LudumData

Post Results Post Mortem: Categorical Failure :(

[raw] LD22LD #22 10. Jan 2012 · 15:12 UTC · 25 days after compo start by kutuup1989 · 1

So my first LD comes to an end, and a pretty tragic one at that.

After failing to secure a score above 2.5 in any category, I’m just not sure I’m cut out for this contest. Pouring a whole weekend of work into a game

which apparently sucked across the board has just been a pretty significant disappointment for me. The disappointment is coupled with the frustration of a glut of comments on the game

stating that it didn’t work at all when looking in the instructions provided with the game and reading my numerous description updates directing people to RTFM would have

shown people that they simply needed to install a VC redist which was also included with the game. I swear people just don’t read instructions any more.

Unfortunately comments can’t be removed and so the number of comments from people who failed to read the manual probably put off a number of people who skipped over the game.

 

Oh well, what it comes down to is the thoughts of the people who DID read the manual and play the game. Sadly they thought it sucked in pretty much every way. I’d have to agree.  Don’t think I’ll be entering next time. I don’t think I have what it takes to be honest.

Anyway, I had fun trying and I suppose that’s what counts. Maybe I’m being unjustly moapy, I’m just disappointed that the only positive comment my entry received was one thanking me for not cheating.

Comments

Thief
10. Jan 2012 · 16:14 UTC
You should set the project to static link with the runtime, then you don’t need the redist :)
Gaeel
10. Jan 2012 · 16:15 UTC
While I understand that you struggled, and are dissapointed with the results, I wish to retort with some kind words and helpful advice.
10. Jan 2012 · 16:32 UTC
Yes, learn from the experience. If you got rated really bad, there is a reason.
digital_sorceress
10. Jan 2012 · 16:56 UTC
Yes, learn from the experience. If you got rated really bad, there is a reason.
Jorjon
10. Jan 2012 · 16:56 UTC
Well you also got only 14 votes, the lowest amount as far as I can see in the misc_links page. Maybe your biggest fail was to properly promote your game.
ericdpitts
10. Jan 2012 · 17:28 UTC
Don’t get too discouraged! Also, try not to shut down and get hostile at negativity. Negative reviews are the best reviews. While it’s nice to hear good things about your work, it’s even better to hear about how to make it better. Try to learn from it. If people are having trouble running your game, try to figure out a way to make it more easily accessible. People can’t rate your game if they can’t play it. Also, it tends to give players a bad first impression if it takes them leaps and bounds to get your game working in the first place.
digital_sorceress
10. Jan 2012 · 17:50 UTC
I’d also like to add: Your Overall ranking was 484 out of 717. There were 233 people ranked lower than yourself, putting you roughly at the 1/3 mark. Do all those 233 people feel the same as you?
SonnyBone
10. Jan 2012 · 20:06 UTC
You’ll learn that when there are SO MANY GAMES TO RATE… the reviewers want quick and simple ways to play your game. Requiring installs and extras immediately turns them off when they have another 100 – 200 games to play. Web-based games generally get the mos plays. If you can’t make a web game, then go for a simple EXE that doesn’t require any additional setup.
13. Jan 2012 · 18:20 UTC
The only way to get really good at something is to never give up and learn how to deal with “failures”.

With Ludum Dare, you get an excellent opportunity to fail many times and get a lot of quick (and sometimes harsh) feedback.

This is what it takes to really grow.