Updating an old game?

[TheoAllen 830]

For instance, you have a complete game made in months ago or maybe last year. You received a lot of feedbacks feedbacks, reviews, or even Let's play videos. You noticed a lot of design flaws on your game. However, you were unable to update the game due to some reasons. Then a lot of people already download your game and finish your game as well. 

 

Now you have a chance to update the game. You're not satisfied yet with the design and that's make you want to update the game. Though, considering it has many download counts and probably a lot of people already finish your game, it seems pointless to update the game, like "would anyone replay my game?". Also, if you update the game, it could make the previous written reviews not relevant anymore.

 

Assumed the game is not worth enough to remake

Do you choose to leave the game as is, or update it anyway?

[RaidoFrost 7]

I'd probably leave it as is and start a new project.

 

Is this purely hypothetical or a situation you're currently in?

[Tarq 746]

Update is the obvious choice here dude.

No-ones going to complain that an issue a reviewer had while playing has been resolved or improved upon.

As for whether its worth it when people might not replay it, well you're not updating it for them; you're updating it for the people who will. Because those people are fans. And, ofc, there's the literal billions of people who have not played your game yet.

 

I know you're a guy who keeps himself busy Theo so I'm not going to suggest how you prioritise it but what you're asking is actually a perk thats pretty exclusive to this medium; take advantage of it.

[TheoAllen 830]

I'd probably leave it as is and start a new project.

 

Is this purely hypothetical or a situation you're currently in?

It's actually my situation right now.

Starting a new project might a choice. But it requires a lot of preparation and design so you won't aimlessly make a game (put these features, put this and that)... or at least, for me.

 

Update is the obvious choice here dude.

No-ones going to complain that an issue a reviewer had while playing has been resolved or improved upon.

As for whether its worth it when people might not replay it, well you're not updating it for them; you're updating it for the people who will. Because those people are fans. And, ofc, there's the literal billions of people who have not played your game yet.

 

I know you're a guy who keeps himself busy Theo so I'm not going to suggest how you prioritise it but what you're asking is actually a perk thats pretty exclusive to this medium; take advantage of it.

Makes sense, so that's an obvious reason why the developer should keep updating the game. Thanks for input

[Nekotori 739]

Update it with your hearts content. Then add the words "Remix", "Remastered", "1.5" or anything xD well actually those words where used on some games that was remade to use another system, engine or graphic overhaul :3

 

I dont see anything bad if the game will look/feel/play better

[+ Chaosian 617]

It depends on what you hope to get out of it.

 

If it's for a better looking resume, quality tends to be better than quantity. "Your portfolio is only as good as the worst thing on it."

If it's because you are personally invested in the game, and would rather see the game told better again - follow your passion.

 

If it's because you're unsatisfied with the reception of the game, move on. Its infrequent a remake ever gets as much attention as the original.

If it's because you want to keep making games... just be done with the game and move on. No game, especially a project you pour your heart and soul into is ever 100% done.

[amerk 1,122]

There comes a point where you need to stop and move on, and consider what you've learned for the next project, especially if such updates prevent you from moving on. That said, there is nothing wrong going back once and awhile and making adjustments. I did it recently with my one and only project since I think the changes (while minimal) made the game a bit more flavorable, even though the game has been finished and not updated in over a year. I mainly did it for my own peace of mind - not perfect, but good enough for me to feel I did what I could for my first project and I can finally lay it to rest.

 

Feedback is still valuable regardless, though, since you can always take it with you wherever you go.

[EternalShadow 28]

A very good question I asked myself and others in the past!

 

The general consensus I got was that if the past game is flawed and you have learnt from your future ones and want to fix it up to make it look better for your resume, then feel free to. However, don't re-release it for the sake of appeasing the exact people who reviewed the game already.

 

There is also the consideration of the fact that people might play your past games if they liked your recent ones.

[TheoAllen 830]

Haha, no. I update the not because for the sake of appeasing. It just because I also agreed with some of their feedback.

And yes, it's for my peace of mind. It was really bothered me if it has a lot of flaws.

I might so proud with my game right now, but I'm sure as the time passed, I will notice more and more flaws.

 

Then, if I didn't update my game, after years later, some people played my game and then give their comments to me, the only thing I could reply would be "Ah, that was my old game. Indeed it had a lot of flaws"

It's not cool ...

[Knighterius 502]

"But here try my new game a complete spin off of the first only much worse and made in little time" x) I think you should just update it x) I am looking forward to playing it.

[amerk 1,122]

A very good question I asked myself and others in the past!

 

The general consensus I got was that if the past game is flawed and you have learnt from your future ones and want to fix it up to make it look better for your resume, then feel free to. However, don't re-release it for the sake of appeasing the exact people who reviewed the game already.

 

There is also the consideration of the fact that people might play your past games if they liked your recent ones.

 

While I agree with not wanting to appease people who've already played / reviewed the game, there's always the opportunity of attracting new gamers. Sometimes a quick blurg of what you did is enough to draw in a new crowd.