Video Game Marketing: 6 Tips From The Experts
Creating a video game is exciting and creative, but getting it out there in front of the right people can be discouraging. With so much competition fighting for a piece of the $220.79 billion video game market and so many avenues of promotion to explore, it can be complicated and overwhelming.
That’s why many developers turn to experts for advice on video game marketing. The good news is, there are plenty of experienced professionals in the video game industry who have made and learned from their mistakes and are ready to share their tips and tricks on how to market a game the right way.
What is Video Game Marketing?
Video game marketing involves promoting, advertising, and selling video games to the public. It’s a very competitive market that requires developers and publishers to have a thorough understanding of their target audience, utilize different channels for promotion such as social media and streaming services, and create various types of content.
From traditional to digital marketing, game developers need to adopt strategies that would make their product stand out from the crowd and bring in more players.
Why is Video Game Marketing Important?
The success of any video game depends on how well it’s marketed. Poor marketing can result in a low number of sales and less interest from gamers, while effective marketing can help drive hype translating into great sales figures.
Having a good marketing plan is essential for any video game developer, as it allows them to create visibility among gamers, increase sales, and establish relationships with their target audience.
However, the caveat is that it’s a very dynamic landscape, and what works for one game may not work for another, while what worked ten years ago, may flop today.
6 Tips For Video Game Marketing
Naturally, with the ever-changing video game market, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to video game marketing. But there are a few key tips that can help you successfully market your game.
1. Mobile Is Trending
Wherever you go, you’ll find people glued to their smartphones. With 2.69 billion mobile game players globally, mobile gaming is huge and continues to grow.
Harnessing the power of mobile is essential for any video game developer. Invest in making your game available on mobile and make sure it’s optimized for smaller screens. Likewise, with the help of prominent influencers, you can create buzz and generate hype for your game.
For example, the team behind PUBG springboarded off the popularity of their desktop game by launching their game on mobile devices and it paid off big time. In 2021, PUBG mobile was the highest-grossing game bringing in a whopping $2 billion in revenue.
2. There Are More Women Working in Video Games Every Year
Gone are the days when video games were associated with boys and men. Now, more women are working in the video game industry than ever before. According to Statista, women make up 30% of the game development workforce in 2021.
What’s more, the number of female gamers accounts for 48% of the total gaming population in the US. So, when marketing your game don’t forget about this huge demographic.
You need to take into account the likes, dislikes, and preferences of female players. Having a better understanding of your target audience is key to creating better games that appeal to the public.
3. Video Content Is More Effective
What can we say – video content works. After all, it’s the most consumed type of content online with a proven track record of garnering 1200% more shares than text or image forms.
If you want to get your game out there, try creating videos for your product on YouTube or Twitch. You can also host live streams and create engaging video game trailers to showcase the game’s features and get subscribers excited.
Leverage the influence of gaming influencers to create organic interest and reach a wider audience. PewDiePie, a popular YouTube sensation, has over 105 million subscribers on YouTube, which is a goldmine you should tap into.
4. Always Create A Story
Who doesn’t love a good story? When it comes to video game marketing, storytelling works wonders. By creating a unique narrative for your game and engendering an emotional connection to your product, you’re more likely to grab the attention of gamers and entice them to invest in your game.
In addition, you can reach out to the press and share the story of your game’s development. You can even offer interviews or behind-the-scenes footage to the media.
5. Foster Discussions and Community
The gaming community is all about dialogue and discussion. Capitalize on this to promote your game.
Create discussion groups and forums on popular social media marketing platforms such as Discord or Reddit or join existing ones and get people talking about your product. You can even use the forum as a platform to answer questions, provide critical feedback, and build relationships with your customers.
6. Learn From The Video Game Industry
It’s always a smart move to learn from the best. There are hundreds of video game developers, marketers, and publishers who have walked the path you’re walking now and made the mistakes you can now avoid.
Take the time to research and study their methods, strategies, and successes. You can also look up industry insights and data to help you devise better marketing plans.
Full-Service Production Studio For Roblox
Video game marketing doesn’t have to seem so terrifying if you know the right tips and tricks. From leveraging the influence of gaming influencers to creating discussion groups, you can make your game stand out in a sea of competitors.
If you’re looking for a full-service production studio to help you develop and market your Roblox game, Barrier Four can help.
We specialize in creating Roblox game trailers, videos, and promotional content to get your game noticed.
It’s time to get your game out there. Get your free assessment today and see how we can help you market your Roblox game like a pro.