Pitch Decks: A Guide for Indie Game Developers
In the ever-evolving world of game development, talent and creativity are undoubtedly essential. Yet, amidst the frenzy of coding, designing, and storytelling, one crucial aspect often gets overshadowed: the business side of game development. As an indie developer, mastering the art of pitching your game to publishers can be the key to unlocking opportunities and bringing your vision to life.
Recently, I had the opportunity to delve into this topic during a presentation at the latest IndieGameBusiness® conference. Focused on creating strong pitch decks for indie game developers, my talk aimed to demystify the process and equip aspiring developers with the tools they need to succeed.
The Importance of Business Skills in Game Development
It’s no secret that game development is a multifaceted endeavour that goes beyond writing lines of code or crafting stunning visuals. While technical skills are undoubtedly crucial, understanding the business side of game development is equally vital. From securing funding to navigating publishing deals, indie developers often find themselves juggling various roles, including that of entrepreneur and marketer.
When most developers seek coding or art help, they turn their attention to perusing developer and designer forums, watching YouTube tutorials, reading a book, visiting online manuals or asking a colleague. Getting help is not so clear-cut when it comes to business practices since business, marketing, and pitching can be more people-oriented than just having true or false values like in computing. Hopefully, my talk will shed more light on this often dreaded topic by indies.
Overview of my presentation
During the presentation, I delved into the intricacies of creating a pitch deck tailored specifically for approaching publishers. I explored the reasons why indie developers should consider seeking out publishers, highlighting the mutual benefits that arise from such partnerships. From gaining access to funding and resources to leveraging publishers’ expertise in marketing and distribution, the advantages are numerous.
I then dissected the essential components of a pitch deck, emphasizing their role in capturing publisher interest. From the elevator pitch to the market analysis and gameplay footage, each section plays a crucial role in conveying the unique value proposition of your game. By crafting a compelling pitch deck and showcasing the strengths of your project, you can increase your chances of securing a publishing deal.
Resources and Further Learning
For indie developers looking to sharpen their pitching skills, a wealth of resources and tools are available. Here, in Canada, Dragons’ Den is a popular show where candidates pitch their ideas, products or services. So, pitching isn’t unique to indies, and there is a lot to learn from observing people in other industries doing it.
Among many other resources I shared during my presentation, here is another important one. If making a sales talk or simply presenting is not something you are used to doing, there is Toastmasters. Find a club near you and start practicing getting to the point.
Speaking of which, without further ado, here is my talk. Enjoy!