Running a game after release.
WHAT POST-RELEASE WORK INVOLVES
Fixing defects Balancing Adding content Responding to the community Operating servers, where applicable
WHAT TO PREPARE BEFORE RELEASE
Crash reporting Analytics on player progression A patching process Community channels
WHY CRASH REPORTING SPECIFICALLY
Most players never report a crash; they stop playing.
WHAT TO MONITOR IMMEDIATELY AFTER RELEASE
Crash rate Where players stop Review sentiment Server load
WHAT TO FIX FIRST
Anything preventing play or losing progress.
WHAT COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT REQUIRES
Presence Honesty about what is and is not being worked on Not promising what may not happen
WHAT DAMAGES TRUST MOST
Silence, and unmet promises.
WHAT UPDATES SHOULD DO
Address what players actually report Explain what changed and why
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Balance changes affecting how people play Changes to purchased content Removing features people use
WHAT TO PLAN
How long you will support the game, and what happens when you stop.
WHAT TO COMMUNICATE
Any shutdown of services, well in advance.
