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Installation,
Updates and Tech Support Systems
Non-entertainment products must feature higher quality and extensive installation and support systems to ensure maximum use and adoption. Entertainment products for the most part sport much smoother installation processes than they did even two years ago. However, because of the need to install various operating system components in addition to the product, games usually have a more complex installation process.
Expect to find many consumers who have never installed multimedia or game software to have systems devoid of important game technologies like joystick drivers, and especially up-to-date versions of DirectX, a key technology for implementing games on the Windows platform.
The result is that an installation process needs to be a carefully evaluated and basic component of the package, or users need to be instructed how to install such critical components.
Another key component not usually encountered by game developers in their traditional markets will be the need to support network installation and operation. Many markets for game simulation and modeling projects will be in institutions that wish to install or allow the running of multiple instances of their software. Game developers should ensure, whenever possible that their titles:
· Can be installed over a network
· Can be run from a central file server by a local machine
· Are devoid of cumbersome piracy prevention processes such as necessitating the CD-ROM to be present in a machine in order to operate the product
In terms of support, expect needs to be greater than with traditional game audiences. This includes configuring such issues as sound, music, input devices, and graphics cards. Providing strong troubleshooting documentation with a product or via a website will be important.
Expecting that many titles developed for non-entertainment oriented uses will be offered at zero cost, developers should also anticipate widespread distribution via the Internet. This gives the opportunity to embed into the installation process electronic user registration and user surveys. Developers might also include an integrated update system for extensions and patches, as well as in-game links to online support and information systems such as a website.
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