The Tyranny of Forced Tutorials: Why Hand-Holding Hurts Games
Let’s talk about something that’s been grinding my gears for years. It’s something that, ironically, is intended to help us, to guide us. But in reality, it often does the exact opposite: it insults our intelligence, stifles our creativity, and ultimately, drives us away from the very games we were excited to play. I’m talking, of course, about the insidious practice of forced tutorials.
The Illusion of Choice: A Tutorial’s Deceit
Forced tutorials. We’ve all been there.
You boot up a brand new game, eager to dive into the rich world and compelling gameplay you’ve been promised. Instead, you’re immediately shackled to a pre-determined path, your hand held every step of the way. Your choices limited to pressing the button the game tells you to press. It’s not a tutorial; it’s a digital puppetry show.
This isn’t about accessibility. It’s about control.
Game developers, in their well-intentioned (but misguided) effort to ensure everyone “gets it,” often create these overly restrictive introductory sequences. They design these as a safe harbor, a guaranteed on-ramp to the fun. But what they fail to realize is that, for many players, that “safe harbor” feels more like a gilded cage. It breeds contempt.
Think about it. You’re presented with the illusion of choice.
You might be navigating a beautifully rendered environment, but you’re not truly exploring it. You might be interacting with interesting characters, but you’re not truly engaging with them. You’re simply following a script, going through the motions. You’re waiting for the moment when the game finally decides to let you play.
This is not player agency. This is player antagonization.
The Psychology of Resentment: Why Forced Tutorials Fail
Why do these tutorials backfire so spectacularly? It boils down to basic psychology.
We, as players, crave agency. We want to feel like we’re making meaningful decisions.
We want our actions to have consequences. We want to feel we’re shaping our own experience.
Forced tutorials rob us of that agency. They treat us like children, incapable of understanding even the simplest mechanics without explicit instruction. They foster a sense of resentment. They make us feel that the game doesn’t trust us to figure things out on our own.
Consider this scenario: You’re excited to play a new RPG with an intricate crafting system. The tutorial, however, forces you to craft a specific item using pre-selected materials.
It does this without explaining why you’re doing it. It fails to explain how the system actually works.
You’ve followed the instructions, but you haven’t learned anything. You’ve been told what to do, but not why or how.
The result? You’re less likely to engage with the crafting system later on. You associate it with the frustrating, patronizing experience of the tutorial. You feel like you’ve already “done” the crafting, even though you haven’t actually mastered it. The magic is gone.
This resentment isn’t just a fleeting feeling. It directly impacts player motivation and retention.
If a player feels insulted or patronized during the initial hours of a game, they’re far more likely to abandon it altogether. The game has lost them early.
Case Study: The Open-World Paradox
Let’s look at a specific example: open-world games. These games are often lauded for their freedom and exploration. However, many of them still fall victim to the forced tutorial trap.
Imagine a sprawling open world, ripe with possibilities. You’re eager to explore, to discover hidden secrets, to forge your own path.
But the game insists on dragging you through a linear series of quests. It teaches you basic mechanics that could easily be learned through organic exploration.
You’re forced to hunt a specific type of animal. You must craft a specific type of weapon.
You have to climb a specific tower. All the while, the game constantly interrupts your progress with intrusive pop-up messages. These explain things you already understand or could easily figure out on your own.
The paradox is clear: The game promises freedom, but it delivers restriction. The open world becomes a mere backdrop for a glorified checklist of tutorial objectives.
The feeling of agency evaporates.
A prime example of this done wrong is the beginning of many Ubisoft open world titles. You’re immediately bombarded with icons, waypoints, and instructions.
The joy of discovery is replaced by a sense of obligation. You feel you’re simply ticking boxes on a pre-determined to-do list.
The Alternatives: Empowering Players Through Discovery
So, what’s the alternative? How can developers teach players the ropes without resorting to forced tutorials? The answer lies in empowering players through discovery.
Instead of telling players what to do, show them. Instead of forcing them to learn, encourage them to explore.
Instead of hand-holding, offer guidance.
Here are a few concrete strategies:
Contextual Tutorials: Integrate tutorials seamlessly into the game world. Have NPCs offer optional advice, or allow players to stumble upon helpful hints through exploration.
Organic Learning: Design mechanics that are intuitive and self-explanatory. Use visual cues, sound effects, and environmental storytelling to guide players without explicitly telling them what to do.
Optional Tutorials: Provide a dedicated tutorial area for players who want a more structured learning experience, but make it entirely optional.
Difficulty Scaling: Allow players to adjust the difficulty level to suit their experience. Let experienced players skip the tutorials altogether, while providing a more guided experience for newcomers.
“Show, Don’t Tell” Design: Integrate the learning process into the core gameplay loop. The mechanics should be taught through the gameplay itself. They shouldn’t be forced through explicit instruction.
One of the best examples of organic learning in gaming is Dark Souls. This series is notoriously difficult, but it rarely relies on explicit tutorials.
Instead, it throws players into the deep end, forcing them to learn through trial and error. The game provides subtle cues and hints.
It’s up to the player to decipher them and figure out how to survive. This approach is undeniably challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Players who persevere feel a sense of accomplishment and mastery. It’s a feeling that is rarely achieved through forced tutorials.
The Pitfalls: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with the best intentions, developers can still fall into the trap of creating poorly designed tutorials. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Information Overload: Don’t bombard players with too much information at once. Introduce mechanics gradually.
Lack of Context: Explain why players are doing something, not just what to do. Provide context and motivation.
Repetitive Tasks: Avoid forcing players to perform the same task repeatedly. Variety is key.
Unskippable Cutscenes: Don’t force players to watch lengthy cutscenes or dialogue sequences during the tutorial. Allow them to skip these.
Interrupting Gameplay: Avoid interrupting the flow of gameplay with intrusive pop-up messages or tutorials. Integrate the learning process seamlessly into the game world.
A good example of a game that avoided these pitfalls is Breath of the Wild. The game’s opening area, the Great Plateau, serves as a tutorial zone, but it never feels like one.
Players are given a clear objective (escape the plateau). But they’re free to explore and experiment as they see fit.
The game provides subtle guidance and hints. But it never explicitly tells players what to do.
The Developer’s Dilemma: Balancing Accessibility and Agency
I understand the developer’s dilemma. They want to make their games accessible to as many players as possible.
They don’t want anyone to feel lost or overwhelmed. But in their pursuit of accessibility, they often sacrifice player agency and engagement.
The key is to find a balance between these two competing goals. Provide enough guidance to help players get started.
Don’t hold their hand every step of the way. Trust them to figure things out on their own. Empower them to make meaningful choices.
Remember, players are not passive consumers. They are active participants in the game world. They want to explore, to experiment, to discover. Give them the freedom to do so.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tutorial Design
Let’s delve into some more advanced techniques for crafting effective tutorials:
- Adaptive Tutorials: These tutorials adjust to the player’s skill level. They provide more or less guidance depending on their performance.
If a player is struggling with a particular mechanic, the tutorial will provide more detailed instructions. If they’re mastering it quickly, the tutorial will move on.
Dynamic Tutorials: These tutorials respond to the player’s actions. They provide assistance only when needed. For example, if a player repeatedly fails to perform a specific action, the tutorial will offer a helpful hint.
Gamified Tutorials: Turn the tutorial into a game in itself. Introduce challenges, rewards, and progression systems.
Embedded Tutorials: These tutorials are seamlessly integrated into the game world. They’re disguised as normal gameplay activities.
Player-Driven Tutorials: Allow players to create and share their own tutorials. This can be a great way to foster a sense of community.
Imagine a game where the tutorial is a series of optional challenges. Each one is designed to teach a specific skill.
Completing a challenge earns the player a reward. The reward could be a new weapon or ability.
The challenges are presented in a non-linear fashion. This allows players to choose which skills they want to learn first.
This approach would be far more engaging than a traditional forced tutorial. It would empower players to take control of their learning experience. It would reward them for their efforts.
Case Study: Monster Hunter World’s Guiding Lands
Monster Hunter World is a masterclass in many things. Its tutorialization outside the initial game zones is worth studying.
The Guiding Lands is a post-game area. It introduces a complex system of monster lure, region leveling, and unique materials.
Instead of a rigid tutorial, it slowly layers on information. It does so as players progress. Initial hunts yield basic materials. This encourages further exploration.
Unlocking higher region levels reveals stronger monsters. It also unlocks rarer items. This provides tangible rewards for experimentation. The game never explicitly tells you the optimal strategy. It instead prompts you to discover the system through play.
The Importance of Player Feedback
Actively solicit and incorporate player feedback. Beta testing, surveys, and community forums can provide invaluable insights. They show what works and what doesn’t.
Pay close attention to areas where players express confusion. Also note where players express frustration or boredom.
Use this feedback to refine your tutorial. Make it more effective and engaging.
Remember, the goal is to create a tutorial. It should help players enjoy your game, not drive them away.
The Future of Tutorials: Personalized Learning Experiences
The future of tutorials lies in personalized learning experiences. Games will adapt to the player’s individual needs and preferences. This will provide customized guidance and support.
Artificial intelligence will play a key role in this evolution. AI will allow games to analyze player behavior and provide tailored assistance.
Imagine a game that tracks your progress. It identifies your strengths and weaknesses. Based on this information, the game will create a personalized tutorial experience. This would focus on the areas where you need the most help.
The game might also provide you with customized challenges. Also, the game could provide rewards designed to keep you engaged and motivated.
The tutorial would no longer be a one-size-fits-all experience. It would be a dynamic and adaptive learning tool. It would be designed to help you master the game at your own pace.
The Ethical Considerations
Forced tutorials can also raise ethical concerns. By manipulating players into following a predetermined path, developers may be infringing on their autonomy. They could also be infringing on their freedom of choice.
It is important to respect players’ intelligence. Also, respect their agency. Give them the information they need to make informed decisions. Allow them to choose their own path.
Avoid using manipulative techniques to force players to complete the tutorial. Trust them to explore and discover the game on their own terms.
Practical Application: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Tutorials
Let’s put all of this into practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating better tutorials for your games:
Identify the Core Mechanics: Determine the essential mechanics players need to understand. Understanding these mechanics will allow players to enjoy your game.
Prioritize Learning Objectives: Decide which mechanics are most important. These should be taught first.
Choose the Right Approach: Select the tutorial approach that best suits your game. This should also fit your target audience. Consider using contextual tutorials. Also consider organic learning, or optional tutorials.
Design Engaging Activities: Create activities that are fun and challenging. The activities should be relevant to the game world.
Provide Clear and Concise Instructions: Use clear language. Avoid technical jargon.
Offer Helpful Feedback: Provide players with feedback on their performance. Highlight their successes. Suggest areas for improvement.
Test and Iterate: Playtest your tutorial with a variety of players. Gather feedback. Use this feedback to refine and improve your tutorial.
Embrace Player Agency: Let players have a measure of control. Give them some control in how they learn. Offer them choices. Let them explore.
By following these steps, you can create tutorials that are both effective and engaging. These tutorials will help players master your game. They’ll help them enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Tools of the Trade: Level Design and Scripting
Effective tutorials often rely on clever level design. They also often rely on scripting. Use these tools to guide players. Do so without explicitly telling them where to go or what to do.
Create paths that naturally lead players to important areas. Use environmental cues to highlight key objects or mechanics.
Script events that trigger based on player actions. These can provide subtle hints and guidance.
- Use lighting to guide the player’s eye.
- Use audio cues to signal important events.
- Use level design to create a sense of progression.
The Call to Action: Let’s Revolutionize Game Tutorials
We, as developers and players, have the power to revolutionize game tutorials. We can demand better learning experiences.
We can reject forced tutorials. These insult our intelligence.
We can embrace games that empower us. We can learn through discovery.
Let’s work together to create a future where tutorials are no longer a necessary evil. They should be a valuable and enjoyable part of the gaming experience.
The days of forced hand-holding need to end. We need to trust players. We need to empower them.
Let’s build games that respect our intelligence. We want to reward our curiosity.
Let’s build games that allow us to learn at our own pace. Allow them to learn in our own way.
Let’s build games that are truly engaging and rewarding. These should be from the very first moment to the very last.
The game is on. Are you ready to play?
Beyond "Easy Mode": Rethinking Accessibility
It’s easy to equate “tutorial” with “making the game easier.” But true accessibility goes far beyond simply dumbing down the mechanics.
It’s about providing different pathways to understanding and mastery. Offer extensive control remapping and visual aids. Provide alternative input methods.
Offer these alongside well-designed, optional tutorials. Empower players to customize their experience. Create a game that’s challenging and accessible.
The Illusion of Difficulty
Sometimes, a forced tutorial can actually increase the perceived difficulty of a game. By over-explaining simple mechanics, it can make the game seem more complex and daunting than it actually is.
Players may feel overwhelmed. This can happen by the amount of information they’re expected to absorb.
This can lead to frustration. Players may develop a sense of inadequacy.
Trust your players to figure things out on their own. Provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Let them discover the game at their own pace.
Alternative Tutorial Implementations
How else might games teach players? A few thoughts to ponder.
Consider in-world training grounds, seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Imagine a mentor character who provides optional guidance.
Players can then practice skills in a controlled environment. These controlled environments should be free from the pressures of the main game.
Another approach? Dynamic difficulty adjustment. The game can monitor a player’s performance.
It can then subtly adjust the challenge. All of this is without ever explicitly pausing the game for a tutorial.
This creates a personalized experience. It is tailored to each individual’s skill level.
Addressing Edge Cases: When Guidance is Crucial
There are scenarios where more direct guidance is necessary. Games with truly unique control schemes, for instance.
Or those with particularly complex resource management systems. These might benefit from a brief, skippable tutorial.
The key is brevity and clarity. Get the essential information across quickly. Then let the player experiment.
Always prioritize player agency. Even in these edge cases.
The Power of Environmental Storytelling
Forget walls of text. Teach through the environment itself.
A broken machine hints at the importance of repair. A carefully placed sign suggests a path forward.
Environmental storytelling is powerful. It is subtle. It is non-intrusive.
It can be a far more effective teaching tool. It avoids ever explicitly pausing the action.
Iterative Design: The Key to Success
No tutorial is perfect on the first try. Rigorous playtesting is essential.
Gather feedback from a diverse group of players. Observe how they interact with the game. Pay attention to where they struggle.
Use this data to iterate on your design. Refine the tutorial. Make it more intuitive.
The best tutorials are the result of a continuous process. This process involves testing and improvement.
Conclusion: A New Era of Player Empowerment
The era of forced tutorials is coming to an end. Players are demanding more agency. They want more freedom and more respect.
Developers who embrace this new paradigm will be rewarded. They’ll have more engaged and more loyal players. These players will be more passionate.
It’s time to trust our players. It’s time to empower them. It’s time to let them play.
The future of gaming depends on it.