The Business of Indie Games

You want to make your own game, but you're unsure of the risks. What if your game falls flat on its face? With this refreshingly honest and revealing book, FuturLab's Managing Director James Marsden shares what he's learned fromsix years running an indie game studio, covering topics such as concept development and choosing the right game to make, to getting support for a game and tips on self publishing and guerrilla marketing. Split into three parts, part one reveals a simple formula that is at the heart of all great games. Using Coconut Dodge and Velocity as in-depth case studies, James reveals what makes them tick, and how their essence can be understood and applied to make more great games. Also discussed in depth are original game concepts that never saw release. A reader is encouraged to learn from these mistakes before making the same mistakes themselves. Part two is focused on the business of indie game development, and reveals how to get support from publishers and platform holders, providing templates for game design documents, pitch presentations and schedule documents. This part also discusses how to plan a strong marketing campaign to raise awareness of a game, how to secure editorial coverage and support from the influential games press, and how to build a loyal fan base. Part three digs into those tasks necessary to any successful business: creating the perfect pitch for your game, scheduling and budgeting, and making sure you're accounting for what you've spent. Marsden even provides the templates you'll need to do all of these things. - Learn the essential formula at the heart of all awesome games - Learn proven techniques to get support from games press, publishers and gamers - Learn how to create your own luck, with this candid account from a successful indie developer. What you'll learnPart 1 The Essence Of An Awesome Game - Learn how to conceive and shape game concepts that are watertight and compelling. - Learn how to craft fun and addictive game mechanics every time. - Create perfect learning curves that suck players in and don't let go. Part 2 How To Get Support For Your Game - Learn how to build anticipation for your game. - Learn how to get support for your game from publishers, games press and gamers. - Learn how to market your game effectively and build a loyal fan base. Part 3 - Down to Business - Pitching your game - Scheduling and budgeting - Breaking even Who this book is for This book is for anyone that wants to create their own indie game success story. Whether the reader is just starting out in game development, or a veteran of the industry looking to take the indie leap, this book will help them to succeed. "