Fail Faster

[apophis775]

So, I've been asked a few times recently, why, I sometimes seem a bit crass or overzealous when I'm reviewing peoples ideas for changes, concepts, or generally when giving feedback.

So, to explain why I'm usually blunt/crass when giving feedback (though, I still try to be respectful with my word choices), I'm going to enter teach mode for a moment:


Lesson #1, for game design, and almost anything creative, is two simple words: Fail Faster.

Basically, the faster you can get an idea out there, and then, torn apart mercilessly by people who give constructive feedback, the sooner you can improve on it. There is no such thing, as an initial "GOOD" idea. EVERYTHING can be improved and adjusted. Even if it's just, a game design document, or a script your pitching, getting it read and getting feedback as quickly as possible is the way to make improvements the easiest. ESPECIALLY with game design, if you can get concepts tested and talked out before you even start programming, it will be easier (and cheaper) than doing it later. If your going to get into game design or screenwriting, you will need to learn to not place your own ego ahead of the work. There will be MANY times, when a game is torn to ribbons in front of you, by people writing feedback. It's best, to not take these situations personally, and then try to take all the feedback in, when you rewrite it.

This, is how an idea can go from suckings horribly, to AWESOME. It's a long, grueling progress lubricated by tears, but it's necessary, and results in a better project for it.


so, again, if I'm ever too crass or blunt about changes you want, I apologize, but I will almost NEVER deny something, without reasoning or feedback.

Also, if you want to learn more, I'll point you, again, to my favorite game design series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDjrOaoHz9s

[speedybst]

Hmm, sounds just like my C# teacher, and to be completely honest, that game turned out much better than i had planned because of the tears and feedback.

[apophis775]

It can be painful to get feedback, especially if it's critical, but if you can work through that, and make changes, the game will be better overall as a result.

[mdom]

I like the constant updates to be quite honest. I am pleasantly please to see how things have changed since I first started getting on this server. I play almost every day and I can say that it is almost always fun. I only have a few complaints, but hey who doesn't when it comes to something they enjoy.

Keep up the good work.