When it comes to promoting your video game, there's no one-size-fits-all strategy to attract new players. Marketing is just as crucial as designing cool levels and making the interface user-friendly. The big game development companies are throwing big bucks into ads and getting celebrities on board. If you can't match that level of spending, don't worry – a solid digital marketing strategy can still do wonders for finding players for your game.
Now, making a strategy might sound easy, but creating one that actually works is a different story. Shockingly, almost 37 percent of games on Steam have never been played! You don't want your game to suffer the same fate due to a lack of marketing.
To avoid that, we've got some top-notch marketing techniques to help you build a successful promotional strategy. Let's dive in and make sure your game gets the attention it deserves!
A video game marketing strategy can be thought of as an organized blueprint for your game. It is like your game's personal guide, including your objectives, plans, and cool tactics for spreading the word. You have worked hard to create amazing games, but here's the truth: it will not miraculously become a hit by itself. With so many options available, players may miss yours unless you spread the word. So, a smart strategy is your secret weapon for ensuring to receive the attention it needs.
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A Guide to Initiating Your Video Strategy
Let's break down the steps for crafting your strategy in a way that's easy to understand:
Determine Your Game's Marketing Purpose
Consider how your strategy to be similar to assigning a mission to your game. This establishes the tone for how you will handle marketing at a high level. It helps you stay focused, make decisions that align with your vision, and guide you through the strategy.
Determine Your Goals
Goals are useful not just for your mobile gaming, but also for marketing. Begin by laying out your income objectives. Set targets for downloads, sales, and conversion rates. Clear goals assist you in determining which initiative moves to undertake—set deadlines for your objectives to keep yourself motivated. If your objectives are large, divide them into smaller sections for easier tracking. Evaluate your progress and adjust your plans if it's needed. And remember, maintain your goals realistic. Don't aim for something crazy; start small and adjust as you go.
Know Your Intended Demographics and Market
Before you shout about your game to the world, take the time to understand your demographics and the gaming market. Look at market trends, see what other developers are doing, and figure out the best time to launch your mobile video games. This info helps you position your plan well, avoid pitfalls, and improve your earnings.
Develop Your Marketing Strategies and Tactics
Creating strategies might sound overwhelming, but let's keep it simple. Think of how you as a content creator, craft an experience for gamers. Choose platforms that make the most impact and align with your objectives. Learn everything about those platforms, so you can confidently use them to connect with others.
Craft Clear Marketing Messages
Knowing your demographics is key, but you also need to be crystal clear. Whether it's a short description on Steam or a Facebook ad, keep your messaging simple. Confusing messages create friction and do it harder to reach your goals.
Organize Your Media Assets
Now you are a content creator. Even if you do not have a blog or a YouTube series, you will create content to share with your audience. Social media is your friend. Connect with gamers, provide updates, and interact with people you serve.
Select the Appropriate Distribution Platforms
Determining where to distribute the activities, think about how they fit into your strategy and purpose. Aim for accessibility; the more people can play your game, the better. Think carefully about price, and do not be hesitant to ask for what your game is worth.
Evaluate and Improve Your Campaign
Keep track of how your plan is coming along. Assess your development and determine whether it is assisting you in achieving your purpose. If something is not functioning, be prepared to adapt or discontinue it. Knowing what to measure is critical to success. Keep modifying your plan to make it more effective for your game.
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The Crucial Role of Marketing in the Gaming Industry
The gaming industry is set to hit over $500 billion by 2027, and with new games popping up all the time, it's fierce competition. Big companies are throwing big bucks around, making it tough for smaller studios to get noticed.
But fear not, with the right marketing strategy, your game can stand out and grab the attention of gamers. Marketing is like putting your game in the spotlight, showing it off to the right crowd, and convincing them it's worth their time for some serious fun.
When it comes to marketing strategy, digital plans are the way to go. They let you reach your target viewers easily through online channels. Plus, it won't break the bank like traditional ads, giving developers a chance to get creative with campaigns that specifically target the audience they want. So, get ready to level up your game with some savvy digital marketing!
How Does All of This Work?
Making all this happen requires some smart planning. Don't hold off on promoting your game until it's already launched – that's like missing out on a bunch of opportunities. Kick off your marketing game even before the launch to build excitement and get players eagerly waiting to dive into your creation.
Pick a release date to let everyone know when they can officially get their hands on your mobile game. And here's the secret sauce – craft a marketing story that clicks. What's groundbreaking or educational about your game? What sets it apart and makes people curious to give it a go? Shape a story that makes selling your game a breeze.
Doing all this solo as a developer can be a bit much. Marketing is no joke, and it could eat up time you'd rather spend fine-tuning your game for the market. That's where teaming up with a top-notch agency comes in. They get the gaming scene inside out and have the skills to turn your game into a player favorite.
These marketing professionals understand when to engage with gamers and will pay special attention to what works. They'll measure the success of their tactics, so your marketing campaigns can reach their full potential. It's like having a partner in crime who knows all the right moves to make your game a hit!
Top Campaign Examples
Dead Island (2011)
Dead Island, a first-person zombie survival RPG released in 2011, received global attention thanks to a fascinating viral announcement trailer developed by Scottish studio Axis Animation. This emotionally packed short mobile video, which has over 13.4 million views on YouTube, won a gold award at the 2011 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. A Wired journalist described it as arguably the best mobile video game trailer ever.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Call of Duty, Activision's tremendously popular first-person shooter franchise, debuted in 2003 and has sold over 140 million copies. The sixth installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, released on November 10, 2009, was a huge success, selling 28.5 million sales and generating $1 billion in revenue.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Rockstar Games' controversial Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, known for its ultra-violent content, has captivated gamers and sparked debates since 1997. In October 2011, Rockstar casually shared a link to an official GTA V website via Twitter, creating anticipation worldwide. Subsequent to the tweet, a trailer was released, generating widespread excitement.
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FAQ
A marketing plan is essential for successfully advertising and selling a mobile game. It assists developers in identifying their target audience, creating interesting promotional materials, and implementing techniques that increase visibility and interaction.
Creating a strategy can assist game creators, marketers, and anybody involved in mobile video promotion and distribution. It provides a road map for effective promotion and guarantees that resources are used efficiently.
Yes, understanding your target demographic is important. Knowing how the demographics, tastes, and behaviors of the audience help shape advertising activities, ensuring that the mobile game resonates with the intended players.
Elevate your visibility, engage your target audience, and maximize your game's potential. Join us at HypeFactory and don't miss out on the power of strategic promotion.