How to Market Your Game Early With 'Building in Public'

How to Market Your Game Early With ‘Building in Public’

Building in public can feel terrifying for indie game devs. You’re exposing your work, often in a raw, incomplete state, to the scrutiny of the internet. But what if that vulnerability is actually your greatest strength?

Building in public helps you finish more than feedback ever will.

For me, the idea of showing my barely-functional prototype for “Project Star Wanderer” felt like walking naked into a crowded room. What if people hated it? What if they stole my ideas? The uncertainty was crippling. Progress stalled.

Then, I decided to take a leap. I started tweeting screenshots, even the buggy ones. I recorded short videos showcasing new mechanics. I talked about my design challenges and creative blocks.

Something unexpected happened: I found motivation. Each like, each comment, each follow felt like a little injection of energy. More importantly, the act of documenting my progress forced me to be accountable. I couldn’t just abandon the project without letting down the small community that was starting to form.

“Building in public” isn’t just about marketing; it’s about managing uncertainty and staying motivated.

Here’s how you can leverage this strategy from day one:

Overcoming the Fear of Sharing

The biggest hurdle is often fear. Fear of criticism, fear of failure, fear of exposing your “imperfect” creation.

The truth is, perfection is the enemy of done. Embrace the iterative process. Show your rough drafts. Explain your thought process. People connect with authenticity, not flawless presentation.

Instead of thinking, “This isn’t good enough to share,” try thinking, “This is a step in the journey, and I want to share the journey.”

Documenting the Creative Process

This is where a game dev journal becomes invaluable. It’s not just about logging bugs; it’s about capturing the creative sparks, the design decisions, the emotional rollercoaster of game development.

Use your game development log to record your progress. Tracking your game development progress is essential for seeing where you’ve been and planning where you’re going.

Use these journaling prompts to unlock your creativity and plan ahead:

• What is the core feeling I want players to experience in my game? Why?
• What are three games that inspire me? What specific elements do I admire?
• What is one unconventional mechanic I could prototype this week?
• If my game was a dish, what would it be? Why?
• What problem am I facing today? What are three possible solutions, no matter how outlandish?

Sharing Consistently

Choose your platforms wisely. Twitter is great for quick updates and engaging with the community. YouTube is perfect for showcasing gameplay footage. Discord fosters deeper connections.

The key is consistency. Aim for regular updates, even if they’re small. A “work in progress” screenshot every few days is better than a polished trailer once a month.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Over-promising: Don’t announce features you’re not sure you can deliver. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver.
• Neglecting community feedback: Listen to your audience. They might have valuable insights. But remember, it’s your game. Don’t let others dictate your vision.
• Burning out: Game development is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t push yourself too hard. Schedule breaks and prioritize your mental health.
• Ignoring negative feedback: Don’t take everything to heart, but don’t dismiss criticism out of hand. Is there a trend? Is there something you can learn from it?

Creative Journaling Exercises to Spark Ideas

Sometimes, the biggest challenge isn’t technical; it’s creative. You’re staring at a blank screen, struggling to come up with the next compelling mechanic or story beat. This is where your game dev journal can be a powerful tool for breaking through creative blocks.

Use your game dev journal to track both your technical progress and your creative journey.

Try these prompts:

• “What if…?” Scenarios: Take a core element of your game and ask “What if?” What if the player could fly? What if the world was upside down? What if the enemies were friendly? Explore the implications of each scenario.
• Themed Brainstorming: Choose a theme (e.g., “gravity,” “time,” “sound”) and brainstorm ideas related to that theme. How can you incorporate that theme into your game mechanics, story, or world design?
• Opposite Day: Take a common trope or mechanic in your genre and do the opposite. If everyone is doing X, try doing the opposite of X.
• Random Word Association: Pick a random word (use a dictionary or a random word generator) and brainstorm how that word relates to your game.
• Dream Journaling: Keep a notepad by your bed and write down any dreams you have that relate to your game. Dreams can be a rich source of inspiration.

Remember, the goal isn’t to come up with perfect ideas immediately. It’s about exploring possibilities, challenging assumptions, and unlocking your subconscious creativity. The best ideas often come from unexpected places.

My own experience with “Project Star Wanderer” proves that “building in public” can be a game-changer. It helped me manage uncertainty, stay motivated, and build a community around my project.

Ready to start documenting your game development journey and share it with the world? Use our handy game development journal to organize your thoughts, track your progress, and unleash your creativity. It’s the perfect tool to help you embrace the power of “building in public” and bring your game to life.

Start today, and let’s build something amazing together!