It’s inevitable. At some point during the development of your game, you’re going to need to update it. Maybe you’ve added new features, or perhaps you’ve fixed a few pesky bugs. Or you’ve finally encountered multiple cheaters who start invading your game. The Video Game Cheats explained it all. Regardless of the reason, updates are a necessary part of any software development process. In this guide, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to handle game updates effectively and efficiently. So read on and learn how to keep your players happy and your development process on track.
Non-Breaking Changes Vs. Breaking Changes
Game updates come in a variety of forms, but they can generally be divided into two categories: non-breaking changes and breaking changes. Non-breaking changes are minor tweaks or fixes that don’t fundamentally alter the way your game works. They might add new levels or balance weapon power, for example. Breaking changes, on the other hand, are more significant. They drastically alter the rules of your game or even introduce entirely new mechanics.
Development of Breaking Changes
And if you’re making a breaking change to your game, you’ll need to take extra care. Make sure that any major adjustments are thoroughly tested before they go live. It’s also essential to ensure that all your players have the same game version. If they don’t, some may play with different rules than others. This can throw off the balance of your game, and may cause a lot of confusion and frustration. Not only that, but it can also lead to more cheating.
Release Plan for Breaking Changes
So how do you ensure your players are all on the same page? Having a clear release plan for any major updates is more than just a gimmick. Make sure everyone knows when they can expect the new version of the game and what changes it will bring. And if possible, give players enough time to prepare before releasing the update. That way, they’ll know what to expect and won’t be taken by surprise. In fact, it’s often a good idea to give players the opportunity to opt-in for the update. That way, they can decide for themselves if they’re ready for your new changes or not.
Testing Before Launch
Once you’ve finalized your plans and are ready to launch your game updates, don’t forget to test them thoroughly. Make sure that the game runs smoothly and that all new features work as intended. It’s also important to test your game on different platforms, as some updates may only work with specific hardware configurations. Finally, don’t forget to run a few stress tests. This will help you identify any potential issues before they become bigger problems for players.
Game updates are an essential part of any software development process. The key to success is to stay organized, plan ahead, and pay close attention to detail. And by following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll easily manage your game updates. So keep these tips in mind, and start making great games with your excellent updates today.
