Black Golem

This is the fourth chapter in the series of tips for people starting their career in game development right now. Be sure to read chapter 1, chapter 2 and chapter 3 as well.

Good games have to provide fun. Aside graphical fireworks, realistic enemy behaviour and twisting storylines games have to be enjoyable. That's THE basic rule each game designer should obey. To prevent yourself wasting too much time try to find it fast.

Game Dev Newbie Tip 9:

Find the fun in your game ASAP.

Add cool graphics, sounds and whatnot later. Go for the essence first. Well known genres are shortcuts in this regard. Reuse their approved rules which are known to be fun and save time.

In case you completed your game (congrats!) and you want to sell it you may feel embarrassed charging money for it. Doubts like "it's not as good as I've planed" or "other games are much better than mine" may cross your mind. You know what? Many games are not as good as their designers wanted them to be. And there will always be game X which is better than game Y. Nevertheless they sell. Some more, others less. Forget these nagging feelings. Check out the current price level for your game and name your own price.

Game Dev Newbie Tip 10:

Don't fear demanding cash. Name your game's price.

When you get used to selling you will become aware that prices are just the measurement of supply and demand. Emotional attacks from complainers will occur. What the heck! Apple is the subject of relentless criticism. Nevertheless people buy their stuff because they want it. Just adapt a price when it does not work for you, not because people think it's not fair. Monitor your conversion rate and adapt accordingly.

Nevertheless don't underestimate the gain you can get from giving away a game for free. People download and play free games more likely than non-free ones. It's a no-brainer. This way your game can spread way faster than if it would go for money. When people like it they will check out your next game as well, even if it has a price tag attached. Or you can transform your free game into a more polished, extended version and sell it. In both cases people will pay because you gave them something good for free beforehand.

Free stuff is a no-brainer which can spread out like wildfire. Exploit this if you wanna get known.

Game Dev Newbie Tip 11:

Gain a foothold with free games.

Different price tags have different advantages and disadvantages. Don't fear to experiment with them and find the best solution for your needs.

Cheers,
Thomas