# Hardcore Alchemy: Magic With Consequences: Poll results for the planned 0.5 release
asanetargoss, 2020-01-02

## Let's make a feature poll!

I'm always looking for ways to improve the Hardcore Alchemy modpack, so I thought it would be a good idea to try a short poll. I figured it would be an easy and simple way for players to give feedback. So, I created a poll which asked players to rank the level of interestingness of 9 different potential Hardcore Alchemy features I had selected. The goals were as follows:

    1. Assist in the planning of the 0.5 release
    2. Improve marketing (more players means more playtesters... I hope!)

The poll was anonymous. Options for each feature were "Not very interesting," "Somewhat interesting," and "Very interesting" I then used these poll responses to calculate a "score" for each feature.

## Feature interest results

The poll responses fell into either "low scoring" or "high scoring." Here were the results:

**High Scoring Features:**

    - Morphing Tech Tree
    - Elemental Resistances
    - More Dangerous Nether
    - Better Transmutation
    
**Low Scoring Features:**

    - Spooky Mobs
    - Environmental Hazards
    - Disease
    - Religion with Consequences
    - Body Temperature

While the voting results were broad, it's important to keep in mind, the number of participants was small. For this reason, I am hesitant to take the difference in scores between individual features too seriously. Keep in mind, also, that every feature was considered at least "somewhat interesting" by at least two thirds of poll participants, with the exception of "Body Temperature."

One thing that stood out that wasn't captured by the score was the fact that "Body Temperature" received polarizing very positive and very negative responses, with nothing in between. This is not surprising to me, given player familiarity with Tough As Nails. It's worth noting, the intent was not to use Tough As Nails' temperature mechanic and instead implement something new.

Beyond that, the scores were pretty evenly distributed. With the exception of "More Dangerous Nether," which scored about as well as the other high-scoring features, all feature names with some sort of negative connotation in the wording received low scores. That's, if I'm being honest, most likely just basic human psychology at work. Of course players are going to give higher ratings to game mechanics descriptions that imply rewards!

## Lessons learned

So, what did I learn from this poll?

- There are enough players willing to participate in short Hardcore Alchemy polls, that future polls could be worthwhile.
- A three-option feature scoring system was too vague given the number of participants and the subject matter. If I were to do the same poll again, I would consider having players rank the features instead.
- In future polls, I should be more careful how I describe potential features. Each description should have roughly the same level of positive/negative connotation compared to the others.
- In future pack announcements, I should try to describe new features using more positive wording.
- Overall, given the player's responses, I have no reason to believe any of my proposed features would be too negatively received based on the concept alone, except for possibly the temperature mechanic.

As was the case before, I will continue to hold a strong vision about the direction of Hardcore Alchemy, and how I go about implementing whatever features I work on next. My goals for this poll were to improve marketing and narrow down the list of potential new features. I think the poll was great for the first and not so good for the second. I think my poll could have been designed better.

With all that in mind, I have done some reflection outside the poll and have a better idea of what I want to work on.

Thanks again to everyone who participated!