Here's how you can navigate criticism and feedback post a failed game release.

You have heard that before but i'll say it again, Your First Game Will Fail and it should you can learn alot from failures than from your success

Every successful developer has faced failure at some point. Accepting the reality of a failed game release is crucial. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, see it as a chance to grow. Your response to setbacks will shape your future successes.

Feedback is the lifeblood of progress but not all feedback should be taken seriously. There is feedback that while we’ll intentioned maybe coming from a place of bias, For example, “too bossy”, usually said of a woman who wants to lead and and aim at high paying jobs. “You must understand your limits”, suggested to someone who has the courage to compete among the younger ones. Don’t let it dim your light. Take that as a compliment, say thanks with enthusiasm! 😊 The healthy way to take feedback is to pass it through your own values and take what is helpful for growth. Then keep walking with confidence and kindness ensuring that you’re not giving biases more time and energy than it’s worth.

Dive into the feedback post-launch with an open mind. Separate constructive criticism from negative comments and look for patterns. Use this information to pinpoint what needs improvement. Remember, not all criticism is useful, but it's essential for growth.

When facing criticism, engage with your audience respectfully. Acknowledge their concerns, thank them for their feedback, and show your willingness to improve. Constructive dialogue can turn critics into loyal supporters.

Publicly recognize the problems and assure the community that you are committed to fixing them. Be honest about what went wrong and what lessons have been learned. This builds trust and shows the community you take their feedback seriously.

Use the insights from feedback to plan improvements. Identify key areas for enhancement and prioritize them. A clear improvement plan can turn a setback into a stepping stone for your next successful release.

Stay positive even when facing criticism. A positive attitude helps you stay motivated and focused on finding solutions. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and get better.

Due to various factors and reasons, making games is challenging. No one knows the secret formula for success. But if you have gathered a team, made a game, and someone played it and gave you feedback – congratulations, that is already a success. Even if, based on the feedback, your game became the worst game of the year, you still made it onto the list of elite game developers. The fact is, 99% of teams don't reach the stage where "someone was able to play our game." You have gained experience and a better understanding of yourself. Now you know more precisely what games you want to make and with whom. The next game will definitely be better.

To navigate criticism and feedback after a failed game release, start by maintaining a professional and open mindset. Listen actively to feedback from players and reviewers to understand their perspectives. Identify constructive criticism that can help improve future projects. Communicate transparently with your team and stakeholders about the lessons learned. Use the feedback to conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis, pinpointing what went wrong and how to avoid similar issues. Stay positive and focus on growth, using the experience as a learning opportunity to enhance your skills and future game development efforts.