Hi FD Team,
No doubt you are aware of the enthusiastic and sometimes emotional responses to topics on the Dangerous Discussion sub-forum. A good example of this is the thread around the engineering exploit that recently surfaced. However, as relevant as this may be, it produced little in terms of useful data. At best it highlighted a specific issue that needed to be addressed to avoid player dissatisfaction and protect the integrity of the game.
In contrast, the simple poll "How Old Are You?" produced a ton of useful data. 6945 players voted and, to my surprise, revealed that the game demographic is mostly middle aged adults. Over two thirds of the player base are aged between 30 and 50 years of age. There was even a sizable player group over 50. This information does not directly assist game design, though it could be inferred that, as mature consumers, players are more likely to be interested in game progression and story, rather than instant gratification.
However, the key point is that poll produced useful data and a sizeable sample. Matched with other data, it could aid the design and direction of the game. Demographic and product data is keenly sought (and sometimes purchased) by companies and I'm a little surprised it is not utilised more by game designers to gauge the expectations of the actual or intended player base. FD is in a fortunate position as it has the forum and active player community at its finger-tips, but is not utilising this advantage other than to seek feedback about specific game issues (e.g. beta testing).
I suspect that if FD produced a series of official "bite size" polls to gather factual data about player habits, game-style, activities in-game, etc., and invited the players to respond, this would be well received and could produce useful data. Well designed and thoughtful polls should and often do give a clear picture of the "audience". I'm not suggesting that the data could replace (or even displace) FD's design role, but it may be a valuable aid when considering things like emphasis, priority and direction. At the very least, it may help when looking at the bigger picture.
Anyway, just food for thought.
Cheers
A D
No doubt you are aware of the enthusiastic and sometimes emotional responses to topics on the Dangerous Discussion sub-forum. A good example of this is the thread around the engineering exploit that recently surfaced. However, as relevant as this may be, it produced little in terms of useful data. At best it highlighted a specific issue that needed to be addressed to avoid player dissatisfaction and protect the integrity of the game.
In contrast, the simple poll "How Old Are You?" produced a ton of useful data. 6945 players voted and, to my surprise, revealed that the game demographic is mostly middle aged adults. Over two thirds of the player base are aged between 30 and 50 years of age. There was even a sizable player group over 50. This information does not directly assist game design, though it could be inferred that, as mature consumers, players are more likely to be interested in game progression and story, rather than instant gratification.
However, the key point is that poll produced useful data and a sizeable sample. Matched with other data, it could aid the design and direction of the game. Demographic and product data is keenly sought (and sometimes purchased) by companies and I'm a little surprised it is not utilised more by game designers to gauge the expectations of the actual or intended player base. FD is in a fortunate position as it has the forum and active player community at its finger-tips, but is not utilising this advantage other than to seek feedback about specific game issues (e.g. beta testing).
I suspect that if FD produced a series of official "bite size" polls to gather factual data about player habits, game-style, activities in-game, etc., and invited the players to respond, this would be well received and could produce useful data. Well designed and thoughtful polls should and often do give a clear picture of the "audience". I'm not suggesting that the data could replace (or even displace) FD's design role, but it may be a valuable aid when considering things like emphasis, priority and direction. At the very least, it may help when looking at the bigger picture.
Anyway, just food for thought.
Cheers
A D
Last edited:
