The Tutorial 

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https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/134531/tutorials_learning_to_play.php

Book of Lenses by Jesse Schell- The Lens of Accessibility 

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Looking at the importance of tutorials, I understand that there are multiple learning types and therefore player types. Initially, we have wanted the game to use little to no GUI, my opinion is the look of it on screen can disrupt the artwork and immersion, especially if there is barely any controls or information that the players require to know for the game features. Based on Alex's canoe carrying prototype and our discussions, we came up with the tutorial Island as a smaller space for players to learn the overarching mechanic of the game, portage. 

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However, I'm now concerned that some players will struggle to understand or engage with the game if there are no clear instructions, and that not fully understanding how to use and play with the game, immersion could just as easily be broken. 

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Goals of the tutorial: 

• "Subtle" (As in little to no GUI)

• Teach mechanics for paddling and beaching

• Then teach moving on land

• Then teach that the canoe needs to be reused

• Then teach how to pick up the canoe 

• Highlight carrying the canoe makes for slow movement

• Teach how to launch the canoe

• (Maybe hint towards the interactions)

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I write "(maybe hint towards the interactions)" because the experience indicates that we want the player to explore and be mindful. Being mindful of the environment should mean consideration of the possibilities in the game world. I am however worried that without any knowledge at all that the environment will be somewhat alive with possible encounters, they may never once pay attention to any affordance given to them. It will be a balancing act and something that needs to be prototyped soon. 

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Other than that, the parameters of the tutorial are there. I feel that considering the tutorial beforehand rather than at the very end, means I should have no reason for players to feel confused and disappointed with the early game experience. 

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Step 1) The player begins in the canoe on a river, with the river's current pushing them consistently from left to right. There should be enough space to allow meandering along the current and to practice with the paddling control. 

Step 2) The canoe will eventually land onto a particular river-bank. The player can exit the canoe and as they move further up the bank, they pull the canoe out of the water. Doing this, the dog will jump out onto land and run off towards the right, only off-screen a little bit.  

Step 3) Now with the freedom to walk around on foot, the player can explore and get used to this control. The intention that players might follow the direction of the dog. 

Step 4) The player explores the small Island and realise there is nowhere else to go. This is where the player needs to realise that the canoe is reusable.

Step 5) With a simple button press, the player can pick up the canoe and begin to portage. (This step can occur before Step 4)

Step 6) Hard Gate - Something happens to draw the player back towards the left. Now knowing the walking speed between freely walking or carrying the canoe, it is up to them to place it back down. The Dog will bark after staying with the paddle which has been left behind (This is the first and only time this will occur).

Step 7) Continuing rightward, the player arrives at the bank and can launch the canoe. 

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