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OrangeCorvus@lemmy.world

Marketing indie games is harder than making them (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 days ago by nick_ocb@lemmy.world to c/indiegaming@lemmy.world

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I spent 2.5 years coding this game.

I've spent 6 months just trying to tell people it exists.

Marketing is a different kind of hard. Coding has logic. Clear inputs, clear outputs. Marketing? It's storytelling, psychology, timing, luck — and most of it feels like shouting into a void.

The game is a 4-player family thing where kids can actually beat adults. Fully voiced so pre-readers can play. Built because I was tired of "educational" games that bored everyone.

But none of that matters if nobody sees it. So here I am. Shouting into the void, hoping the algorithm decides I'm worth showing you.

How do you discover new indie games? Steam browsing? TikTok clips? Word of mouth?

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[–] phonics@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

If I were in your shoes I would make a couple of videos. Not about the game (directly), but about your 'why'. With a strong title and thumbnail that makes viewers want answers. Something like 'why educational games STILL suck' or 'learning on computers doesnt have to be dangerous'. For the second one, the potential customer would be like huh? It's dangerous? How? And then they click.

Then the videos follow a really simple format, 'I want:X but:Y so:Z.

For Instance

' this AI stuff is getting out of control. Kids are learning from non true sources but what are their alternatives really? Games like this?(show example of trash game)

I WANT: to be there with my kids through their fun learning experience

BUT: oh my god, these games are so lame and boring. How are pre readers even supposed to follow along?

SO: I'm going to develop a game that is fun for the entire family.

Then you state what you want in the game. This game needs: voice over, multi playability so they can play with their friends, be winnable for a child and not just skilled adults, educate about (whatever) then show some development about it. Your struggles along the way, the emotional impact it has on you and the stakes.

Stakes don't have to be earth shattering. But just think of worst case scenarios and speak on it through the video.

If we can't get voice over sorted out, I'm not going to be able to play with the whole family because the little ones will leave the room and I can't wrangle them and play with the older ones at the same time.. Etc

Do 12 of these and your on your way. Nothing else on the channel just entertaining vids about educational games.

Could do ones like: the genius of 'the Oregon trial' and why the new one failed.

'Why Laptops don't solve the massive backpack problem, giving your kids back problems'

'Educational games are making kids stupider(AI slop, or not engaging etc)'

'Why you dont hear about the games your looking for (because devs aren't marketers, here are some I found)

'Roblox is unsafe for your child'

'Remember club penguin, here's how you kids can do the same thing now safely'

'How to help your kid hear more of their native tounge at home'

Etc.

This way you build up a following of people already interested in the space. Highlight the parents concerns, quell them by saying I see it too, and I'm actively trying to fix it. And they will naturally feel the want to buy Instead of feeling like they are being marketed to. Keep it heart focused.

Good luck!