Great Advice on Writing and the Differences Between Consumer Games and Social Games

Great Advice on Writing and the Differences Between Consumer Games and Social Games

Writing is a craft that takes time and effort to master. Tim Urban, the founder of Wait But Why, shares his experience of writing 300 blog posts between the ages of 23 and 29 before finding his voice, tone, and style. It's important to experiment and be willing to rewrite parts, start over, or try a new approach if something isn't working. The key is to keep fiddling until it clicks.

One valuable piece of advice Tim gives is to read a lot. Reading is like fertilizer for your writing skills. When it comes to finding your own style, there's a spectrum to consider. On one end, you might be completely copying the style and wording of a writer you admire. On the other end, you strive to be completely unique, writing in a way the world has never seen before. However, Tim suggests starting somewhere in the middle and gradually working your way up the scale as you mature as a writer. It's a process of imitating and then innovating to find your own voice.

But what about feedback? As you grow as a writer, it's important to be discerning about the feedback you receive. Tim advises that the person giving feedback should believe in you, root for you, and be aware that what they're reading is not your maximum potential but rather your experimentation, gaining confidence, and voice-finding stage. Feedback from someone who satisfies these criteria can be incredibly valuable.

While the quality of writing is important, the ideas behind the writing hold greater significance. It's better to have great ideas with pretty good writing than the other way around. This insight reminds us that content and substance should take precedence over style.

Now, let's shift our focus to the differences between consumer games and social games, as explained by Kazuki, a game designer. He points out three significant gaps from the perspective of the consumer side looking at social games.

Firstly, the business scope comes into play when designing social games. Unlike consumer games, where the focus is primarily on the game design itself, social games require consideration of business aspects. This means that factors like user acquisition, user enjoyment, and monetization strategies need to be at the forefront of the game design process.

Secondly, the concept of alpha games is introduced in the context of social games. Alpha games are designed to provide a sense of pleasure and excitement through achieving alpha status within a group. This state, characterized by the release of dopamine and adrenaline, is associated with becoming the top player and experiencing the optimized personality traits of confidence and decisiveness. Alpha games tap into this innate human desire for status and reward.

Thirdly, the importance of operations and the impact on the quality of a game at the time of release is highlighted. Unlike consumer games, which strive for a 100% quality at release, social games often have operational aspects that can affect the quality and performance of the game. This means that the initial release may not be perfect, but improvements and updates can be made over time.

The intersection between alpha games and the freemium monetization model often leads to the creation of a "PayToWin" environment. In this scenario, players who spend money on the game gain an advantage, which can enhance their experience in terms of both alpha and flow states. Game designers need to find a balance between monetization and ensuring an enjoyable experience for all players.

It's important to recognize that the motivations behind social game directors and teams are driven by business considerations. If a social game fails to generate revenue, it becomes unsustainable, leading to the cessation of events, updates, and ultimately, the discontinuation of the service.

In conclusion, writing and game design both require experimentation, finding one's voice, and continuous improvement. Reading extensively and seeking feedback from the right people can immensely contribute to growth in these fields. Additionally, understanding the differences between consumer games and social games, such as the incorporation of business scope, the concept of alpha games, and the impact of operations, allows for a deeper appreciation of the unique challenges and considerations involved.

Actionable advice:

1. Experiment with different styles and approaches to find your own voice as a writer. Keep fiddling until it clicks.
2. Read extensively to expose yourself to different writing styles and ideas, which will fertilize your own writing skills.
3. Seek feedback from individuals who believe in you, root for you, and understand that your writing is a work in progress. Their insights can help you refine your voice and improve your writing.

Remember, the journey of becoming a skilled writer or game designer is not a linear one. Embrace the process, learn from others, and continue honing your craft.