10 Steps To Making a Successful Game

Summary

This video outlines 10 steps to indie game success based on Vlad Marquis' book 'Game Dev.' It covers mindset, pre-production research, keeping expenses low, development basics, iterative design, not rushing releases, understanding business and law, marketing, and post-launch strategies. The story of Marquis' journey from Belarus to a successful game developer underscores the importance of action and responsibility.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The importance of mindset and taking action is emphasized, likening each action to a free lottery ticket that increases chances of success.
• 🔍 Pre-production involves extensive research on trends, competitors, and successful game strategies to set realistic expectations for your project.
• 💰 It's almost inevitable to spend some money on game development; the key is to keep expenses as low as possible to increase profitability.
• 🛠 Don't rush to quit your job; maintaining employment during the initial release phase can mitigate financial risks.
• 🎮 Familiarize yourself with game design basics and focus on one core mechanic to create a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master.
• 🔄 Use iterative design by prototyping, testing, analyzing, and refining to improve the game continuously.
• 🕒 Patience is crucial in game development; don't rush the release and ensure the final product is polished and complete.
• 📚 As a game developer, you're also a business person, so understanding business and legal aspects is essential for success.
• 📢 Marketing and PR are vital; building a community on social media and providing value through entertainment or information is key to gaining followers.
• 📈 Learn to pitch your game effectively to publishers and the press with a concise and captivating description.
• 🌐 Consider both self-publishing and working with publishers, weighing the benefits and services each offers for your specific needs.

Q & A

What is the book 'Game Dev' by Vlad Marquis about?

The book 'Game Dev' by Vlad Marquis is about the author's journey from a challenging personal background to creating a successful indie game called 'Dark'. It also provides steps and insights on how to make a first indie game successful.

What is the importance of mindset in game development according to the book?

The book emphasizes the importance of mindset in game development by highlighting the idea that every action taken is like a free lottery ticket, increasing the chances of success. It encourages taking responsibility and not blaming circumstances.

Why is pre-production a crucial step in game development?

Pre-production is crucial because it involves researching current trends, competitors, and understanding what works for other games and companies. This research helps in planning the scope, marketability, and core elements of your game, saving time and resources later on.

What advice does the book give regarding spending money on game development?

The book advises to keep expenses as low as possible, as it's easier than raising money and makes it easier to achieve profitability. It also suggests considering various funding options like Patreon, grants, personal loans, crowdfunding, publishers, and investors.

Why is it recommended not to quit your job immediately when starting game development?

It's recommended not to quit your job immediately because it's wise to have a stable income while you're in the early stages of game development. The book suggests keeping your job until the game is released and has proven to be profitable.

What is the iterative design process in game development?

The iterative design process involves creating a quick prototype, testing it, analyzing its effectiveness, refining it, and repeating this cycle. It's a continuous loop of improvement based on feedback and testing.

Why is it important not to rush the release of a game?

It's important not to rush the release because the final 10% of development can significantly impact the game's quality and success. Taking the time to polish and ensure everything works well can make the difference between a successful game and a failed one.

What role does a game developer play in the business aspect of game creation?

A game developer also acts as a business person, needing to understand business and law basics. This includes registering a company, possibly getting a lawyer for legal agreements, and setting up contracts to prevent disputes.

How important is marketing and PR in the success of an indie game?

Marketing and PR are crucial for an indie game's success. Building a community, especially on social media, providing value through entertainment or information, and creating compelling marketing materials are all essential for attracting and maintaining an audience.

What are some strategies for maintaining and increasing sales after a game's launch?

Strategies include offering gradual discounts, updating the game, creating DLC, staying active on social media, entering competitions, giving away prizes, considering porting to other platforms, and possibly selling merchandise or creating bundles.

What should a game developer consider when planning their next game after launch?

A game developer should consider leveraging the resources and audience they've built, using existing scripts or player bases, and building momentum to go faster with each new project without starting from scratch every time.