Many aspects can help to define the quality of a game. Players will typically reserve judgment for the gameplay, the visuals, and the audio after playing a title for a period of time. Of course, these are things that all gamers want and expect to be at their highest standard, as they are the elements that help immerse us and keep us entertained.
However, the introduction to the game is something that really needs to be on point and can’t be understated. Have you ever played a title and thought in the beginning that it’s too slow and that the game is difficult to get into? Perhaps you have and you’ve stopped playing it without getting into the main gameplay? Conversely, have you played a game that has such an incredible intro that you’re sucked in from the very first minute and struggle to put it down?
We all strive to achieve the latter when it comes to new releases and titles, but it’s not always the case. Still, developers do their very best to try and accomplish this, and will follow a number of processes to try and give us the experiences we demand when trying to remain entertained.
What do developers do to try and create a great game intro?
Several techniques are followed when developers create a game intro. As explored below, they recognize that it can be more important than any other aspect of a title because it can create a first impression. The introduction needs to be solid as it can encourage players to continue enjoying the title. Alluded to already, if the intro provides a poor negative, it’s highly likely that a player will look for alternative options because they’ll be inclined to think things aren’t going to improve much further.
So, what do game studios do to try and maximize the success rate they have and create a great game intro that everyone can be encapsulated by? The following aspects can help to build a solid foundation:
- Immediate Engagement: Games that capture our attention immediately will have a better chance of success than those that don’t. As gamers, we want to be gripped as soon as the title loads. We want to feel as though we can’t put it down anytime soon, and that something new will happen with every moment. If a game’s intro has a compelling story or hook immediately, we are more likely to want to play and remain involved.
- Character Connection: The characters used within games can have a significant impact on our experiences as players. If done correctly, we can become emotionally invested in them, creating a level of engagement and making us want to explore them. A great game intro will immediately introduce us to a character that we want to be fully behind and play with.
- Using Stock Footage: A great game intro can be created by utilizing stock videos. A game that features footage that blends reality with fantasy can have a significant impact on a player’s emotions, engaging them with the content and making them want to play on. The stock videos used need to match the content, but they can be a great way for developers to create new experiences and add additional dimensions to the gameplay in a simple yet effective way.
- Create Suspense from the Onset: The best introductions at the beginning of games can evoke emotions of suspense and tension from the get-go. Gamers who are already on edge or are excited about what to expect will immediately want to play and go as far as they can because they feel they have something to experience. Games that start slowly may become boring or disinteresting.
Why do game studios need to focus on creating great game introductions?
Game studios must ensure they create a great game introduction because it can have a positive impact for them in more ways than one. With revenue generation their main objective, it can be in their best interest to create experiences that players enjoy and keeps them coming back for more.
Indeed, first impressions can be telling for some games. As soon as players load a title and play for the first few minutes, it’s likely that they are going to form a perception of what the rest of the gameplay is like. If they like the experiences they’ve received to that point, they are likely to continue playing. If not, they will likely stop, which could see online criticism spread and impact the studio’s sales and reputation, especially with future releases.
Again, a positive game introduction can help to retain a player base and convince them to remain loyal to the brand. If they like what they receive from one title, they are more likely to look forward to playing others that are released based on expectations that have been set. In a highly competitive industry, player loyalty can mean a lot for some studios. If they can keep players invested and want to return, they’ve won part of the battle developers face.
A great intro sets up the entire game
The significance of introducing a game cannot be overstated. It’s a crucial aspect of a title that can significantly impact the perception it receives from players. If it starts off well, it’s more likely to be a success and encourage players to enjoy prolonged sessions.
Conversely, weak introductions can have a harmful impact on a game studio, with damage economically and reputation likely to be experienced. This can make it more difficult for them to recover in an industry that is very unforgiving.