In Episode 37 of Critical Moves, Joe Beard, creator of the YouTube channel Example of Play, joins Al for a discussion about the gap in strategy game tutorials and how Joe is stepping in to fill it. The episode dives into why many strategy games fail to teach players how to actually play, leaving them frustrated and confused. Joe’s straightforward approach to teaching the mechanics of complex games is the perfect antidote.
The Missing Tutorial Problem
Joe opens with a clear problem: many indie strategy games launch with little to no tutorial. The burden of teaching players falls to content creators like Joe, who step in to offer practical, no-nonsense guides for games like Advanced Tactics Gold, Distant Worlds 2, and Shadow Empire. These are deep games, but many lack surface-level explanations that could help players get started without feeling lost.
Joe’s content focuses on showing how the game works, cutting down on unnecessary explanations and menu diving. He takes players through the mechanics by actually playing the game, not just talking about it. His aim isn’t to help players master the game but to help them understand it enough to decide if it’s worth their time.
Developers, Manuals, and the Missing Tutorials
The conversation turns to the broader issue of why so many indie strategy games lack tutorials. Joe argues that small teams often don’t have the budget or time for proper onboarding, but that leaves new players in the dark. A prime example is Shadow Empire, a deep game with a frustrating interface and a manual that only adds to the confusion.
Despite these challenges, Joe praises games like the original Rome: Total War, which introduced players to the mechanics through a small battle, gradually building confidence without overwhelming them. Joe emphasizes that creating tutorials that build confidence is simple yet rare.
Learning from the Audience
Joe’s YouTube channel is built on feedback from his viewers. If someone is struggling with a game, he takes note and revisits the material. He’s not aiming for perfect play but for effective and honest guides that help players understand systems, often through mistakes Joe himself made. His approach is grounded in the real struggles players face when learning complex games.
Menace, EU5, and What’s Next
Looking to the future, Joe talks about his plans for upcoming content. He’s keeping an eye on Europa Universalis V, the latest Paradox title, which promises even more complexity than Crusader Kings III. He’s also excited about Menace, a sci-fi tactical RPG from the developers of Battle Brothers, with enough depth to warrant its own playlist on Example of Play.
Joe also shares his ongoing series - Proud and the Few, Poland 39, and Dominions 6 - while discussing the challenge of running multiple series at once. His goal now is to finish the series he started, refocus, and dive deeper into each game.
Manuals, Demos, and Design Lessons
The discussion wraps up with a reflection on how manuals used to matter. Back in the day, big-box games came with thick manuals that taught you the mechanics, the lore, and everything in between. Joe doesn’t miss the paper, but he misses the effort behind it. He highlights how Sanctuary: Shattered Sun is using its demo as a tutorial, no patchwork solutions after launch, just a well-designed experience from the start.
Joe’s channel isn’t glamorous. It’s useful. If you’ve ever bought a strategy game, bounced off it, and thought, “I want to like this but I don’t know what I’m doing,” head over to Example of Play. You’ll learn something, enjoy the process, and avoid wasting time on 20-minute main menu tutorials.
Final Thoughts
Joe’s approach is a much-needed solution to a common problem in the strategy genre. For players who struggle with complex mechanics and poor onboarding, his practical tutorials offer a lifeline. And for developers, Joe’s work shows how a little effort up front can go a long way in making games more accessible.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or search your alternative preferred podcast provider.
Ahh, we’re on YouTube too!
The Missing Tutorial ProblemJoe opens with a clear problem: many indie strategy games launch with little to no tutorial. The burden of teaching players falls to content creators like Joe, who step in to offer practical, no-nonsense guides for games like Advanced Tactics Gold, Distant Worlds 2, and Shadow Empire. These are deep games, but many lack surface-level explanations that could help players get started without feeling lost.
Joe’s content focuses on showing how the game works, cutting down on unnecessary explanations and menu diving. He takes players through the mechanics by actually playing the game, not just talking about it. His aim isn’t to help players master the game but to help them understand it enough to decide if it’s worth their time.
Developers, Manuals, and the Missing TutorialsThe conversation turns to the broader issue of why so many indie strategy games lack tutorials. Joe argues that small teams often don’t have the budget or time for proper onboarding, but that leaves new players in the dark. A prime example is Shadow Empire, a deep game with a frustrating interface and a manual that only adds to the confusion.
Despite these challenges, Joe praises games like the original Rome: Total War, which introduced players to the mechanics through a small battle, gradually building confidence without overwhelming them. Joe emphasizes that creating tutorials that build confidence is simple yet rare.
Learning from the AudienceJoe’s YouTube channel is built on feedback from his viewers. If someone is struggling with a game, he takes note and revisits the material. He’s not aiming for perfect play but for effective and honest guides that help players understand systems, often through mistakes Joe himself made. His approach is grounded in the real struggles players face when learning complex games.
Menace, EU5, and What’s NextLooking to the future, Joe talks about his plans for upcoming content. He’s keeping an eye on Europa Universalis V, the latest Paradox title, which promises even more complexity than Crusader Kings III. He’s also excited about Menace, a sci-fi tactical RPG from the developers of Battle Brothers, with enough depth to warrant its own playlist on Example of Play.
Joe also shares his ongoing series - Proud and the Few, Poland 39, and Dominions 6 - while discussing the challenge of running multiple series at once. His goal now is to finish the series he started, refocus, and dive deeper into each game.
Manuals, Demos, and Design LessonsThe discussion wraps up with a reflection on how manuals used to matter. Back in the day, big-box games came with thick manuals that taught you the mechanics, the lore, and everything in between. Joe doesn’t miss the paper, but he misses the effort behind it. He highlights how Sanctuary: Shattered Sun is using its demo as a tutorial, no patchwork solutions after launch, just a well-designed experience from the start.
Joe’s channel isn’t glamorous. It’s useful. If you’ve ever bought a strategy game, bounced off it, and thought, “I want to like this but I don’t know what I’m doing,” head over to Example of Play. You’ll learn something, enjoy the process, and avoid wasting time on 20-minute main menu tutorials.
Final ThoughtsJoe’s approach is a much-needed solution to a common problem in the strategy genre. For players who struggle with complex mechanics and poor onboarding, his practical tutorials offer a lifeline. And for developers, Joe’s work shows how a little effort up front can go a long way in making games more accessible.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or search your alternative preferred podcast provider.
Ahh, we’re on YouTube too!