Developing the right video game is the first step. Marketing it is the second step. As they say, GameDev is King, but Distribution is Queen. (And the king always listens to the queen.)
There are hidden gems in gaming everywhere. But you wouldn’t want your game to remain hidden, do you?
“Great marketing is about getting attention where it is the most receptive.”
The following are strategies you can use to market your video game.
1. A great name
Titles like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed are catchy and sets the expectations fairly reasonably on what the game would turn out to be.
Make it short and simple. Your audience isn’t college professors.
2. Show them just enough
It’s best to built demand before launching the game to the masses. Make a trailer of the gameplay and watch the comments pour in. You might get some valuable feedback on what users think of the visual of the game.
Post it on YouTube and share it like crazy on all social media platforms you can handle.
3. Early bird incentives
Another way to create surefire demand is to provide value for whoever that does pre-orders. It could be anything from exclusive merchandise to posters to extra downloadable content (or even extra in-game advantages.)
4. Document your journey
Believe it or not – the premise of reality TV also works on game development.
People are obsessed with stories. Showing your audience the thought processes behind every character and every setting makes them appreciate the game all the more.
Apple used this tactic for their ad campaigns. Detailing the manufacturing process, the thought process and the features & benefits as well.
If you can’t create content for your Facebook, Instagram and your website, take the approach of documenting your days at work instead.
When was the last time you looked away from a video of a sushi chef perfectly slicing a piece of tuna?
5. Think about how to get as much attention as possible.
Don’t limit yourself to just social media platforms and YouTube.
Start a thread on Reddit. Comment on influencers’ post and provide valuable back.
Start writing for Gamasutra.
Wherever your audience goes, you go.
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This post was written by Ben Sim from iPrice group, a price comparison and meta-search engine based in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Hong Kong.