Starting a game development company can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it’s not without its challenges. As a web developer, you may have the skills and expertise necessary to create engaging and interactive games, but you’ll need to know how to market and sell them effectively. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the steps you can take to start a successful game development company, using real-life examples and expert advice to guide you along the way.
Step 1: Define Your Niche
Before you can start your game development company, you’ll need to determine what type of games you want to focus on. This could include anything from puzzle games and adventure games to sports games and strategy games. Defining your niche will help you stand out in a crowded market and give you a clear direction for your business.
One great example of this is the indie game developer, Minecraft. Created by Markus Persson in 2009, Minecraft is a sandbox-style adventure game that allows players to build and explore their own virtual worlds. The game quickly gained a loyal fanbase and has since been sold to Microsoft for $2.5 billion, making it one of the most successful indie games of all time.
Step 2: Create a Business Plan
Once you’ve determined your niche, it’s time to create a business plan. This should include details such as your target audience, marketing strategy, financial projections, and any partnerships or collaborations you plan on pursuing. Having a solid business plan will help you stay organized and focused as you work towards launching your game development company.
Another important aspect of creating a business plan is setting realistic goals for yourself. As web developer turned game developer, David Hellyard learned the hard way that setting unrealistic goals can be a recipe for failure. "It’s easy to get overexcited and set goals that are too high," he says. "But you need to be realistic about what you can achieve and set achievable milestones."
Step 3: Build a Team
Starting a game development company often requires a team of skilled professionals, including programmers, artists, writers, and producers. You’ll want to make sure you have the right people in place to help bring your vision to life.
One way to build your team is by reaching out to other developers and freelancers on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.com. You can also attend gaming industry events and conferences to meet potential partners and collaborators in person.
Another option is to partner with an existing game development studio. This can be a great way to gain access to resources and expertise, without having to invest in building your own team from scratch. For example, Microsoft partnered with Minecraft creator Markus Persson’s Mojang Studios to develop the game further after acquiring the rights to the franchise.
Step 4: Market Your Games
Marketing is a crucial aspect of starting a successful game development company. You’ll want to make sure you’re reaching your target audience and generating buzz around your games.
One effective way to market your games is through social media. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are great for sharing updates, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content with your followers. You can also use influencer marketing to reach a wider audience by partnering with popular gaming bloggers and streamers.