Using web counter to track demo use

[Jason Colman]

I tried something for the latest release of my game and it just occurred to me to share it with you guys, to see what you think.

For my web site, I obviously use web tracking. (I use statcounter (http://www.statcounter.com), no complaints.) I've wanted to add some kind of tracking to the game itself, so I can see exactly how many people play it, and prefereably get some info about their machine too.

Not wanting to delay the release, I hit on the idea of setting up a new web-counting project, and adding the html/javascript to the instructions that go with the game. So now I get 'web stats' of people who read the instructions.

For the next release, I could request the web-counting html from within the game code, and so get web stats for everyone who runs the game.

The good thing is that you take advantage of existing web tracking software, rather than having to set up your own database and scripts to dig out the info, etc.

So, cunning ? Badly flawed ? :)

[Red Marble Games]

Strikes me as the same old debate about apps that "phone home," especially where there's no value to the user from the app doing so. It makes your game look like spyware, if the user catches on to what you're doing.

[Teq]

I prefer to use my own scripting for tracking, but I like re-inventing the wheel :) I don't think it'll be a good idea for you to log when someone starts a game, especially if they are on a dial up? You could just throw them a bone and offer global hi-scores (which you could then log how many individuals have posted), not a fool-proof method but a little more user friendly?