With so many independent games being brought into the mainstream gaming ecosystem, the chances of riding the same wave into the limelight can seem nearly impossible. Over the past year, we’ve seen the success of roguelike Dogubomb’s strategy puzzle Blue Prince and LocalThunk’s deck-builder Balatro come into the spotlight. These two trending indie game titles took the gaming industry by storm by shaking the foundation of expectations.
While your game might not have the exact concept or genre-defying experience, the idea of success isn’t an overnight process, as it is built upon the grounds of a solid base of support from others. The real secret to getting your indie game trending isn’t as complicated as it may seem.
Establishing an Identity
If you are a game developer, you’re cooking something on your terms or with a small team. Every project starts with an idea that motivates you. Showcasing passion in your work is the most important factor to making the best game possible. However, to present that to your audience, you need to know what your game is.
Knowing your project inside and out is the only way to understand where things will go. Take Blue Prince for example, a roguelike strategic puzzle title. Two very different bases to cater to, but by balancing those genres together, Dogubomb seamlessly created a game that presented gamers with the gameplay they love without making it too far out of their wheelhouse.
Finding Your Audience
Speaking of Blue Prince, finding your audience is another huge factor in getting your game trending. Knowing the identity of your game will give you a push into finding your community. If you have something that you know people will enjoy, then there’s someone out there who will be there. From Discord servers to Reddit subreddits, there are many ways to find your audience. The number of the community might not be massive, which can be discouraging to some, but over time, the people will come and support your project.
Related: How to Gain YouTube and Twitch Coverage for Your Indie Game
Networking with Others
Similarly to finding your audience, networking with others is another crucial tactic to get your game trending. According to How to Market a Game, contacting social media accounts could be prime places to start, especially if you’ve got gameplay to show off. If you’re looking for specific ones, try WholesomeGames and Hitmarker.
If you need assistance during the development stages, your best bet is to connect with other developers in the community. These people can be a valuable source, as they can help share your work with others in the community. Status isn’t an issue; the main focus is getting your work to the right people.
Whatever stage of production you are in, these skills will elevate your chances of hitting it big with your audience. If you would like to gain more exposure or get the best marketing tips, contact us at Frowns Marketing. Shoot us an email or contact us through LinkedIn, BlueSky, X, or Instagram.
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