Provide Clear and Appropriate Feedback When Players Enter Text
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There are situations in which games require players to enter textual information in order to execute a desired action, such as:
Creating a player account.
Logging into a player account.
Creating a file to save the current game state.
Creating a configuration based on the player’s preferences.
Creating a character with a unique name.
When players enter text, they should be clearly informed whether their input meets the required validation criteria. These criteria may include, for example:
Which characters must be included.
Which characters are not permitted.
Whether numbers must be included.
The required number of uppercase and lowercase characters.
The minimum and maximum number of characters.
Whether the entered text must be unique.
If the input does not meet these criteria, appropriate error messages should be used to clearly communicate the actions the player must take to correct the input.
General Recommendations for Error Messages
The following are general guidelines for handling invalid inputs:
Highlight the text fields that contain input not meeting the validation criteria.
Provide clear instructions indicating what type of input is valid.
Several examples of how to provide clear and helpful guidance to ensure valid input.
Briefly describe why the player’s input is invalid.
Offer a specific solution to correct the issue.
After validating the fields, the invalid ones should be highlighted and marked with an exclamation icon. When the player selects an invalid field (for example, “Last name”), the red frame and exclamation icon should disappear, and a hint should appear beneath the field to assist the player in entering valid input.
- Maintain a polite tone and avoid blaming the player for making a mistake.
A helpful hint placed next to the relevant invalid field is far more constructive than implying fault on the part of the player.
Avoid using abbreviations or industry-specific terminology that players may not understand.
Display error messages adjacent to each relevant text field along with corresponding solutions, especially when multiple fields contain invalid input, rather than aggregating all error messages in a single location.
An effective approach is to show one error message at a time, corresponding to the field currently selected. Other invalid fields can remain highlighted without displaying their messages, resulting in a more streamlined and readable interface.
You should also clearly indicate when input is valid.
You may:
Highlight the text field when the input meets the validation criteria.
Using a green highlight is an effective method for indicating that a field has valid input.
- Display a descriptive icon, such as a check mark, next to fields with valid input.
Icons like a check mark or an exclamation point are particularly helpful for colorblind players, as they provide an additional visual cue indicating whether the input is valid.