for players to report bugs and glitches can help developers quickly identify and resolve issues.
By setting clear rules and guidelines, actively monitoring forums, communicating regularly with players, and fostering a positive community culture, community managers can help create a positive and engaging experience for all players.
HARASSMENT
Harassment is one of the most common issues in online gaming environments.
It is a very serious problem that can negatively impact the gaming experience for many players. Harassment can take many forms, including verbal abuse, unwanted sexual advances, and hate speech.
Game moderators can help prevent these issues by enforcing strict policies against harassment. This can include chat filters, reporting systems, and disciplinary measures for offenders.
Players should also be encouraged to report any incidents of harassment or hate speech they experience or witness.
Moderators can work to create a welcoming and inclusive gaming environment by promoting positive behaviors and attitudes among players.
Game moderators play a crucial role in identifying and addressing these issues, and game developers and managers should prioritize their efforts to ensure a positive gaming experience for all players.
Remember, not every game will have the same issues—in fact, your playerbase may never experience the problems listed here at all!
But no game is perfect, and as you work on and improve your game, you and your players are bound to run into some obstacles.
So, what can developers and publishers do to address these issues?
First and foremost, they need to prioritize player support. This means having a dedicated team that can quickly offer solutions, respond to player concerns, and troubleshoot issues.
Having a knowledgeable support team that is familiar with the game and understands the gaming industry is crucial.
By offering quick and efficient solutions, developers and publishers can retain the attention of their players and maintain a positive image of their game.
