Every Tool Sucks!

Dietmar Hauser – Head of ProgrammingSproing Interactive Media GmbH

What do I mean with „Tool“?

Wikipedia says:“A tool is

any physical item that can be used to

achieve a goal, especially if the item

is not consumed in the

process.”

What do I mean with „Tool“?

Let‘s tweak it:– Not strictly physical Software!– Our goal Make Games!– Software can‘t be consumed

What do I mean with „Suck“?

Urban Dictionary says:

“Not good, bad.”

So, these Tools, they...

• Make making games possible• Are free, bought or self-made• Are standalone or pluggable• Can be combined to make multi tools• Come in all shapes and forms• But...

Every Tool Sucks!

• They are too hard to use• Don‘t do what‘s expected• Are designed by sadists• Cause fustration• Decrease productivity• ...until they don‘t anymore

„Possible Tools Space“

Ease Of Use

Specialization

REALITY

IMAGINATION

What does this mean?

• „Marketing“ is key for tools acceptance– Needs to reflect reality– Needs to engage users emotionally

• Tool makers do this, often unintentional– Unity3D does it best– In house development (usually) worst

• Tool makers have the power!– Use it when creating tools

Philosoraptor ponders…

Tool makers…– have the power– know all this– have motivation

Why do new tools still suck?

It‘s the brain, stupid!

Dual Process Theory– System 1– System 2

Cognitive Easevs.

Cognitive Strain

Cognitive Ease

Source: Daniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and Slow

What does this mean?

• Your body will resist new tools!• Give in and miss out, or…• …persist and enjoy!• Some hints:– Be and stay rested– Repeated exposure– Stay curious!

Conclusions

• Tools are important• Making good tools is hard– No silver bullets

• Getting used to tools is hard– Your body resists

• Keep calm and push through• Some tools still suck…

Dietmar Hauserdietmar.hauser@sproing.com@Rattenhirn

Sproing Interactive Media GmbHhttps://www.sproing.comhttps://fb.me/sproing@sproinggames