Marketing your game is all about finding the right buyer. People all over the world have different tastes, and the most important thing you can do as a game developer is to know how to communicate your value. You don't need to cater to the entire world; you just need to be able to satisfy the people who will appreciate your product. But how exactly do you find the right buyer? And how do you, as a game developer, sell yourself to your audience? Here are a few key things to remember when you're selling your products and/or services.

1) IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Market your game to the right audience. Your product will only sell if people are interested in its premise, but not everyone is into the same genre or style your game might fall under. For instance, we at Mega Cat Studios tailor our games to be for the retro crowd and invoke their feelings of nostalgia for the classic 80s and 90s style of video games. While a younger audience might not fully grasp its appeal, gamers from older generations who grew up with the NES and Sega Genesis will likely cherish this nostalgic throwback. By understanding your target demographic, you can create a product that resonates with their interests and preferences.

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2) REACH OUT TO KEY FIGURES AND INFLUENCERS FOR BIGGER REACH

After identifying who you're aiming your games at, reaching out to social media figures and influencers they might watch is best. If you're creating an RTS game, it's best to approach YouTubers who've built an identity around enjoying the genre. If the person you’re approaching is a fan of fast-paced bullet hells, be sure to hand them a game you know they’ll enjoy. These positive endorsements will help promote your games to new audiences and help increase your reach.

Likewise, consider talking to social media influencers interested in your work. Be willing to engage different communities and collaborate with figures on key platforms like Reddit. They may not be as familiar with the gaming space as other creators but never give up the chance to expose your brand and appeal to someone new. Marketing is a numbers game, and the more people who positively associate with your brand name, the better it will be for you long-term.

3) BUILD A MEMORABLE IDENTITY THAT PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER

Being memorable is not a trait that should be underestimated. Whether they think of your company's mascot, witty tagline, or the catchy design you created, make sure your target audience can't forget about it. Your brand is the image people will think of when remembering your company's name. Make certain that it's catchy and inoffensive. The last thing you want is for your potential audience to forget all about you or to get offended thinking about you. Choose something simple. Maybe cats?

4) PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE - CREATE EVENTS, GIVEAWAYS, AND CONTESTS TO FURTHER ENGAGEMENT 

Aim to promote yourself in a positive light. Hold contests where people can win prizes. The world at large loves events when they're entertaining, doubly so when they stand a chance to win exciting prizes. Holding things like social media giveaways will encourage people to keep updated on your products.

5) BUILD YOUR IDENTITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is an important promotional tool. Be sure to keep up-to-date on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and always be active in promoting yourself. Post updates on these sites when possible, and be sure to reach out to users and reply to their queries. Engagement is key to holding people’s interest, and audiences that feel valued will continue to interact with you, especially when they feel their concerns are being acknowledged.

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If possible, don’t forget to make use of commercials and endorsements. Key figures in social media can give you the edge you need to meet new audiences. Even just the act of posting new videos and pictures can bring new sets of eyes and ears to your websites and make future marketing easier as more people learn of your brand.

Don’t forget to put your best foot forward, either. First impressions are often lasting ones, so be sure to make it count.

6) FEED THE HYPE

Above all else, remember to feed the hype. Promotional hype creates anticipation, and anticipation creates constant interest. A good first impression will excite people, but excitement eventually dies down if you're not careful. Don't let your audience forget you; find ways to engage them and keep them interested long-term. The use of pre-registration rewards, sign-up goodies, and newsletters are fantastic ways to keep your audience informed of your project. Keep this hype going and create incentives for your target market to keep coming back. As long as they're excited, they won't forget your games anytime soon. Put your best foot forward and keep the hype train rolling. Marketing can get complicated, but if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating a good marketing campaign in no time.

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If these tips proved helpful, consider following us at Mega Cat Studios. We have many more tips and tricks to share, and we’re always happy to give budding developers the edge they need to succeed!

This article was written by Alexander Ryan Ong Cuaycong