Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
so on. Over the years, it has evolved into more of a media event, and video-game
makers, recognizing that comics enthusiasts also fall into their marketing demo-
graphics, flock there to market games.
Savvy marketers continue to research how their demographics talk to each
other, share information about their favorites (for example, via viral market-
ing), and use that information to get their products in front of these potential
gamers. Game companies spend millions during these shows and conferences to
showcase new and upcoming games. The purpose is to attract distributors and
consumers, and to get the attention of the media. Building hype is a big thing.
t
h e
e
s s e n t I a l s
a n d
B
e y o n d
An enormous challenge for any game maker is distributing and marketing their games
effectively. The marketplace for games is global, but reaching the target audience for a
game and making the sale can often prove more challenging than making the game in
the first place.
To be fair, there are more gaming companies and more products competing with each
other; however, the sheer number of gamers willing to spend time and money on games
indicate that sales are happening and continuing to grow.
a
d d I t I o n a l
e
x e r C I s e s
1.
Choose three different gameplay styles, and research comments posted online
about those types of games. Look for the ways the comments are written. Are
there similarities in how the information is presented? Of the similarities you
uncover, do you notice trends in the positive and negative statements? List any
must-do/include items along with any must-avoid items.
2.
Pick one game that comes from a fairly large company such as EA or LucasArts
(larger companies are more likely to have multiple reviews). Do an online
search for any reviews of those games. Try to find at least three. Of those three,
are there similarities in what the reviewers were writing about? Try to play the
game you're researching. Do you agree with what the reviewers wrote?
3.
Visit one of the advergame sites listed in this chapter, or do an Internet search
to find others, and play a few of those games. After playing them, did you feel
as though you wanted to buy or at least investigate the products in the adver-
games? Do you think this is a good advertising vehicle? How would you design
an advergame for your own project?
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