Positioning game review as a crucial element of game user feedback in the ongoing development of independent video games

Abstract

The research is designed to determine the extent to which game reviews on the Steam platform can be used as a means of discerning the common needs of players and any flaws in existing games. In this study, the independent game No Man’s Sky is adopted as the subject of the research. Results indicated that the majority of reviews reflect shortcomings of No Man’s Sky and that the developer has acknowledged these shortcomings. Statistical research and the analytic hierarchy process supported that variables on the Steam platform reflect players’ common needs and constitute a model by means of which developers can assess constructive data. Based on these results, the researcher argues that it provides clarification for indie game developers who rely on online reviews on Steam for ideas which can assist them in effecting improvements in-game quality on a constant basis.

Keywords

• Indie games
• Steam
• Game review
• Ongoing improvement
• Game testing
• Feedback analysis