Ever found yourself pondering over what you really want, especially when it comes to video games? That’s a question that’s been swirling around the mind of Fallout co-creator Tim Cain, who’s become popular for his insightful YouTube content reflecting on his gaming journey and delving into various game development topics. His advice? Offer feedback to developers that’s actually constructive and actionable.
In his latest video, Cain dives into the dynamics of managing player feedback—what people love or loathe about a game—and how articulating this feedback can make a world of difference. As you might expect, simply labeling a feature as “bad” without any further explanation isn’t particularly helpful.
Cain emphasizes, “I’d prefer, whether on this channel or any forum, that when you’re communicating with game developers, you clarify what you like and why you enjoy that particular feature. Constructive feedback is much easier to work with than vague complaints. If you truly want changes, specify what you want.”
He acknowledges that merely expressing dislike can be beneficial if it’s precise, but warns against clogging communication channels with vague complaints like “enemies are dumb.” Instead, if players specify that “these enemies never take cover although there are plenty of opportunities to do so,” developers can more easily identify and address the issue.
The discussion includes another example concerning fast travel, highlighting how unclear demands can make it challenging for developers to implement alternatives without appearing overly hand-holdy.
Ultimately, individual preferences shape these conversations, which become more complicated if feedback lacks detail. While Cain stands by this view, he shares skepticism about addressing complaints like “100% cosmetic-only microtransactions,” which some argue don’t interfere significantly with the gaming experience.
However, the topic is polarizing, with as many opinions as there are players. Feedback on pricing, even if it’s about outfits, is valuable for studios. It can teach companies to gauge their standing with players and adjust monetization practices accordingly to maintain positive relationships.
Do you think you’re effective at communicating what you expect from games when providing feedback? Share your thoughts with us below!
