As an indie developer, the question of when to begin marketing your upcoming video game can be a difficult one to answer. Here are five main points to consider when deciding whether it is ever too early to market a video game as an indie developer:
The State of the Game’s Development
As with any game, if the game is still in the early stages of development and is not yet fully functional or feature-complete, it may be too early to begin marketing efforts. This is because marketing a game that is not yet finished can create unrealistic expectations among potential players and may lead to disappointment if the final product does not meet those expectations. In addition, marketing a game that is still in development can be difficult, as it is challenging to create promotional materials or provide demos to potential players without a fully functional game.
Resources Available to the Marketing Team
As an indie developer, you may have limited resources available for marketing your game. It is important to carefully consider the resources you have available, such as time, money, and personnel, and determine whether you have enough to effectively promote your game. If you do not have the resources to effectively market your game, it may be more appropriate to wait until you have the necessary resources before beginning your marketing campaign.
Generating Buzz and Anticipation
One of the primary benefits of marketing a game early is the opportunity to generate buzz and anticipation among potential players. By starting the marketing process early, you can build up excitement for your game and create a loyal fan base that is eager to play your game when it is released.
Reaching a Wider Audience
By beginning your marketing efforts early, you have a greater opportunity to reach a wider audience. This is especially important if you are targeting a specific demographic or are trying to reach players who may not be as actively engaged in the gaming community. By starting your marketing efforts early, you can reach a larger portion of your target audience and increase the chances of success for your game.
Identifying and Addressing Potential Issues
Marketing a game early can also provide valuable feedback and insights that can help you identify and address potential issues with your game. By gathering feedback from players and members of the gaming community, you can make any necessary changes or improvements to your game before it is released. This can help ensure that your game is as polished and enjoyable as possible when it is finally released.
Overall, the decision of when to begin marketing your game as an indie developer will depend on the state of the game’s development, the resources available to your marketing team, and any strategic considerations you may have. It is important to carefully consider these factors in order to create a successful marketing campaign that effectively promotes your game to the right audience at the right time.