Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
some alternatives. It is always better to check the name before development, be-
cause the name can be introduced in the plot and the story.
If your name is free and you can use, it is necessary to secure it; you must register
the Internet domain name (it is better to use the
.com
address) and create topic-
al accounts on communities on social networking sites. For example, you will need
a Facebook page for your game, a YouTube page, a Twitter account, a Tumblr
page, and so on. Of course, the main marketplace is the App Store (Google Play,
BlackBerry World, and so on too if the game is ported on new platforms); never-
theless, an official website and social media should not be underestimated; they
may help the game with additional marketing. On the website, we can embed some
YouTube videos: a trailer or some gameplay demonstrations, some descriptions, and
examples of artwork, and a blog can be made of developer diaries. Many players
like such information very much, especially if they are familiar with previous titles of a
developer. Additionally, some extra plot information can be placed on the website to
expand the world of the game; this can include image maps of the in-game universe,
special web episodes, simple comics, or short novels related to the title. Another
good idea is to have small goodies for the audience: wallpapers (both for handheld
devices and desktop computers), some images that can be printed as stickers, and
some papercraft maybe.
The main idea is to convince current and potential players that you love them a lot.
The design of the official page should be simple and clean, concentrating all atten-
tion to a central table with the game logo, video, and some text description; an App
Store Badge with a link to iTunes is mandatory. The social networking sites are much
easier to manage; they only require you to update status periodically to keep the
audience up. Various likeable screenshots and illustrations from the game are good.
To properly decorate the account, you only need to choose proper avatars and title
backgrounds.
