The document outlines a 4-step process for developing a free-to-play game: 1) Conduct internal sanity checks and testing, 2) Perform external playtesting, 3) Soft launch the game and gather player feedback, and 4) Continuously improve the game over 3-10 years based on player data. It also discusses challenges with free-to-play games like low conversion rates and the importance of listening to player feedback.

1. INTO THE DARKNESS
FIGURING OUT WHAT THEY ACTUALLY WANT

2. THE NECESSARY INTRO SLIDE
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3. WHY (F2P) GAME DEVELOPMENT SUCKS
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4. STEP 1: SANITY CHECK
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5. LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR
(AKA “THINGS THAT DON’T LOOK LIKE A BIG DEAL BUT WILL RUIN OUR LIFE”)
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6. STEP 2: EXTERNAL PLAYTESTING
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7. STEP 2: EXTERNAL PLAYTESTING
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8. STEP 3: SOFT-LAUNCH Q&A
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9. PERFORMANCE CAN IMPROVE A LOT

10. IF YOU HAVE THE TIME AND THE MONEY

11. STEP 4: THREE (5, 10) YEARS AFTER
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12. A WORD ON CONVERSION
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13. ONE MORE WORD ON CONVERSION
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14. ONE MORE WORD ON CONVERSION
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15. A WORD ON CONVERSION
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16. STEP 4: THREE (5, 10) YEARS AFTER
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17. VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
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18. GL&HF!