Creating Game Tutorials That Don’t Feel Like School

12 September 2025

Let’s face it—nobody plays video games to sit through a glorified classroom lecture. Game tutorials, when done wrong, can feel like a teacher droning on and on about algebra while you secretly stare at the clock. You’ve been there: a message pops up saying, “Press X to jump,” and you’re like, “Yes, I know, I’ve been jumping in games since Mario was rescuing princesses!” The thing is, tutorials are necessary. They help players learn the ropes so they can lose themselves in the fun. But here’s the kicker: they don’t have to be boring, rigid, or feel like homework.

So, how do you create a game tutorial that teaches without sucking the joy out of the experience? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today! Whether you’re a game dev, a content creator, or just curious about what makes a tutorial feel seamless, I’ve got you covered.

Tutorials: A Necessary Evil? Not Quite.

Before we talk about how to do it right, let’s get one thing straight: tutorials aren’t “evil.” They’re not the mandatory broccoli of the gaming world. In fact, they’re more like the how-to manual you actually want to read—when they’re done well, at least.

A great game tutorial is like a trusted guide, not a nagging babysitter. It should gently walk players through the basics while letting them feel smart, independent, and engaged. Think of it like teaching someone to ride a bike; you’re there to support them, but eventually, you have to let go of the seat and let them pedal away on their own.

Why Some Tutorials Feel Like Snooze Fests

Ever wonder why some game tutorials are just... awful? It usually comes down to one or more of these culprits:

1. Overloading Players With Information
Nobody wants an info dump right at the start of a game. When a tutorial bombards you with text boxes explaining every feature, it’s overwhelming—and honestly, forgettable. Who remembers the 17th thing you read when you’ve barely figured out the first?

2. Breaking Immersion
Imagine you’re deep in a tense fantasy world, and suddenly a giant, jarring text box appears saying, “Press A to attack.” It’s like smashing through a fourth wall you didn’t even realize was there.

3. Not Letting Players Experiment
Tutorials that railroad players into following one exact path can feel stifling. Where’s the fun in that? Gamers want to experiment, fail, and learn on their own terms.

4. Being Too Long-Winded
Tutorials that drag on and on before you even get to the action? That’s like sitting through a three-hour training video before you’re allowed to use the office coffee machine. No thanks!

The Secret Ingredients for Fun, Engaging Tutorials

Let’s flip the script. What makes a tutorial fun? What makes players actually want to pay attention instead of skipping through it? Below are the tried-and-true strategies to create tutorials that don’t feel like pulling teeth.

1. Sneak the Learning into Gameplay

The best tutorials don’t feel like tutorials at all. They’re woven seamlessly into the gameplay, so players are learning as they play without even realizing it. For example, in Portal, you’re introduced to the mechanics step by step, but it feels like you’re solving puzzles—not sitting through a “How to Use Portals 101” class.

Ask yourself: Can the player learn by doing instead of reading? For instance, instead of saying, “Press E to interact,” why not have a shiny door that naturally begs to be opened? Players can figure it out intuitively without the need for a pop-up.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet

Attention spans are short these days—like, TikTok-short. If your tutorial drags on for too long, players will be skipping through it faster than you can say "skip cutscene." Condense the essentials into bite-sized chunks and let players get to the action ASAP.

Think of it like teaching someone a dance move. Show them the core steps first—then let them freestyle once they’ve got the basics down.

3. Make It Interactive and Rewarding

Learning is more fun when it’s hands-on and rewarding. Instead of showing players a video or hitting them with a wall of text, give them challenges to complete. For example, if you’re teaching players how to dodge in a combat game, introduce an enemy that only uses slow attacks they can easily roll away from. Once they succeed? A little reward—a chime, a sparkly effect, or even some bonus points.

Gamers love feedback. A well-timed reward system reinforces the idea that they’re doing things right, making the process far more enjoyable.

4. Maintain the Game’s Tone

If your game is quirky and funny, your tutorial should match that vibe. If it’s dark and serious, keep the tutorial consistent with that tone. A tutorial shouldn’t feel like it’s breaking character. (Unless, of course, it’s a self-aware, fourth-wall-breaking game like Undertale—then go nuts!)

For example, if you’re designing a silly platformer, maybe your NPC guide is a sarcastic, talking toaster who gives instructions in a snarky tone. A little humor can go a long way in keeping players hooked.

5. Give Players Room to Fail

Failure is part of the fun. Some of the best gaming experiences come from figuring out what doesn’t work, laughing at yourself, and trying again. Tutorials should encourage experimentation without punishing players too harshly.

Think of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The early hours introduce mechanics (like cooking or paragliding), but they never hold your hand. You’re free to try things, fail spectacularly, and learn from your mistakes. That’s what makes it so immersive.

6. Use Visual Cues Over Text

Actions speak louder than words—especially in games. If you can use visual cues to guide players (like glowing objects, arrows, or subtle environmental hints), do it. Text explanations should be your last resort, not your first choice.

A great example is Hollow Knight. The game rarely explains mechanics outright but instead uses clever level design to nudge players in the right direction. Need to jump higher? The path ahead will naturally guide you toward a double-jump upgrade, without ever explicitly stating it.

7. Introduce Mechanics Gradually

Don’t throw everything at the player all at once. Nobody wants to learn eight different mechanics in the first five minutes. Instead, drip-feed new concepts at a comfortable pace. Start with the basics, then layer on more complex ideas as the player gets comfortable.

For RPGs, this might mean introducing basic combat first, then teaching players about spells, crafting, and inventory management later on. Spacing things out ensures players don’t feel overwhelmed.

8. Skip the Hand-Holding

Gamers are smart. Many tutorials underestimate this and overexplain every tiny detail. Trust your players. Give them the tools and let them figure it out. Holding their hand the whole way feels patronizing—and honestly kind of annoying.

Instead of saying, “Here’s exactly how to solve this puzzle,” try giving hints. Let players piece things together on their own—it’s way more satisfying that way.

Examples of Brilliant Game Tutorials

Still not convinced? Let’s look at a few games that nailed their tutorials:

- Dark Souls: The game subtly teaches you everything you need to know without a single hand-hold. Encountering an enemy? That’s how you learn to attack. A locked door? Time to figure out key mechanics on your own.

- Celeste: The tutorial is baked right into the first level. You learn the controls intuitively as you climb, and the game reinforces those mechanics through clever level design.

- Minecraft: No lengthy tutorial here—just a sandbox world where experimentation is king. You learn by trying (and maybe getting blown up by a creeper once or twice).

Wrapping Things Up

Creating game tutorials that don’t feel like school isn’t rocket science—it’s about making the learning process natural, engaging, and enjoyable. By sneaking lessons into gameplay, keeping things brief, and respecting your players’ intelligence, you can craft tutorials that teach without being a buzzkill.

Remember: players came to your game to have fun, not to feel like they’re back in a classroom. If you can strike the right balance between education and entertainment, your tutorial won’t just be tolerated—it might even be *loved.