Let's Write a Tutorial

Yes, Malice's FAQ is a great starting point. I can quote much of it, but there are some things I think should be included without having to reference the detailed mechanics thread.

I guess I should have noted that this is in no way meant to be an official, GGG-sanctioned tutorial; this is just for the public weekend players. I don't know if they'll have access to the beta forums during the stress test, so having a FAQ in the General Discussion area could be a great help.

So, from the statements there (I can understand how lost people could get if they are really new to the genre), I'd say for the everfirst very basic faq:

"Read the hints on the loading screens!"

That ones give a lot of simple useful points from the game.

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Epicurwin wrote:

As for the first area. I think it is lacking. Most of the negative videos on youtube are people going through the first two areas becoming bored. People need to know how the game will feel later in the game.

Good tutorials should be a preview for the game and make you feel powerful. It shouldn't throw text at you and you should always feel like your still in the game world and not in a kiddie area.

Most of the negative reviews on Youtube are from idiots who play theme park MMOs and casual games. If they aren't given tons of shiny rewards every time they scratch their ass they're dissatisfied.

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Epicurwin wrote:

Here are some things I think the tutorial needs:

*The entire thing should be spoken, NO TEXT.

*The first zone should become larger, maybe split into two areas.

*You should get 3-4 skills gems, reach level 4 and have a few rares.

*Once you get to the boss and defeat him you get knocked out and become awake inside the town with the gems and rares missing. Spoke dialog will explain your gems were stolen or actually belonged to the towns people and they will reward you for retrieving them.

While I agree this could be an effective way to explain game mechanics, I don't feel it's the correct way to introduce someone to Path of Exile. Most people reach level 2 after defeating Hillock, have picked up a few items, and enter the town for their first skill gem. This gives them the time and safety they need to explore their inventory and skill gems. This would be the ideal time to start the skill gem tutorial.

I'd also rather keep the spoken dialogue for the quest acts. Tutorials should be written for review and are basically consumable. Won't need to hear it every time I start a new character and I'd rather see voice acting costs cover something with more longevity.