The internet has made it possible for gamers to interact with developers. Recently more and more initiatives have shown that gamers want to be heard by developers. Gamers have recently launched a new initiative: Gamersuggestions. This is a platform where gamers themselves can post their suggestions for their favorite games. This same community ranks these ideas using a like/dislike mechanism. This way developers can see within the blink of an eye what the most wanted changes are The first developers already joined Gamersuggestions, does this mean that developers start to listen to gamers and their suggestions?

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands. – October 31, 2012

Just a few months ago a vast amount of gamers wanted developer Bioware to change the ending of Mass Effect 3. Even though Bioware did not expect this, they responded by announcing a free downloadable content that should provide more closure. Ray Muzyka, co-founder of Bioware said: “If you are a Mass Effect fan and have input for the team – we respect your opinion and want to hear it. We’re committed to address your constructive feedback as best we can”. The Extended Cut was released recently for free. Although not every gamer was happy with the ending, Bioware’s response was praised by gamers, because they felt a sense of acknowledgement.

More and more gamers are trying to be heard by developers to achieve realization of their desires. So could it be that we are on a turning point in gaming history? Rick Leunisse, founder of Gamersuggestions, seems to think so:  “I believe that the majority of gamers know how to improve their favorite games, but a lot of good suggestions go unnoticed. The idea behind Gamersuggestions is that gamers are able to recognize good ideas in the same manner as they can effectively recognize good games”.

Interaction between gamers and developers has become increasingly important over the years. Besides the useful input that developers can receive at Gamersuggestions, they can also increase the engagement from fans. For example, the developers of Blacklight Retribution did a Q&A with gamers. The week after, daily players increased by 10% and playtime increased by 19%.

Gamersuggestions hopes to ignite a revolution in the game industry and provide a place to construct and support initiatives, such as the request for a different Mass Effect ending, in an ordened fashion. Their goal is to create one platform where gamers and developers come together in order to improve the games we all love. For more information about or involvement in the movement, go to www.gamersuggestions.com.