Game developers + gamers + community = necessity

It doesn't seem too long ago when game developers just sat down, created games and then sent them off to the stores. Gamers would just then browse the aisles, pick the game, and play.

If there were problems, or bugs, the gamer could just chalk it up to a bad choice, or if they really wanted, look for some sort of address or phone number and write the company directly. Sometimes this helped, but most often it didn't.

Then came the internet. The entire world now at our fingertips. As the network grew; as it progressed, so did the avenues of communication between developers and gamers. Now, you buy a game, and almost instantly, you can post your thoughts at almost any given developer's site. Is it buggy? Does it rock? Did it almost make the cut? Any of these and more diatribes can be directed at them.

Two sites come to mind at the moment. NeedForSpeed.com (EA) and Codemasters.com. I'm sure there are more, and someone no doubt will let me know. =o)

Alas, here's where the business model of game creation has taken a turn. Sometimes for the better, or for the worse. The avenues of communication are open, but it's up to the gaming company to make those avenues work. Who wants to visit a site or forum, where posts end up lost in the internet landscape? People expect answers to their questions, especially of a technical nature.

Then again, the companies are now faced with a deluge of people almost demanding service or in the case of a new game, their voice and opinions be heard and suggestions implemented. A daunting task for the developer who wants to please the majority of the gamers, but, has perhaps opened the flood gates a bit too much.

In the end, this type of community and communication should exist, but, both sides should consider the other.

Gamers: By all means, post your technical issues, offer suggestions, participate and be of help to others that may be experiencing problems that you either had or have the answer to. But don't trump on their forums, blasting away foulness and demanding the game company to stop what they're doing just to focus on YOU and YOUR issues, suggestions or comments. It's a community after all. You are NOT the center of their universe and tantrums are usually ignored.

Game Companies: Don't put up a board or community site, just because everyone out there has one and it's the "in" thing to do. If all you're going to do is put that site up there, and let the members have a free-for-all, then don't bother. People go to these sites for assistance, or to express their views, frustrations, suggestions, comments, or just co-exist with others with the same interest. Leaving them hanging to fend for themselves or just using the site as a promotional vehicle for your next project or DLC, just doesn't cut it.

Time's are changin', and with the economy not doing so well, companies can't be doing "business as usual". They need to be fluid and dynamic and most of all, be receptive to the customers who HAVE A CHOICE on how to spend their money.

Yes, the pretty eye candy game you developed will entice some people, but in the end, if that candy isn't up to snuff, or the overall perception of your company is taking the money and run, it won't be long before you realize all the candy in the world won't make your bottomline any sweeter.