8 Rookie Mistakes Every Video Game Modder Always Makes

1. The Moment Of Shame

Big Rigs When the time comes to upload your mod, you€™ll have the opportunity to write some short blurb or bullet points that tell people a little about it. This is the point where some modders like to gamely inform the audience that this mod is their first ever attempt and ask that it be judged kindly. The honesty is laudable, but whether or not it€™s advisable really depends upon the community. You€™re battling for the player€™s time and attention against all the other modders out there, after all. If the community€™s small and friendly, some people might take the time out to provide constructive criticism€ but you€™re also going to lose a lot of players who assume, rightly or wrongly, that your first project will have no redeeming qualities and just walk away. Similarly, don€™t give your project a version label lower than 1 unless it genuinely is unfinished €“ some modders do this because they€™re intending to keep revising and improving after release, but what you€™re really telling people is €œcome back later€. Most of them won€™t. If your mod€™s good, it doesn€™t really matter whether it€™s your first attempt or your fiftieth €“ either way, you€™ve succeeded in making something that people enjoy. What is important is listening to the feedback from your players €“ and not just the positive stuff. Negative comments always sting, but if you suffer them long enough to look for common complaints and spot patterns, you€™ll have learned lessons for next time. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so don€™t trip yourself up at the final hurdle with unnecessary caveats and apologies €“ let your work speak for itself.
 
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Chris has over a decade's experience as a game designer and writer in the video game industry. He's currently battling Unity in a fight to the death.