Choosing the layout

Guys, the more I think about it, the more I realize that the original layout won't work.

First of all, I've had multiple people go on the page and NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND GAMES. This is errr... pretty much unacceptable.

Secondly, the page will have more and more games... hundreds, and eventually thousands. Remember how two years ago the site only had 3 games? They can't all be on one page.

I think realistically, option 3 is really the only option. Thanks to all of you for your awesome feedback. I don't know what I was thinking trying out that second version without consulting the blog ;)

I'm gonna go with option 3 but it's not polished yet so I'm open to suggestions on it. For example:

- is the current colour scheme ok?

- should i replace the flowers in the logo with dolls?

- what should be added or removed from the section on the bottom of the pages?

- any other features you'd like to see? how bout in-progress pics of dolls as I work on them?

- more or less categories? which ones?

3rd Try :)

To be fair to the third option, I made a sample of it.

(NOTE: I would make MUCH NICER preview pics)

Right now all the categories lead to a mock up animal page.

- I'm not sure if the category pages would have ads

- What do u think about those 3 pics on the top right of the main page and the new animal category page? Useful? Cluttered? I thought maybe if someone hasn't visited for a while, they might wanna know what they missed. Here's a version without them.

I'm still not 100% sure about categories, and I'm still listening to suggestions! Getting lots of great feedback. The games I find more confusing: warrior, pirate, adventurer, anime avatar, clockwork couture. Also, if categories are on separate pages, is it then ok to repeat games in categories? What's the reasoning for keeping games in one category only? (just curious)

More on the layout

For those that can't see the new layout, click here :)

New idea:

What if I stopped trying to fit all the games on one page, and instead just had the newest games, future games, and big category buttons leading to other pages?

Then, say on the animal page, there would be Doll Divine games clearly on top, and other games below. Same with the fantasy page etc.

(the reason I'm re-working the site is cuz multiple people told me they were so confused that they never even opened a game!)

Also, I know the categories are confusing... anyone have any better way to categorize them?

Just for clarification, there's three statuses now because I've got 3 games in the works. I don't usually. Avatar was going so slow that I decided to squeeze the Korean Queen first. Also, I've roped my sister into coding for me so she's working on Anthro (and doing an AMAZING job!). Between her help and the lay off, next month things should really get going fast. :D

Playing with the layout

Haha, you guys are quick! I only had the new layout on for half a day, and it's only being shown to half of my visitors (I'm doing A/B testing to see which layout performs better).

Didn't anybody notice the main thing: there are no ads? I removed all the ads. I thought people hated ads?

I've also had people asking how they can play the in-progress games, so I moved them to the side where I hoped they wouldn't confuse people.

Also, I had a poll on the deviantArt account asking which way my games should be organized and the #1 result, by far, was by category.

(those are the reasons behind the changes)

According to the statistics, the new page is working: only 40% of people leave from that page, and 60% leave from the old page. Clearly though, according to you guys it's not working, haha.

Sooo... what if I put the games by category, but doll divine categories first, then the other dolls? Wouldn't that be more cluttered? Talk to me!

Lay Off

While the illusive thing they call a "jobless recovery" is apparently under way, I just got my lay off notice, and so did my boyfriend. (lay off = you lose your job because your employer can't afford to keep you)

This is actually great news for all of us because it means I'll get to spend all of my work time on MAKING MORE GAMES! I wasn't brave enough to quit on my own yet to pursue the website full time, but this makes me take the plunge :)

Haha, feel sorry for me? If you ever wanna help out, the best favour you can do me is to forward the site to others who you think might enjoy it... and keep coming back. Oh, and give me any advice about the site which might help keep others coming back :)

I'm working on the Avatar game now. I hadn't touched it for months, but now I'm all into it again, haha. If you hadn't seen the movie yet, see it! I'm not gonna tell you that it's a masterpiece or that it's perfect (it's quite cheesy) but if you like escapism and pretty scenes, it's a must-see!

I relate to James Cameron (the director) quite a bit. We're both people that started out with science degrees, but got bored with science and decided to do something more creative. He's definitely one of my idols!

Four Elements!

As usual, I'm not dead, just working away. Finally got the Four Elements dress up game together.

Look out for the new hairstyles and bonus features ;D

Oh, and I put a preview for Avatar on the main page.

I can't right this moment, but I will answer everybody's comments :)