Welcome to “The Art of Crafting Effective Game Tutorials: Levels of Learning”, where we’ll delve into the world of game development and explore the key elements that make a good tutorial level. As game designers, we understand the importance of creating engaging and interactive experiences for our players. However, sometimes we overlook the significance of effective tutorials in ensuring that our players can fully enjoy and understand our games. In this article, we’ll examine the different levels of learning that players go through and the best practices for designing tutorial levels that guide them through this process. Whether you’re a seasoned game developer or just starting out, this article will provide valuable insights into the art of crafting effective game tutorials. So, let’s get started!
Understanding the Importance of Game Tutorials
The Role of Tutorials in Enhancing Player Experience
Tutorials play a crucial role in enhancing the player experience in games. They serve as a bridge between the game’s rules and the player’s understanding, providing a smooth and intuitive learning curve. Tutorials help players to learn the game mechanics, objectives, and controls in a structured and systematic manner. This not only increases player engagement but also enhances the overall gaming experience.
There are several reasons why tutorials are essential for enhancing player experience in games:
- Ease of use: Tutorials make it easier for players to understand complex game mechanics and controls. They provide step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, allowing players to quickly learn and master the game.
- Increased engagement: When players are able to understand the game mechanics and controls, they are more likely to engage with the game. Tutorials help to create a sense of immersion and investment in the game, which leads to increased player engagement.
- Improved retention: Tutorials help players to retain information about the game mechanics and controls. This leads to improved retention of game knowledge, which in turn leads to a more satisfying and enjoyable gaming experience.
- Enhanced replayability: Tutorials can enhance the replayability of a game by helping players to understand the game mechanics and controls. This allows players to explore the game in new and different ways, leading to a more diverse and enjoyable gaming experience.
In summary, tutorials play a vital role in enhancing the player experience in games. They provide a structured and systematic way for players to learn the game mechanics, controls, and objectives. This leads to increased engagement, improved retention, and enhanced replayability, all of which contribute to a more satisfying and enjoyable gaming experience.
The Impact of Effective Tutorials on Player Retention and Engagement
Effective game tutorials have a significant impact on player retention and engagement. These tutorials help players understand the game mechanics, objectives, and overall gameplay experience. When players are able to quickly grasp the concepts of the game, they are more likely to enjoy the game and continue playing. On the other hand, if the tutorials are poorly designed or lack essential information, players may become frustrated and leave the game.
Increased Player Retention
When players are provided with effective tutorials, they are more likely to stick with the game and continue playing. This is because they have a clear understanding of the game mechanics and objectives, which allows them to make progress and achieve their goals. Additionally, when players feel confident in their understanding of the game, they are more likely to invest time and money into the game, leading to increased player retention.
Enhanced Player Engagement
Effective game tutorials also enhance player engagement. When players are able to quickly understand the game mechanics and objectives, they are more likely to become immersed in the game and engaged in the gameplay experience. This leads to a more positive gaming experience, which in turn can lead to increased player engagement. Additionally, when players are able to quickly pick up and play the game, they are more likely to share the game with others, leading to increased word-of-mouth promotion and player engagement.
Identifying Key Elements of a Good Tutorial
Clear and Concise Instructions
Importance of Clear and Concise Instructions
Clear and concise instructions are critical in ensuring that players understand the tutorial’s objective and follow the steps accordingly. Unclear instructions can lead to confusion, frustration, and abandonment of the tutorial.
Tips for Writing Clear and Concise Instructions
- Use Simple Language: Use language that is easy to understand and avoid technical jargon. This will help players grasp the concepts easily and avoid confusion.
- Break Down Complex Tasks: Break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help players to better understand the process and increase their chances of success.
- Use Short Sentences: Use short sentences to convey information. This will help players to quickly grasp the instructions and focus on the task at hand.
- Use Examples: Use examples to illustrate the instructions. This will help players to understand the concepts better and apply them in practice.
- Provide Visual Aids: Use visual aids such as images, videos, and diagrams to illustrate the instructions. This will help players to better understand the tutorial and follow the steps more easily.
By following these tips, game developers can create tutorials that are clear, concise, and easy to follow. This will help players to better understand the game mechanics and increase their chances of success.
Gradual Progression and Adaptability
Gradual progression and adaptability are two essential elements that contribute to the effectiveness of game tutorials. By implementing these strategies, game designers can ensure that players progress smoothly through the game while maintaining a high level of engagement and motivation.
Gradual Progression
Gradual progression refers to the process of introducing new concepts and challenges to players at a manageable pace. This approach helps players to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills before they are asked to tackle more complex tasks. Gradual progression can be achieved by:
- Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
- Providing clear and concise instructions at each stage of the learning process
- Allowing players to practice new skills in a safe and controlled environment
- Offering immediate feedback on performance and progress
Adaptability
Adaptability refers to the ability of a tutorial to adjust to the needs and abilities of individual players. By tailoring the tutorial experience to the player’s specific needs, game designers can ensure that players are not overwhelmed or bored by the content. Adaptability can be achieved by:
- Analyzing player data to identify areas where players may be struggling
- Providing additional support or resources to players who need it
- Offering different difficulty levels or paths through the tutorial based on player performance
- Allowing players to skip or retry sections of the tutorial that they have already mastered
By incorporating both gradual progression and adaptability into game tutorials, game designers can create an engaging and effective learning experience that will help players to succeed in the game and stay motivated to continue playing.
Providing Feedback and Reinforcement
One of the most crucial aspects of a good game tutorial is providing feedback and reinforcement to the player. Feedback helps the player understand what they are doing right or wrong, and reinforcement motivates them to continue making progress. Here are some tips for effectively providing feedback and reinforcement in game tutorials:
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Use simple and clear language to communicate feedback and reinforcement to the player. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the player.
- Provide Regular Feedback: Provide feedback to the player after each action they take. This helps them understand what they are doing well and what they need to improve on.
- Use Visual Cues: Use visual cues such as animations, sounds, and color changes to provide feedback to the player. This helps to make the feedback more engaging and memorable.
- Provide Positive Reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior by rewarding the player with points, badges, or other incentives. This helps to motivate the player to continue making progress.
- Use Negative Reinforcement: Use negative reinforcement to correct the player’s behavior. For example, if the player makes a mistake, provide feedback on what they did wrong and how they can improve.
- Provide Constructive Criticism: Provide constructive criticism to help the player improve their skills. Provide specific feedback on what they can do to improve and offer suggestions for how they can do better.
- Make Feedback Interactive: Make feedback interactive by allowing the player to provide feedback on their own performance. This helps to make the tutorial more engaging and personalized to the player’s needs.
By providing feedback and reinforcement in a game tutorial, you can help the player learn and improve their skills. It is important to use clear and concise language, provide regular feedback, use visual cues, provide positive reinforcement, use negative reinforcement, provide constructive criticism, and make feedback interactive.
Balancing Guidance and Autonomy
One of the most important aspects of creating effective game tutorials is achieving the right balance between providing guidance and allowing players to exercise their own autonomy. This balance is crucial in ensuring that players feel empowered to explore the game world and complete tasks on their own, while still having access to helpful resources when needed.
There are several strategies that game developers can use to strike this balance effectively:
- Gradual Introduction: Start by providing basic instructions and gradually increasing the level of difficulty as players progress through the game. This approach allows players to become familiar with the game mechanics and build their confidence before tackling more complex tasks.
- Contextual Hints: Offer hints and tips that are contextually relevant to the task at hand. For example, if a player is stuck on a particular level, provide a hint that specifically addresses that level’s challenges, rather than giving a general tip that may not be helpful.
- Optional Assistance: Make tutorial resources optional, so players can choose to use them if they need help, but don’t feel forced to do so. This approach respects the player’s autonomy and allows them to feel more in control of their gaming experience.
- Feedback and Reinforcement: Provide immediate feedback on the player’s actions and reinforce good behavior. This approach helps players understand what they are doing well and encourages them to continue making progress.
- Adaptive Tutorials: Use adaptive tutorials that adjust to the player’s skill level and learning pace. This approach ensures that players receive the right level of guidance at the right time, without overwhelming them with information they don’t need.
By implementing these strategies, game developers can create tutorials that strike the perfect balance between guidance and autonomy, ultimately leading to a more engaging and satisfying gaming experience for players.
Best Practices for Designing Game Tutorials
Aligning Tutorials with Game Mechanics and Objectives
One of the essential best practices for designing game tutorials is aligning them with the game’s mechanics and objectives. This alignment ensures that the tutorial content is relevant to the player’s experience and progress within the game.
Here are some key considerations for aligning tutorials with game mechanics and objectives:
- Understanding the Player’s Perspective: To align the tutorial with the game mechanics and objectives, it is crucial to understand the player’s perspective. This includes comprehending the player’s level of experience, familiarity with the game’s genre, and individual learning style.
- Defining the Learning Objectives: It is important to define clear learning objectives for the tutorial. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This ensures that the tutorial content is focused and provides the player with a clear understanding of what they need to learn.
- Structuring the Tutorial Content: The tutorial content should be structured in a way that it gradually introduces the game mechanics and objectives. This progression should be logical and build upon the player’s prior knowledge.
- Emphasizing Relevance: The tutorial content should emphasize the relevance of the game mechanics and objectives to the player’s progress in the game. This can be achieved by demonstrating how the mechanics and objectives contribute to the player’s success and provide them with a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.
- Providing Feedback and Reinforcement: Feedback and reinforcement are essential components of an effective tutorial. They help the player understand if they have successfully grasped the game mechanics and objectives and encourage them to continue learning.
By aligning the tutorial content with the game mechanics and objectives, the player is provided with a more engaging and meaningful learning experience. This approach ensures that the player is able to fully understand and appreciate the game’s core mechanics and objectives, leading to a more rewarding and satisfying gaming experience.
Leveraging Storytelling and Narrative Techniques
In the world of gaming, a compelling story can be just as important as the gameplay itself. As such, incorporating storytelling and narrative techniques into game tutorials can make them more engaging and memorable for players. Here are some tips for leveraging these techniques:
- Use relatable characters: Characters that players can identify with can make the tutorial more engaging. Consider creating a character that represents the player or someone they can empathize with. This will help players become more invested in the tutorial and more likely to retain the information.
- Create a sense of urgency: Incorporating a sense of urgency into the tutorial can make it more exciting and memorable. For example, the tutorial could be presented as a mission that the player must complete to save the world or complete a task before time runs out.
- Use a narrative arc: Just like a story, a tutorial can benefit from a narrative arc. Start with an introduction, move through rising action, and end with a conclusion. This can help players see the purpose of the tutorial and make it more memorable.
- Incorporate dialogue: Dialogue can help bring the tutorial to life and make it more engaging. Use dialogue to explain game mechanics, provide context, and add personality to the tutorial.
- Use pacing: Pacing is crucial in storytelling and can help keep players engaged throughout the tutorial. Consider using a mix of fast-paced and slow-paced sections to keep players on their toes and avoid overwhelming them with too much information at once.
By incorporating these storytelling and narrative techniques into game tutorials, developers can create a more engaging and memorable learning experience for players.
Incorporating Interactive Elements and Feedback Loops
Designing game tutorials that are engaging and effective requires careful consideration of various factors. One such factor is incorporating interactive elements and feedback loops that can enhance the learning experience of players. In this section, we will explore the importance of incorporating interactive elements and feedback loops in game tutorials.
Interactive Elements
Interactive elements refer to the various features and mechanics of a game that players can interact with. These elements can include buttons, levers, switches, and other in-game objects that players can manipulate to affect the game world. In game tutorials, interactive elements can be used to provide hands-on learning experiences that help players understand the mechanics of the game.
One way to incorporate interactive elements in game tutorials is to provide players with a series of challenges or mini-games that require them to use specific in-game mechanics. For example, a game tutorial for a platformer game could include a challenge where players must jump over obstacles to reach the next level. By completing this challenge, players learn how to jump and navigate the game world.
Feedback Loops
Feedback loops refer to the process of providing players with feedback on their actions. This feedback can be in the form of visual cues, audio cues, or text messages that indicate whether a player’s action was successful or not. Feedback loops are important in game tutorials because they help players understand the consequences of their actions and adjust their behavior accordingly.
One way to incorporate feedback loops in game tutorials is to provide players with immediate feedback on their actions. For example, in a puzzle game, players can be provided with feedback on whether their moves were correct or not. This feedback can help players understand the rules of the game and make adjustments to their strategy.
Another way to incorporate feedback loops is to provide players with progress indicators that show them how they are progressing through the tutorial. For example, a game tutorial could include a progress bar that shows how far a player has progressed through the tutorial. This type of feedback can help players stay motivated and focused on completing the tutorial.
Conclusion
Incorporating interactive elements and feedback loops in game tutorials can enhance the learning experience of players. By providing hands-on learning experiences and immediate feedback on player actions, game tutorials can help players understand the mechanics of the game and develop their skills. As such, game developers should consider incorporating these elements in their game tutorials to create an engaging and effective learning experience for players.
Analyzing and Adapting to Player Behavior
One of the key elements in creating effective game tutorials is the ability to analyze and adapt to player behavior. This involves tracking player progress, identifying areas where they may be struggling, and providing targeted feedback and support to help them overcome challenges and continue their learning journey.
To effectively analyze and adapt to player behavior, game designers and developers should consider the following strategies:
- Monitor Player Progress: By tracking player progress through the game, designers can identify which areas of the tutorial are most effective and which may need improvement. This can involve analyzing data such as how long players spend on each level, how many attempts it takes them to complete a task, and how frequently they return to previous levels for additional practice.
- Identify Struggling Players: By identifying players who are struggling with certain aspects of the game, designers can provide targeted feedback and support to help them improve their skills. This may involve offering additional tutorial content, providing tips and tricks for overcoming specific challenges, or offering opportunities for players to practice certain skills in a safe and supportive environment.
- Provide Personalized Feedback: By providing personalized feedback to players based on their individual performance, designers can help them identify areas where they need to improve and provide them with the tools and resources they need to do so. This may involve offering customized training plans, suggesting specific levels or challenges to practice, or providing detailed feedback on their progress.
- Encourage Exploration and Experimentation: By encouraging players to explore and experiment with different aspects of the game, designers can help them develop a deeper understanding of the game mechanics and build their confidence in their abilities. This may involve offering open-ended challenges, providing opportunities for players to customize their gameplay experience, or allowing them to try out different strategies and tactics.
Overall, by analyzing and adapting to player behavior, game designers and developers can create effective game tutorials that provide players with the support and guidance they need to improve their skills and enjoy the game to its fullest potential.
Challenges and Opportunities in Game Tutorial Design
Integrating Tutorials into Different Genres and Platforms
Integrating tutorials into different genres and platforms is a significant challenge for game developers. Each genre and platform has its unique mechanics, controls, and player expectations, which can make designing effective tutorials a complex task. For instance, a first-person shooter game may require different tutorial levels than a puzzle game or a role-playing game. Additionally, tutorials must be adapted to different platforms, such as consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, each with its own user interface and control scheme.
One approach to addressing this challenge is to design tutorials that are adaptable to different genres and platforms. This can be achieved by creating modular tutorials that can be customized for different games and platforms. For example, a modular tutorial system could provide a basic set of instructions that can be adapted for different genres, while allowing for additional modules that provide more specific instructions for a particular game or platform.
Another approach is to create tutorials that are genre-specific or platform-specific. For example, a puzzle game tutorial could focus on teaching players how to manipulate objects in the game world, while a first-person shooter tutorial could focus on teaching players how to aim and shoot. Similarly, a tutorial for a mobile game could focus on touch-based controls, while a console game tutorial could focus on controller-based controls.
In summary, integrating tutorials into different genres and platforms is a complex challenge for game developers. To overcome this challenge, developers can design adaptable tutorials that can be customized for different games and platforms, or create genre-specific or platform-specific tutorials that provide tailored instructions for a particular game or platform.
Continuous Evaluation and Iteration for Optimal Tutorial Experience
In order to create a truly effective game tutorial, it is crucial to engage in continuous evaluation and iteration. This involves assessing the tutorial’s performance at regular intervals and making adjustments based on player feedback and analytics data. By embracing a data-driven approach, game developers can refine their tutorials and deliver a more optimal experience for players.
There are several key aspects to consider when evaluating and iterating on game tutorials:
- Player Feedback: Collecting feedback from players is essential for understanding what is working well and what needs improvement. This can be done through surveys, in-game feedback mechanisms, or by monitoring social media and community forums. Players may provide valuable insights into the tutorial’s pacing, clarity, and overall effectiveness.
- Analytics Data: Analyzing player behavior and performance data can reveal how well players are progressing through the tutorial and which sections may be causing confusion or frustration. This data can help identify areas where players may be struggling or disengaging, allowing developers to make targeted improvements.
- Testing and Playtesting: Regular testing and playtesting of the tutorial by the development team can help identify issues and areas for improvement. Playtesting with a representative sample of players can provide valuable insights into the tutorial’s accessibility, pacing, and overall quality.
- Iterative Design: Based on the feedback and data gathered, developers can iterate on the tutorial, making changes and improvements to enhance the player experience. This iterative process should be repeated regularly to ensure that the tutorial remains effective and engaging for players.
By adopting a continuous evaluation and iteration approach, game developers can create tutorials that effectively guide players through the early stages of the game, ultimately enhancing the overall gaming experience. This approach also allows for a more agile development process, enabling developers to respond quickly to player feedback and adjust the tutorial as needed to improve its effectiveness.
The Long-Lasting Impact of Effective Tutorials on Player Loyalty and Advocacy
- Player retention and satisfaction
- A well-designed tutorial can significantly impact a player’s decision to continue playing a game, as it sets the foundation for their initial experience and determines their level of enjoyment.
- A positive first impression can foster a sense of engagement and investment in the game, leading to long-term player loyalty.
- Positive word-of-mouth and community growth
- An effective tutorial not only retains players but also encourages them to become advocates for the game, recommending it to others and contributing to the game’s community.
- Satisfied players are more likely to share their experiences and promote the game to others, resulting in increased user acquisition and community growth.
- Enhanced reputation and credibility
- Successful game tutorials can enhance the reputation of a game and its developers, demonstrating their commitment to quality and player satisfaction.
- A well-designed tutorial contributes to the overall credibility of the game, which can attract a broader audience and build trust in the brand.
- Reduced support requests and churn
- Clear and concise tutorials reduce the need for players to seek assistance from customer support, minimizing the number of support requests and alleviating potential frustration points.
- By addressing common issues and providing guidance on game mechanics, effective tutorials can prevent players from leaving the game due to confusion or frustration.
The Future of Game Tutorials: Emerging Trends and Opportunities
The future of game tutorials holds immense potential for both developers and players alike. As technology advances and gaming experiences become increasingly sophisticated, game tutorials must adapt to meet the evolving needs of players. Here are some emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of game tutorials:
Incorporating Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to revolutionize game tutorials by creating personalized learning experiences tailored to individual players’ needs and preferences.
- By analyzing player behavior and performance data, AI-driven tutorials can dynamically adjust their content and difficulty levels, providing a more customized and engaging learning experience.
Integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality
- As virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies become more prevalent, game tutorials can leverage these immersive environments to create interactive and engaging learning experiences.
- VR and AR tutorials can simulate real-world scenarios, allowing players to practice skills in a safe and controlled environment before applying them in the game.
Gamification of Tutorials
- Gamification is the process of incorporating game elements and mechanics into non-game contexts, such as education and training. By gamifying game tutorials, developers can make the learning process more enjoyable and motivating for players.
- This can include elements like points, badges, and leaderboards, which encourage players to engage with the tutorial content and strive for improvement.
Expanding Beyond the Traditional Tutorial Format
- The future of game tutorials may involve a shift away from traditional, linear tutorials and towards more dynamic, interactive, and social learning experiences.
- For example, players could engage in collaborative learning through online communities, forums, and social media platforms, sharing tips and strategies with one another.
Focus on Accessibility and Inclusivity
- As games become more diverse and inclusive, game tutorials must also evolve to cater to a wide range of players, including those with disabilities or different learning styles.
- This may involve incorporating alternative control schemes, closed captions, and audio descriptions, as well as providing options for adjusting tutorial content difficulty and pace.
In conclusion, the future of game tutorials holds significant opportunities for developers to create more engaging, personalized, and accessible learning experiences. By embracing emerging technologies and trends, game tutorials can become an integral part of the overall gaming experience, enhancing player engagement and satisfaction.
Embracing a Player-Centric Approach for Optimal Tutorial Design
Game tutorials have the potential to significantly impact player engagement and overall experience. However, designing effective tutorials presents unique challenges and opportunities. A player-centric approach can be vital in creating tutorials that resonate with players and promote a positive gaming experience. This section will explore the benefits of a player-centric approach and provide insights into how to implement it for optimal tutorial design.
Benefits of a Player-Centric Approach
- Personalization: A player-centric approach allows developers to tailor tutorials to individual player needs, preferences, and learning styles. This personalization enhances the player’s sense of control and ownership over their gaming experience, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction.
- Increased Engagement: By designing tutorials that cater to players’ interests and goals, developers can maintain their motivation and enthusiasm throughout the learning process. This, in turn, fosters a stronger connection to the game and encourages continued participation.
- Better Learning Outcomes: Players are more likely to retain information and develop the necessary skills when the tutorial content is relevant, interesting, and aligned with their objectives. A player-centric approach ensures that the tutorial content is meaningful and useful, contributing to better learning outcomes.
Implementing a Player-Centric Approach
- Player Profiling: Gather data on player demographics, preferences, and behaviors to create player profiles. This information can help developers understand their target audience and tailor tutorials to their specific needs.
- Player Feedback: Encourage players to provide feedback on the tutorial experience, either through in-game mechanisms or external surveys. This feedback can offer valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t, enabling developers to refine their approach and create more effective tutorials.
- Iterative Design: Develop and test multiple versions of the tutorial, making adjustments based on player feedback and performance metrics. This iterative process allows developers to refine the tutorial content and structure, ensuring that it meets the needs of the target audience.
- Progressive Difficulty: Gradually increase the complexity of the tutorial content as players progress, challenging them at their current skill level while allowing them to build upon their knowledge and abilities. This approach keeps players engaged and motivated while ensuring that they acquire the necessary skills to succeed in the game.
By embracing a player-centric approach, game developers can create tutorials that cater to the unique needs and preferences of their target audience. This approach not only enhances the player’s experience but also contributes to the overall success of the game.
FAQs
1. What is a tutorial level in gaming?
A tutorial level in gaming is a specific level or section of a game that is designed to introduce new players to the basic mechanics and controls of the game. It is typically played at the beginning of the game and provides a guided experience to help players learn how to play the game.
2. Why is a good tutorial level important in gaming?
A good tutorial level is important in gaming because it helps players learn the basics of the game in a structured and guided way. It allows players to understand the game mechanics, controls, and objectives without feeling overwhelmed or lost. A well-designed tutorial level can greatly enhance the player experience and increase the likelihood of players continuing to play the game.
3. What are the key elements of a good tutorial level?
A good tutorial level should have clear and concise instructions, interactive gameplay, and gradually increasing difficulty. It should also provide feedback to the player on their progress and allow them to practice the skills they have learned in a safe and controlled environment. Additionally, a good tutorial level should be engaging and fun to play, as this will help keep players motivated and interested in learning.
4. How long should a tutorial level be?
The length of a tutorial level can vary depending on the complexity of the game and the skills being taught. However, it is generally recommended that a tutorial level should be long enough to teach the necessary skills, but not so long that it becomes tedious or overwhelming for the player. A good rule of thumb is to keep the tutorial level short and sweet, ideally no longer than 10-15 minutes.
5. How can I design an effective tutorial level for my game?
Designing an effective tutorial level for your game involves understanding the needs and expectations of your target audience, as well as the mechanics and controls of your game. You should consider the following factors when designing a tutorial level:
* Keep it simple: Use clear and concise language to explain the mechanics and controls of the game.
* Be interactive: Provide opportunities for players to practice what they have learned through gameplay.
* Gradually increase difficulty: Start with basic skills and gradually introduce more complex mechanics as the player progresses.
* Provide feedback: Give players feedback on their progress and highlight areas where they can improve.
* Make it fun: Create an engaging and enjoyable experience that will motivate players to continue learning.
By following these guidelines, you can create an effective tutorial level that will help players learn the basics of your game and set them up for success as they progress through the game.