As a game developer, you’ve poured your heart and soul into creating an amazing video game. Now it’s time to bring your creation to market and make some money. But with so many games available on the market, how can you ensure that your game will be successful? In this article, we’ll explore the steps you need to take to create a hit video game and sell it for profit.
Step 1: Identify Your Target Market
Before you start creating your game, you need to identify your target market. Who is your game designed for? Is it geared towards kids or adults? Once you have identified your target market, you can tailor your game’s features and design to appeal to them. For example, a game designed for children may be brightly colored with simple graphics, while a game designed for adults may have more complex graphics and themes.
Case Study: Minecraft
Minecraft is an excellent example of a game that was successful because it identified its target market and catered to their needs. The game was originally designed as a sandbox building simulator, but it quickly became popular with children who enjoyed creating and exploring their own virtual worlds. As the popularity grew, the creators added new features such as mobs and resource packs that appealed to an older audience. Today, Minecraft is one of the most successful games of all time, with millions of players worldwide.
Step 2: Create a Compelling Game Design
Once you have identified your target market, it’s time to start creating your game design. Your game should be engaging and fun, but it should also be well-designed and easy to play. A good game design should have clear goals, challenging obstacles, and a satisfying reward for the player.
Case Study: Angry Birds
Angry Birds is another excellent example of a game with a compelling game design. The game was designed as a simple puzzle game where players had to launch birds at structures in order to destroy them and rescue their eggs. The game’s designers used clever physics and creative level designs to keep players engaged and coming back for more. Today, Angry Birds is one of the most popular mobile games of all time, with over 2 billion downloads worldwide.
Step 3: Market Your Game Effectively
Creating a great game is only half the battle. You also need to market it effectively in order to attract players and generate sales. There are many different ways to market your game, including social media advertising, influencer partnerships, and app store optimization.
Case Study: Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga is an excellent example of a game that was marketed effectively. The game’s creators used social media advertising to promote the game and attract players. They also partnered with influencers to spread the word about the game and increase its visibility. Additionally, they optimized the game for app stores by including eye-catching graphics and compelling descriptions. Today, Candy Crush Saga is one of the most popular mobile games of all time, with over 1 billion downloads worldwide.
Step 4: Monetize Your Game
Once you have attracted players to your game, it’s time to start monetizing it. There are many different ways to monetize a game, including in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising.
Case Study: Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go is an excellent example of a game that was successfully monetized. The game’s creators used in-app purchases to generate revenue, allowing players to buy virtual currency that could be used to purchase items in the game. They also generated additional revenue by partnering with advertisers to display ads in the game. Today, Pokémon Go is one of the most successful mobile games of all time, with over 1 billion downloads worldwide.
