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New Game

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Sun, 11/24/2013 - 20:11
Swiftshadow
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The last few months I have been missing, but I am back now with a big question.

How do I build support for a new game pre Kickstarter?

I have a game that is ready to take the next step. It has been playtested many times, only locally however. Manufacturers have been contacted and a quote has been chosen. A Kickstarter page has been started with many revisions to be done before a launch. My biggest challenge or issue is how to build a following of supporters before the Kickstarter launch so I have when it does start, it starts with a bang.

Any help?

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Sun, 11/24/2013 - 20:40
#1
anonymousmagic
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There are several people who

There are several people who review games that are about to have a Kickstarter project going, the ones I know have a great following on Youtube. Allowing some of them to review your game, would bring some attention to your game.

Also, frequenting forums about playing board games (as well as designing them) should get you in contact with people who might like your game.

Basically, start spreading the word of mouth. It's still the best way to drum up interest.

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Sun, 11/24/2013 - 20:43
#2
Ristora
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I see 2 options: 1

I see 2 options: 1 advertising. I think this is a lame idea, but that is because I don't like advertising :p
Option two is a grass roots equivalent to a popularity campaign. Now that things are ready to go, I would post details about your game that will entice prospective backers. Once people are interested, it would be ideal if they had somewhere to go to check up on the progress you are making with the game. A website would be a great idea for this, assuming you know how operate wordpress or something similar/better. Create a mailing list and send out weekly updates to your subscribers talking about the game or when there is a lull, you could talk about different processes involved in designing what you have created thus far (Art, Mechanisms, Theme, etc.).

You need to get people interested in the game based on the merits of the game and then give them a chance to be connected to the game and its creation/success.

That's my advice at least.

EDIT: incorporate what anonymousmagic has said as well :)

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Sun, 11/24/2013 - 22:47
#3
Swiftshadow
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[quote=anonymousmagic]There

[quote=anonymousmagic]There are several people who review games that are about to have a Kickstarter project going, the ones I know have a great following on Youtube. Allowing some of them to review your game, would bring some attention to your game.

This sounds like a good idea. What are these peoples names or websites.

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Sun, 11/24/2013 - 22:50
#4
Swiftshadow
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Ristora wrote:I would post

Ristora wrote:
I would post details about your game that will entice prospective backers. Once people are interested, it would be ideal if they had somewhere to go to check up on the progress you are making with the game. A website would be a great idea for this, assuming you know how operate wordpress or something similar/better. Create a mailing list and send out weekly updates to your subscribers talking about the game or when there is a lull, you could talk about different processes involved in designing what you have created thus far (Art, Mechanisms, Theme, etc.).

You need to get people interested in the game based on the merits of the game and then give them a chance to be connected to the game and its creation/success.

That's my advice at least.

Where would you recommend for me to post to? Web design is not on my specialty list, but I started a facebook page since that seems easy enough.

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Mon, 11/25/2013 - 00:03
#5
Ristora
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Facebook can take the place

Facebook can take the place of a custom website for sure. I would suggest posting here and Board Game Geek. I'm not sure of other avenues however, but I'm sure you could find some by finding forums somehow related to the nature of your game.

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Mon, 11/25/2013 - 08:47
#6
anonymousmagic
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Swiftshadow wrote:This sounds

Swiftshadow wrote:
This sounds like a good idea. What are these peoples names or websites.

The main one I can remember is GotGameTesters.

http://www.youtube.com/user/GotGameTesters
http://www.gotgametesters.com

TheGameCrafter has some links to other reviewers. I suggest reading their submission guidelines before sending anything in: https://www.thegamecrafter.com/help/reviewers

You could also try approaching WatchItPlayed (look them up on YouTube). They're not the typical reviewer type people, so mailing ahead is particularly important here, but the way they approach their videos means they teach gamers how to play and show gameplay, which for me, is a major plus since it allows me to see if I like a game before plunking down my cash.

Edit: Just saw a post on the BoardGameGeek that might be relevant too. Haven't checked it in detail, so make sure you do that yourself. http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1073930/kickstarter-reviewerpreviewer-ac...

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Mon, 11/25/2013 - 11:39
#7
Stormyknight1976
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Our game has been noticed..

By joining these facebook pages, our game has been noticed.
1) Startup Board/Card Game Designers. 2) Card/Board Game Flavor Guild.
Word of mouth and spread the games' details to game sites. Like; Rpg.net, Gamedev.net, Drivethrurpg.net. Hope these help you out.

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Mon, 11/25/2013 - 12:47
#8
Kroz1776
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Facebook!

Genius guys, genius! I'll have to look into opening up a Facebook page for my games!

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Mon, 11/25/2013 - 14:01
#9
KrisW
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Do the Hustle

I vaguely recall Gary Gygax would stand in an elevator lobby at a convention, excitedly telling everyone waiting about his dragon game. It was a while back, but still a formidable form of driving support for a game.

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Mon, 11/25/2013 - 17:58
#10
richdurham
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Times change

I don't think this approach would work the same way now. Back then the conventions were all wargaming and he talked about a wholly new type of game. If you tried this at a convention ABOUT games you'd have to give more than just "guys, I made his sweet game that is kind of like wargaming but with DRAGONS, and you only play one guy, and he has a name and..."

For gamers at game conventions they kind of know what they like already and need a twist to make them actually listen instead of brush you off as "yet another fantasy game" or "yet another mafia game, this time with tokens!"

Maybe announce you are looking for players for a quick new (theme here) game - in case it's a social game. Or if it's like win lose banana, you could play it with people right in the elevator lobby.

Or .... No, I just don't think the bug people near the elevators of at game convention approach would work anymore.

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Mon, 11/25/2013 - 18:30
#11
Kroz1776
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I Agree

With the plethora of games now out there, it is harder to get hype up for a game just by describing the theme unless it's truly unique. You really need to get people to play your game now-a-days to get some hype up. Reviewers are a powerful resource. It seems that kickstarter games that Tom Vassel, over at The Dice Tower, likes seem to do well. Yes these are paid previews/reviews but reviews like these from well known board game bloggers can go a long way if they like your game. That's catch though, if they like your game.

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Thu, 11/28/2013 - 13:32
#12
Swiftshadow
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Ristora wrote:I would suggest

Ristora wrote:
I would suggest posting here and Board Game Geek.

Board Game Geek is huge. It will take me a while to figure out where everything is on that site. As for here I dont know which forum would be apporopriate to self promote.

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Thu, 11/28/2013 - 23:24
#13
jeffinberlin
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You need to make lots of

You need to make lots of prototypes and send them to well-known gaming groups and reviewers to play. Offering a print and play version (or a p-n-p "short game" to give people a taste of the game) for everyone else (especially Boardgamegeek) is also a good idea. Advertising costs way to much and won't distinguish your game from the hundreds of others. Kickstarter does not have the best reputation among gamers as I've often read that the games are sub-par. That's why people need to be playing your game and talking about it online.

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