Discoverability is probably the second biggest hurdle when it comes to developing a game (the first is actually having something to publish)

So, title question. I know I could try to throw money at Instagram, TikTok and Youtube (know your target audience), but I think using their built-in advertising is more likely to miss than hit. Youtube is even more problematic, as a significant portion of people smartly avoid their ads (either with extensions or watching from piped or invidious).

Maybe paying to be on top of itch.io might work somewhat? I’d like to know from someone who did that, what was the turnout (number of sales/downloads per number of clicks)

One thing I think about is getting in contact with a number of small-ish (2k or less followers) content creators and work out a deal - free copy of the game, make a video being honest about it, leave a referral link for viewers to buy.

A problem of mine that I’m aware of is that I don’t have much of a social media presence, not even Discord servers, thus I completely lack any sort of “organic digital voice”.

I really want to know what are some decent strategies that a solo person could attempt to get some attention for their own game, and maybe the prices/budgets needed.

  • Darthjaffacake@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    Devlog shorts on YouTube and live streaming programming/making assets. GDC talks and other exposure is good, sending to relevant YouTubers for free can be fantastic.

    • glitches_brew@programming.dev
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      Absolutely.

      I have boughten many an indie games on sight because a YouTuber I watch did a “I know you usually watch me play this game, but this one is similar and really good” video.