Japanese Game Developers Reveal Major Flaws in Tutorial Systems That Drive Players Away
Discussions surrounding game “tutorial systems” have resurfaced after several Japanese game developers shared their perspectives on social media, pointing out that excessive explanations at the very start of a game may actually be a key reason why many players quit before truly experiencing its fun.
Japanese Developers Highlight Tutorial Issues in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Modern Games
Itchie, a Japanese programmer and producer who has previously worked with major studios such as Square and SNK, shared his past experience on platform X while developing a mobile game. He explained that a significant number of players were quitting early in the game, which he initially believed was due to players not understanding the tutorial. As a result, he decided to add even more explanations.
However, after analyzing deeper player data, he discovered that players barely read the additional instructions at all. The real issue was that players had to wait too long before being able to control their character themselves. After shortening the tutorial by just 30 seconds, the player retention rate increased noticeably.
Itchie described this as a classic case of developers making assumptions about player understanding without relying on real data. Another developer, Shimaguni Yamato, echoed this sentiment by noting that management teams often suggest “adding more explanations,” while developers understand that letting players experience the fun first is far more important. He explained that complex systems can feel overwhelming and tedious if introduced all at once.
Shimaguni referenced criticism aimed at Xenoblade Chronicles 2, a popular title often cited for having overly dense tutorials. He suggested separating core mechanics from secondary systems, then gradually introducing explanations in short segments during actual gameplay rather than front-loading everything at the beginning.
Meanwhile, Hiroyuki Matsumoto, CEO of Flight Unit and a character designer known for his work on the Atelier series, offered a more blunt perspective. He stated that most players “just want to play the game” and generally dislike tutorials. Even as a player himself, he admitted that he rarely remembers early-game explanations. What players truly need, he argued, are clear visual cues and short notifications before using important items, rather than lengthy instructional text.
In contrast, many developers praised Nintendo’s approach, which often teaches mechanics naturally through gameplay rather than overwhelming players with information. Some titles, such as Mario Kart, barely include a formal tutorial at all, yet remain accessible and intuitive.
The perspectives shared by Japanese developers highlight that effective tutorials do not need to explain everything upfront. Instead, allowing players to experience enjoyment first and learn organically through play can significantly improve retention. Thoughtfully designed tutorial systems not only keep players engaged longer but also contribute to smoother, more memorable gameplay experiences over time.
Source: Automaton
