How to Successfully Launch a Video Game: The Complete Guide

TLDRLearn how to go from concept to release and successfully launch your video game. This guide covers the essential steps, including coming up with a unique idea, choosing the right game engine, developing the game, and marketing it effectively.

Key insights

🚀Having a unique and interesting idea is crucial for a successful video game launch. Look at existing popular games to improve on or add value.

💡Determining the style of your game will help you choose the right game engine. Unity and Unreal Engine are popular choices in the industry.

💻Learning to code is essential for game development. Unity uses C, which is easy to learn, while Unreal Engine primarily uses blueprints for visual programming.

🗓️Creating a Steam landing page and building wishlists is crucial for getting featured on the Steam homepage. Aim for a minimum of 10,000 wishlists before launch.

💰Keep in mind that Steam takes 30% of profits, so consider other storefronts like the Epic Game Store or itch.io when choosing a platform to launch your game.

Q&A

How important is it to have a unique idea for a video game?

Having a unique idea is crucial as it helps your game stand out and attracts players. However, make sure it's not too different that players can't understand the concept.

Which game engine is best for beginners?

Unity is often recommended for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and significant community support. It uses C as a programming language, which is easy to learn.

Is coding knowledge necessary for game development?

Yes, learning to code is essential for game development. Unity uses C, which is beginner-friendly, while Unreal Engine relies on blueprints for visual programming.

How can I market my video game effectively?

Setting up a Steam landing page early and building wishlists is vital for getting featured. Utilize game engine communities, user manuals, and generative AI tools to save time.

Are there alternatives to launching on Steam?

Yes, there are other platforms like the Epic Game Store and itch.io. Consider the platform's profit share and features when choosing where to launch your game.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this video, we discuss how to successfully launch a video game and go through all the necessary steps.

03:16Having a unique and interesting idea for your game is crucial. Look at popular games to find areas of improvement or unique value to add.

10:23Choosing the right game engine is essential. Unity is beginner-friendly, while Unreal Engine offers stunning graphics but requires more complexity.

16:40Learning to code is necessary for game development. Unity uses C, which is easy to learn, while Unreal Engine relies on blueprints for visual programming.

22:50Creating a Steam landing page and building wishlists is vital for getting featured and attracting players. Aim for at least 10,000 wishlists before launch.

31:00Consider other platforms like the Epic Game Store and itch.io when choosing where to launch your game. Keep in mind their profit share and features.