Creating indie games can be a rewarding endeavor, both creatively and financially. However, the journey to making money from your games can be challenging. Here, I’ll share insights from my experiences over the past decade, offering tips on how to successfully sell your indie games. Remember, these are personal observations, and your experiences may differ.
The foundation of selling your game is, unsurprisingly, having a good game. But beyond quality, finding a niche can significantly boost your chances of success. For instance, my studio’s early project, a side-scrolling MMORPG called Fantasy World, stood out because there weren’t many indie games in that genre. Despite its initial bugs, it attracted a dedicated audience. The lesson here is that less saturated genres can help your game gain visibility.
Once your game is ready, selecting the right platform to sell it is crucial. Here are three primary options:
Steam is a popular choice for indie developers. It offers excellent exposure and, with a well-crafted game page, can generate a substantial number of wishlists. While setting up a Steam page requires effort, the platform’s reach makes it worthwhile for many developers.
If you’re new to game development or want to avoid complex marketing strategies, itch.io is a great starting point. It’s free to use, and you can decide how much of your profits go to the platform. However, the abundance of games on itch.io means you’ll need an existing audience to stand out.
Selling on consoles can be lucrative due to less competition, but the cost of porting your game can be high. Consider this option if your game performs well on Steam or if you have additional funding, such as from a Kickstarter campaign.
Marketing is perhaps the most critical aspect of selling your game. The internet is crowded, so standing out requires strategic efforts:
Kickstarter is an excellent platform for indie developers. It not only helps with funding but also allows you to build a community around your game, which can drive future sales.
Engaging with potential players and industry professionals at conventions or through online networking can significantly boost your game’s visibility. Building relationships with people who are passionate about your game is invaluable.
Social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube can amplify your game’s reach. Sharing your development journey and engaging with your audience can create excitement and drive sales. Even if video editing isn’t your forte, sharing screenshots and updates can generate interest.
Marketing your indie game is a long-term commitment. It took me over a decade to build a successful platform to share my insights. Remember, success often comes after years of effort, so enjoy the process. Share your experiences, be kind, and respond to feedback with maturity. Your hard work and dedication will eventually pay off.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these tips or any strategies that have worked for you. A big thank you to my Patreon supporters who make sharing these insights possible. Until next time, happy game developing!
In this workshop, you’ll brainstorm and develop a unique game concept. Focus on identifying a niche genre or innovative gameplay mechanics that could set your game apart in the indie market. Present your concept to the group and receive feedback on its potential marketability and uniqueness.
Research and analyze different platforms for selling indie games, such as Steam, itch.io, and console marketplaces. Create a comparative report that evaluates the pros and cons of each platform based on factors like audience reach, cost, and ease of use. Share your findings with your peers to discuss the best platform for different types of games.
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for a hypothetical indie game. Include elements like social media campaigns, Kickstarter planning, and networking opportunities. Present your strategy to the class, highlighting how you plan to engage with potential players and build a community around your game.
Participate in a role-playing exercise where you simulate networking scenarios at conventions or online platforms. Practice pitching your game to industry professionals and potential players. Focus on building relationships and effectively communicating your game’s unique selling points.
Create a series of social media posts or a short video showcasing the development process of an indie game. Use platforms like Twitter or YouTube to share your content. Experiment with different formats, such as behind-the-scenes footage or developer interviews, to engage your audience and generate interest in your game.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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[Music] This video is brought to you by Squarespace.
Alright, let’s get to the point. Most of us want to make money from the indie games we’re working on. For some of you, making money might not be a huge priority right now, and that’s perfectly fine. I believe that’s a healthy mindset to have. However, spending hundreds of hours developing a game that nobody is interested in or buys can be disheartening. As developers, we often question what went wrong and how we could improve next time. I’ve experienced that, and it’s not a great feeling.
Instead of blindly trying to figure out how to sell your game, I’ve compiled a list of things I’ve learned over the past 10 years. Let me clarify: I’m not a full-time game designer, and this is just my personal opinion based on my experiences. If you have different views or disagree, that’s perfectly fine—just take everything with a grain of salt.
The first thing you need to sell your game is, of course, a good game. I won’t dwell on this too much since there are many videos that explain it well. What I will say is to find a niche genre or topic. For example, one of the first projects my studio worked on was a side-scrolling MMORPG called Fantasy World. There aren’t many side-scrolling MMORPGs, especially among indie titles. After releasing one video, we started to attract new users, and some of them are still around years later.
The surprising thing is that Fantasy World was quite buggy. What I’m saying is that if you choose a less saturated genre, there’s a better chance people will find your game.
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So, you’ve finished your game and are excited for people to see it. But where do they go to buy it? In my opinion, there are three main options.
The first is Steam, which is one of the most effective ways to sell your game. Steam promotes your project, and if you have a well-designed page, you can get a decent number of wishlists. It does require some work to create a nice page, but that curation helps in selling your game. Most indie developers making money are doing so on Steam.
If you’re just starting and don’t want to deal with the complexities of marketing or the fees, I recommend itch.io. It’s free and easy to release new games, and you can choose how much of a cut they take from your profits. However, because it’s free, many games are on there, making it harder for yours to stand out unless you have an audience to direct there.
The third option is selling on consoles. There’s less competition, but porting your game can be expensive, so I recommend this only if your game is doing well on Steam or if you have funding from a Kickstarter campaign.
You can also consider the mobile market, but it’s highly competitive, and I don’t have enough experience to provide insights on that.
However, everything I’ve mentioned so far pales in comparison to the final point: how to spread the word about your game. The internet is like a crowded room where everyone is trying to be heard. To stand out, you need to be loud, which often means investing in marketing.
Kickstarter is a great platform because people go there looking for new games to support. You can build a community around your game, which is beneficial for future sales.
Another effective way to market your game is by attending conventions or networking online. It’s easier to sell your game when you’re engaging with people who can get to know you. Building relationships is crucial because you want to connect with people who are passionate about your game.
Lastly, sharing your story on social media can be explosive for your game’s visibility. Many of my sales have come from YouTube and the support from viewers. While not everyone finds success quickly, I believe that each of you has the talent to market your game effectively. If video editing isn’t your thing, consider sharing photos of your game on Twitter to generate excitement.
Regardless of the platform, remember to showcase work you’re proud of, share what you’ve learned, and be kind. Responding to negativity with maturity is important because you never know what someone else is going through. When you find success, you’ll know it’s because of your hard work and not by putting others down.
So, those are my tips on how to sell your game. I know marketing can be challenging, but it takes time. It took me over 10 years to build a successful YouTube channel to discuss these topics. Most overnight successes have years of effort behind them. If you’re not enjoying the process, then why are you doing it?
Let me know your thoughts on these tips or if you have any that have worked for you. A huge shoutout to my Patreon supporters who make these videos possible.
Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time for another game development adventure.
[Music]
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Feel free to let me know if you need any further modifications!
Indie – Independent, often referring to creators or developers who operate without the backing of a large company or publisher. – Many indie developers rely on crowdfunding platforms to bring their innovative software solutions to market.
Games – Interactive digital entertainment software that can be used for education, training, or leisure. – The startup focused on educational games that teach coding skills to young students.
Marketing – The process of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service. – Effective digital marketing strategies can significantly enhance a startup’s reach and customer engagement.
Platform – A digital environment or service that allows users to build, share, or interact with content or applications. – The new software platform enables entrepreneurs to manage their business operations seamlessly.
Audience – The group of consumers or users targeted by a business or product. – Understanding the needs of your audience is crucial for developing a successful product.
Visibility – The degree to which a product or brand is seen and recognized by potential customers. – Increasing online visibility through SEO can lead to higher sales and brand recognition.
Networking – The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. – Networking events are essential for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business connections.
Community – A group of people with a common interest or goal, often interacting within a shared digital space. – Building a strong community around your product can lead to increased customer loyalty and feedback.
Success – The achievement of a goal or objective, often measured by profitability or market impact. – Success in the tech industry often requires innovation, persistence, and strategic planning.
Funding – Financial support provided to help a business grow and develop its products or services. – Securing funding from investors is a critical step for many startups to scale their operations.
