What is polish?
This is another concept that many developers have tried to nail with a formal definition. As you know by now, we don't like formal definitions, so be warned that the notion of what polish is might vary from developer to developer, but most importantly from game to game! To polish a game, basically, means to raise the standard of its quality.
Why and how would you polish a pair of shoes or a plank of wood?
You don't change the shoes or the shape of the plank. Polishing a pair of walking boots won’t turn them into a pair of patent leather formal shoes to go with your tuxedo. The goal of polishing is to smoothen the game and the experience. To tweak its values and refine its details until it really feels great and immediately pleasing on an aesthetic and gameplay level.
The (in)famous scenario where the game designer finally plays the Alpha...
