grizeldi

Given the genre's lack of visually engaging moments, how would one even start marketing a pc/console #puzzle #game ?
Any research on the topic is overrun with advice on how to launch a hypercasual match 3 mobile game which is a whole different beast.

#gamedev #indiedev #gamemarketing #steam

Mar 22 at 7:44pmWeb
Show threadLegit_SpaghettiMar 22
@grizeldi Start from a place of absurdity. "If Tetris were turned into a Michael Bay movie, what would the trailer and key art look like?" (Feel free to replace Michael Bay with your high-profile director of choice)
Show threadJakub NerudaMar 22
@grizeldi It is easy actually. First, start a YouTube channel about game design, you might call it a "Game Developer's Toolbox", diligently make videos for it for years until it takes off and then use the channel to promote your puzzle game about magnets!
Show thread0x0961hMar 22
@jakub_neruda @grizeldi ...and even that will bring you to only ~50k owners (according to analytics) despite having 1M+ subs on YT channel. So yeah, kinda questionable investment. :P
Show threadJakub NerudaMar 22

@0x0961h @grizeldi Yeah. I think the issue is with the audience of GMTK - I would expect the majority of it being gamedevs, but those have their own projects and less spare time than your average gringo. Plus it was Mark's first game. He didn't have a niche or style players would know and would be eager to have more of.

Screenshot Saturday is very similar. I expect it being followed mainly by other gamedevs and more of a tool for marketing, i view it as a motivation source when gamedevs mutually like and discuss their projects.

So far the best blend of gamedev and marketing that I've seen was with Pascal from Orange Pixel. He balances that line of gamedev content with casual dev updates for his audience. But he spend like 15 years polishing his social presence and it works for him so far.

Show threadgrizeldiMar 22
@jakub_neruda Darn, how didn't I think of that
Show threadJakub NerudaMar 22

@grizeldi As for actually constructive answer - I think the best option is to push it to some (smaller) content creator who plays this genre.

Because - how do you discover new games? You might follow a news source, a podcast, or a content creator who has similar taste to you.

If I want to discover a new survival horror game, I'll go to Avalanche Reviews or The Sphere Hunter. For brainy indie games, I have Triple Click. For JRPGs, Ircha Gaming.

Therefore, as much as it probably sucks because it doesn't depend solely on you, finding a small content creator streaming your niche and giving them your game for free in exchange for coverage is probably your best bet.