1.
Every Tool Sucks!
Dietmar Hauser – Head of Programming
Sproing Interactive Media GmbH

2.
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.”

3.
What do I mean with „Tool“?
Let‘s tweak it:
– Not strictly physical  Software!
– Our goal  Make Games!
– Software can‘t be consumed

4.
What do I mean with „Suck“?
Urban Dictionary says:
“Not good, bad.”

5.
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...

6.
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

7.
„Possible Tools Space“
Ease Of Use
Specialization
REALITY
IMAGINATION

8.
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

9.
Philosoraptor ponders…
Tool makers…
– have the power
– know all this
– have motivation
Why do new tools still suck?

10.
It‘s the brain, stupid!
Dual Process Theory
– System 1
– System 2
Cognitive Ease
vs.
Cognitive Strain

11.
Cognitive Ease
Source: Daniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and Slow

12.
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!

13.
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…

14.
Dietmar Hauser
dietmar.hauser@sproing.com
@Rattenhirn
Sproing Interactive Media GmbH
https://www.sproing.com
https://fb.me/sproing
@sproinggames