What are the common pitfalls to avoid when designing scenarios for a gaming platform?

1 Lack of clarity

One of the worst things you can do as a scenario designer is to confuse your players with unclear goals, rules, feedback, or instructions. This can frustrate them, make them lose interest, or even quit the game altogether. To avoid this pitfall, you should always test your scenarios with your target audience and make sure they understand what they are supposed to do, how to do it, and why it matters. You should also provide clear and consistent feedback on their actions and progress, as well as hints and guidance when they get stuck.

2 Lack of variety

Another common pitfall is to design scenarios that are too repetitive, predictable, or boring. This can make your players feel like they are doing the same thing over and over again, without any challenge, surprise, or reward. To avoid this pitfall, you should design scenarios that offer variety in terms of gameplay, difficulty, content, and aesthetics. You should also introduce new elements, twists, and outcomes as the game progresses, to keep your players engaged and curious.

3 Lack of balance

A third common pitfall is to design scenarios that are too easy or too hard for your players. This can make your players feel either bored or frustrated, depending on their skill level and preferences. To avoid this pitfall, you should design scenarios that are balanced in terms of challenge and reward, and that adapt to your players' abilities and choices. You should also provide different modes, levels, options, and feedback that suit different types of players and situations.

4 Lack of coherence

A fourth common pitfall is to design scenarios that are inconsistent or contradictory with the game's theme, story, or logic. This can make your players feel disconnected, confused, or annoyed by the game's world, characters, or events. To avoid this pitfall, you should design scenarios that are coherent with the game's vision, genre, and narrative. You should also ensure that your scenarios follow the game's rules, logic, and continuity, and that they do not break the immersion or suspension of disbelief.

5 Lack of empathy

A fifth common pitfall is to design scenarios that are insensitive, offensive, or inappropriate for your players' emotions, values, or cultures. This can make your players feel alienated, angry, or hurt by the game's messages, representations, or interactions. To avoid this pitfall, you should design scenarios that are empathetic, respectful, and inclusive of your players' diversity and needs. You should also avoid stereotypes, biases, or assumptions that might harm or exclude your players.

6 Lack of feedback

A sixth common pitfall is to design scenarios that do not solicit or incorporate feedback from your players. This can make your players feel ignored, unimportant, or powerless in the game's development and improvement. To avoid this pitfall, you should design scenarios that invite and encourage feedback from your players, both during and after the game. You should also listen to and act on the feedback you receive, and show your players that you value their opinions and suggestions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?