PICO-8
Nerdy
Game Design
game design:
Onboarding by Genre
Different onboarding methods are more commonly used and more successfully used depending on the genre of the game. So we thought a reference like this will come in handy for developers looking to choose, build, or improve their player onboarding.
Simply find the genre of game you are making, and view a short-list of suggested onboarding methods that are common for that genre. These are of course only suggestions, but there is an important reason we researched and provided this reference.
Players of a certain genre are already used to seeing certain onboarding methods, which means if you provide them with the same methods in your game, you can reduce the friction new players endure while learning how to play, creating a smooth learning-to-playing experience.
Game Genres
Action
Skill based games that reward fast reflexes, short reaction times, and quick hand-eye coordination.
Pop-up Text Prompts | Scripted Sequences | On-Screen Button Hints | Feature UnlocksAdventure
Story-focused games that let you explore and uncover the narrative through playing and interacting with the game world.
Text-Based Tutorial Screens | Pop-up Text Prompts | NPC Dialog | Environmental CuesArcade
Short and simple skill-based games with simple and abstract sprites, usually just shapes.
Learning by Doing | Manuals or Digital Guides | Level-GatingCards
Any game that simulates physical cards that give a feel of playing on a table-top with playing-cards, collectable card games, or board game cards.
Pop-up Text Prompts | Scripted Actions | TooltipsCasual
Slow-paced, stress-free, easy-going games where you take your time to collect, build, create, wander, etc. without time or score pressure. Easy to pick up and play.
On-Rails Introductions | NPC Dialog | Micro-ChallengesFighting
Melee action combat with combination of buttons for different fighting actions such as attacking, blocking, combos, and special moves.
Practice Arenas | Control Diagrams | Micro-Challenges | Demonstrate & ImitateHorror
Games that attempt to be scary, creepy, spooky, eerie, etc. that are usually dark and likely involve some type of hidden monster(s).
Learning by Doing | Control Diagrams | Environmental Cues | Pop-up Text PromptsPlatformer
2D side-scrolling games where you control a character to run, jump, climb, and avoid hazards to move through the levels.
Environmental Cues | Guided Tutorial Levels | Micro-Challenges | Feature UnlocksPuzzle
Logic and problem solving focused games that make you consider each move you make.
Level-Gating | Feature Unlocks | Micro-Challenges | Environmental CuesRhythm
A skill-based game that ties player interaction to the timing of the music.
On-Rails Introductions | Guided Tutorial Levels | Control Diagrams | On-Screen Button HintsRole-Playing
Story-driven game that focuses on character choices, customization, skills, upgrades, and resources.
Text-Based Tutorial Screens | NPC Dialog | Contextual Tutorials | Feature UnlocksRogue-likes
Usually involving procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and a focus on replayability and challenge.
Text-Based Tutorial Screens | NPC Demonstrations | Contextual Tutorials | Feature UnlocksShooter
Ranged combat games that focus on aiming, shooting projectiles, and maneuvering to not be hit by incoming projectiles.
Scripted Sequences | On-Rails Introductions | Pop-up Text Prompts | Practice ArenasSports
Any game based on real human sport, with varying degrees of reality, such as football, tennis, golf, racing, skiing, pool, etc.
Tooltips | Text-Based Tutorial Screens | Contextual Tutorials | Control DiagramsStealth
A blend of Action and Strategy game that focuses on evasion, hiding, and navigating spaces while not being detected by enemies.
Environmental Cues | Scripted Actions | Simulated Challenges | Contextual TutorialsStrategy
Logic based games that reward analytical thinking, planning, management, and time to think about short-term actions towards long-term goals.
Guided Tutorial Levels | Text-Based Tutorial Screens | Micro-Challenges | Help Menus | Manuals or Digital GuidesSurvival
Life simulation games that require managing basic survival needs such as hunger, thirst, health, heat, etc.
Contextual Tutorials | Learning by Doing | Level-Gating | Pop-up Text Prompts
26
18 May 2025
