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Avoid releasing a flop. Discover 3 essential tips to run effective playtests, gather actionable feedback, and make sure your indie game is fun.

Why do some games grab you instantly while others lose you fast? It’s not just taste, there are clear design principles. Hook players early, reward them smartly, keep the progression curve engaging, and surprise them often. Do this, and you’ll keep curiosity alive, satisfaction high, and boredom away. The secret to a memorable game is simple: hook early, reward wisely, build a curve, keep surprises coming.

Good onboarding can make or break your game. If players don’t quickly understand your mechanics, they’ll quit or refund. Keep tutorials short, clear, and optional. Learn from classics like Super Mario Bros. and avoid mistakes like Driver’s infamous tutorial. Done right, onboarding improves retention and makes your game truly enjoyable.

Game controls can make or break your player’s first experience. From button mapping conventions to controller vs. keyboard layouts, mistakes lead to confusion and frustration. Learn why using standards, offering rebind options, and thorough playtesting are key to delivering smooth, accessible gameplay that keeps players engaged.

Discover the 5 most common mistakes indie developers make and how to improve player experience to create memorable games.

An analysis on what went wrong with Dawn Of War 3 and the fall of this once popular franchise.

Switching from Windows to Linux isn’t as smooth as you might think, but it’s not as scary either. In this article, I share my full journey: installation, first-time user experience, advantages, and inconveniences. Whether you’re curious about Linux for productivity, gaming, or just a change of pace, you’ll discover if making the switch is really worth it.

Overwatch 2 was meant to build on a genre-defining success, but instead lost player trust. This article analyzes the economic shift behind its sequel, the broken promises, the removal of core features, and the perception of a game prioritizing profit over experience. A cautionary tale of how a beloved IP can falter by forgetting what made it special in the first place.

Creating a successful video game sequel is tricky. From Alan Wake 2's technical leap to Mass Effect 2's refined gameplay and GTA's bold shifts, we explore what makes a sequel work, or fail. Timing, innovation, and staying true to the original experience are key.

Even the most complex systems deserve clarity. In this article, I explore why good UX matters more than ever in niche genres, how it helps retain players and welcome newcomers, and what even small studios can do to improve their game’s experience.

UX isn’t about making games easier, it’s about making them enjoyable, understandable, and fair. From menus to replay value, player experience is everywhere. Let’s explore what UX really means in game development, and why it should matter to you.

Two highly anticipated games, Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky, launched amid hype but suffered major UX issues. This case study explores how their developers turned initial failures into success through user-focused updates and smart communication strategies.

Dune Awakening hooked me with its world and premise, but after losing everything to a worm, I started questioning its design. Here’s a UX breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and how survival games can be punishing without being unfair.

If there’s one genre that truly fits both the AA or indie space and poses unique UX challenges, it’s immersive sims. Why? Because...

Explore a complete UX audit of Dead Island 2, focused on the first two hours of gameplay. This FTUE analysis showcases how I help indie and AA studios improve onboarding, UI, and accessibility. Download the full PDF report for free.

While blockbuster AAA games dominate headlines, a quieter revolution is happening in the world of AA titles. These focused, passion-driven games often offer tighter experiences, revive forgotten genres, and come at a price that respects players’ wallets. In this post, I explore why AA games have become my favorite, and why they might be exactly what the industry, and players, need right now.

What if a game could break every UX rule and still succeed? The Dark Souls series does just that — no handholding, no tutorials, no clear feedback — yet it captivates millions. This article explores how a game with minimalist, even brutal UX design creates one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in modern gaming. A masterclass in purposeful friction.

While writing my previous post , one thing jumped out at me: Expedition 33  is also a UX success… because it doesn’t spread itself too...

Clair Obscur  was released on April 24, 2025, and has since sold over 2 million copies in less than two weeks. For a game without a...