Post by redonihunter in How do you manage to let someone know about your video games?

Viewing post in How do you manage to let someone know about your video games?

The problem with self promotion is, you need to be known to do that. And if you are already known, you would not need it. So posting on social media while being unknown will not have all that much of an effect. You might get lucky and peak some interest and get the ball rolling though.

If you talk about that non English game with the non appealing cover image, that's two problems right there that can hinder any promotion. Itch is English. Promoting a non English language game will shut out the majority of visitors already. And how would you react to seeing that cover image if you were to browse for games? It is the game's name and a version number as text. Nothing more.

Oh, and yeah, I did get that the version number is the name of the game - after ~~reading~~ translating the description. But who would do that? It looks like an accounting tool's cover image.

And after translating the whole description, reading the tags, looking at the screenshots ... I still have absolutely no clue whatsoever what this game is about. So anyone opening your game page and being as clueless as me, might not be inclined to try the game.

Like Reply

mescalina azul177 days ago(+1)

Greetings. I appreciate your honesty, and that you've taken the time to check out my corner.

You're actually right. Regarding the language: I want to promote the game in Spanish, because it's in Spanish. Although I'm starting to consider doing an English translation. I realize that an English game is open to a wider audience.

As for the cover and the title... Hahaha, that's part of the mystery. Being a hobbyist, an outsider (not a real programmer), I quickly realized I couldn't compete with most of the independent works out there; so I took a less ambitious approach. And not very pragmatic when it came to marketing.

The game is somewhat eccentric, enigmatic... and I decided to extend that to its presentation. Yes, yes, it's not the most sensible approach. But anyway, let's see what happens...

Best regards.

Like Reply

redonihunter176 days ago(+3)

I suggest you make up your mind.

Do you want to promote your game, or do you want the project to be obscure.

You can promote it in some Spanish speaking places with direct links and not care about the "passive" bonus that being in the Itch catalogue of games offers. That bonus is not all that big, but still. Having a cover image and accurate tags and a description that tells people what the game is supposed to be, might help here.

I read a lot, like, really a lot of game descriptions. And tags are kinda a topic of interest to me. That I have no clue what this game is about after reading description, is not a good sign. Also, you have marked is as an adult game. Combine that with the screenshot of the belly and legs showing women, and one might expect some adult game.

Foul language is not grounds for "nsfw". Is there nudity in the game? Is the foul language about naughty things? Is the game about "adult" activites, even if you do not show them explicit? If you answer all those questions with no, the game will not be considered nsfw. You can still mark it as such, if you are uncomfortable with a 13 year old playing the game. But for all intents and purposes, your game is considered as an adult game, which includes that you cannot post in https://itch.io/board/10022/release-announcements

Like Reply

mescalina azul175 days ago(+1)

I understand.

I marked the game as 18+ as a simple matter of responsibility. Because of details like occasional foul language or an uninhibited outfit; not because it's a game with nudity or explicit content. And this happens much less frequently than in a Dragon Age game; or a Skyrim game; or even a Final Fantasy 7 game. And let's not even talk about GTA or Saint Row.

In any Western role-playing game (not all, but it's very common), we can see characters in their underwear.

What I'm saying is that I marked the game as 18+, but not as a game "with explicit content."

So my game shows some naughty mentions; but no more than Skyrim, and we don't consider Skyrim (or Fable) to be "with explicit content," at least not in the strictest sense. Or rather, we don't consider them outside the sphere of the mainstream commercial circuit.

Furthermore, considering ITCH's policy on promoting games through "release announcements," none of the games I mentioned (including Ff 7) would be welcome. Couldn't we consider this the result of an overly strict policy, one too fearful of offending political correctness? If Skirym or Heavy Rain were brought to ITCH to be promoted through "release announcements," would ITCH prevent it?

And going further: if "nsfw" implies, among other things, violent content, any game with combat, regardless of the system, is "nsfw."

I added tags (maybe I didn't use the most appropriate ones; I'll check). I also specified the game's style and some details. In any case, I'll edit the site to see if I can include a video trailer I posted on YouTube.

Regarding my indecisiveness, I agree with you. In any case, I'm not saying I don't want to promote my game. However, (and it pains me to admit it) it's not the best game, and I don't think it can compete with the rest of the catalog, so I'm content with a small space for now. I think the game has interesting things to offer (when I play it, I don't get bored, which is a good sign), but, I don't know, I'm not very confident; we'll see what time and the criticism of those who play it dictate.

Sorry for going on so long, but I found what you suggested interesting and wanted to expand on it.

P.S.: If any ITCH executive reads this, I hope they don't take it the wrong way; I'm grateful that a place like this exists that allows fans like me to host their work. And while there may be things I may disagree with, I respect other people's homes and their rules.

Like Reply

redonihunter175 days ago(+1)

I marked the game as 18+, but not as a game "with explicit content."

There is no distinction on Itch for that. There is 13+ because Itch is 13+ and there is 18+. Look at the front page (without being logged in, since your account will have adult games set to on, since you published one). Look at the horror games there. And then decide, if your game really warrants a 18+ marking. If you mark it as nsfw, you can't post in release announcement. It does not matter why your game is marked so.

If you have no nudity, no ultra violence, no adult topics, you most likely do not need that nsfw marking. Adult as in adult bookstore, not adult as in paying taxes.

Skyrim is M and that is 17+, without nudity. And that is an official rating. Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Language

GTA V is also M 17+, but with Intense Violence Blood and Gore Nudity Mature Humor Strong Language Strong Sexual Content Use of Drugs and Alcohol

FF 7 remake is T (13+), with Violence Blood Mild Suggestive Themes Language Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Since there is no nudity in Skyrim it might get away without the nsfw marking on Itch. GTA V would not. And FF7 would not even be near the nsfw category. Point is, nsfw category is not strictly the same as 18+.

Like Reply