#insteadOfNetflix it’s gaming night tonight! With next week’s gamescom shifting into full gear, I will spend the evening in space with one of my all-time favorites: No Man’s Sky.
Since its first release 7 years ago, this game – and the company behind it, Hello Games – became the poster child for user-centered (game) design. They leapfrogged out of a catastrophic situation during release and have since told the most fascinating redemption story the gaming world has ever witnessed.
As they worked with creative agency Alice & Smith to release an accompanying ARG for their first epic free update (one of many free updates to follow up until today), they went back to the drawing board. They collected gamer feedback in a playful, immersive, engaging, story-driven way and implemented these learnings as their game was already released, with constant updates.
If you’ve ever tried to change wheels while riding a train, you might get an idea of how that must have felt.
So, as this is a business platform, here are my takeaways:
- In gaming, if opponents keep coming at you, you most definitely are on the right track in your mission.
- Faced with a PR crisis, start doing what you are best at, even if that means radio silence for some time.
- Do not Astroturf and don’t talk about stuff without proven record of your statements being actually realized.
- Stay humble and let your work speak for itself.
- Learn to be resilient, patient, and think long-term.
- Adjust your strategy as you collect user feedback.
- Kill your idols.
I am not a mere fan of the game; there’s so much more to it. I love its lore and the immense story behind the story that teaches all of us so much that we can apply to our own projects and challenges in our professional life.
So, here’s to you, No Man’s Sky and Hello Games – you sure taught some of the biggest players a valuable lesson.
Onto the next 7 years!