Just Finished My Game!... Now what?

[Nothing Clever]

Well, title says it all. Actually, I still have to do a few things in the way of playtesting and adding music, little stuff like that, but the frame is set. My game is mostly ready for release, and it's really exciting!

So, now what.

Obviously, I still need to put it up on Subscribestar, but then, what's the best way of getting the word out there and all that jazz? Just some general information and tips would be wonderful.

 

[MissFortune]

It's not quite as easy as "putting the word out there". You know how much work you put into your game? You're going to need to double that to pick up a following in any reasonable time. Provided you don't strike gold like some of the lucky few devs out there. That said, social media is your friend here. Put it up on SS and Patreon (if you can), and then promote it repeated on any platform you see fit. Twitter, Instagram (it's a struggle on there.), Reddit, and even put a signature on the forum linking to your game, so when you're talking (even in unrelated conversations) people will take a gander at your game. Itch.io and GameJolt are viable options, as well seeing as it's basically completed.

Just for future reference (unless you plan on making a bunch small/short games), there's a reason an overwhelming majority of devs in this sphere release in parts/versions/etc. The episodic fashion of releases make it easier to drop cliffhangers and keep players hooked for the next release. On top of that, each release (provided you try to promote each one as much as you can) will bring in some new eyes - and thus possible supporters - while also giving the dev an idea of what needs fixing/improving along the way.

It's a struggle, for sure. But as the old adage goes: You get back what you put in. Even if it doesn't seem like it right away. Good luck with your game.

 

[Nothing Clever]

MissFortune No, sincerely, thank you for your advice! I'm gonna take all I can get in terms of advice. That said, there is still a bit of technical advice I'm looking for. I guess, how exactly do you provide a download link for your game when putting it on your main feeds? Is Mega the only real option?

 

[MissFortune]

MissFortune No, sincerely, thank you for your advice! I'm gonna take all I can get in terms of advice. That said, there is still a bit of technical advice I'm looking for. I guess, how exactly do you provide a download link for your game when putting it on your main feeds? Is Mega the only real option?

By main feeds, what are you referring to? A game thread? Or do you mean when you're posting it to SubscribStar/etc? Or something else?

Your most used link will likely be Mega, for sure (mostly due to lack of pop-ups/sketchy downloads, etc.). Beyond that, the size of your game will typically demand where you can or can't upload. I believe Mediafire allows 10GB, which should be another good option for most. Google Drive is also another solid option for users. Something like AnonFiles/Letsupload/Racaty are all a bit slower/sketchier, but good to have for those who might use them.

 

[Nothing Clever]

MissFortune Yes, I was referring to Subscribestar and the like. And okay, for sure, that's all excellent advice; the technical as! Man, I know it's good to temper my emotions and expectations; as you said, there's still a lot of hard work up ahead of me. But I can't help but still get a little excited to be drawing nearer to the finish line. X)

Another practical question. After putting up your game and doing all the necessary steps, how long did it take you to start seeing it grow in popularity?

 

[MissFortune]

MissFortune Yes, I was referring to Subscribestar and the like. And okay, for sure, that's all excellent advice; the technical as! Man, I know it's good to temper my emotions and expectations; as you said, there's still a lot of hard work up ahead of me. But I can't help but still get a little excited to be drawing nearer to the finish line. X)

Another practical question. After putting up your game and doing all the necessary steps, how long did it take you to start seeing it grow in popularity?

Temper your expectations, but feel some level of accomplishment for actually finishing your project. Regardless of how short or long it is. Completing a game isn't something a lot of amateur/hobbyist devs end up doing (including myself). As for seeing it grow in popularity? I can't really say myself. I only just put out the second release of my VN for Patreons a couple days ago, and I wouldn't exactly say I'm blowing up.

Like I said it's a struggle, especially at first, but if you put in the work and put yourself out/your game out there, you'll see your player/userbase steadily grow. Granted, this all varies with the demographic/audience you're aiming at, as well. Incest, for example, is going to pull in a much larger audience than say Vore, Giantess, or Necrophilia.