The world of video game development is fiercely competitive, and while a brilliant idea is a great start, turning it into a reality requires more than just creativity. If you’re a budding game designer or developer, knowing how to pitch a video game idea is a crucial skill.
Whether you’re presenting your concept to a publisher, a development team, or even a group of investors, the key lies in crafting a compelling, well-thought-out pitch that captures attention and clearly communicates the potential of your game.
In this article, we aim to guide you through this process and help you learn how to pitch a video game idea.
How to pitch a video game idea: understanding your audience
Before you even begin thinking about pitching a video game idea, it’s essential to know whom you’re pitching it to. Are you presenting your game idea to a publisher, an indie game studio, or an investor with no prior knowledge of gaming? Each audience will have different expectations and interests.
Publishers might be more concerned with marketability and profitability, while indie developers may prioritize creative innovation and artistic expression.
Tailor your pitch to the audience’s values. For instance, when pitching to investors, focus on the business side, highlighting potential revenue streams and market demand. On the other hand, to developers, delve into the gameplay mechanics, innovative features, and the artistic vision of the game.
Develop a strong concept
The foundation of a successful pitch is a solid, well-thought-out game concept. This means having more than just a basic idea – you need to show that you’ve fleshed out the details. Here are the essential elements to include in your game concept:
- Game title: A catchy and memorable title that gives a sense of the game’s theme or genre.
- Genre and target audience: Clearly define the genre (e.g., action-adventure, role-playing, puzzle) and who the game is for. Identify your target audience’s age group, interests, and preferences.
- Game world and setting: Describe the world where your game takes place. Is it set in a dystopian future, a magical kingdom, or outer space? Bring the setting to life with vivid descriptions.
- Storyline or premise: Provide a brief summary of the game’s story or central premise. Even if your game isn’t story-driven, offering context for why players are engaged in the gameplay is essential.
- Core gameplay mechanics: Explain how the game is played. This should cover the fundamental actions players will perform, such as solving puzzles, fighting enemies, or exploring vast environments. Be specific about what makes your gameplay unique.
- Art style and visuals: Briefly describe the game’s art direction. Will it have a realistic look, a cartoonish feel, or something abstract? Visuals are a huge part of what draws players in, so make sure to communicate your vision clearly.
Create a prototype or visual representation
A concept alone might not be enough to convince stakeholders. Whenever possible, provide a visual or interactive representation of your game. This could be anything from sketches, concept art, or a basic prototype that demonstrates core mechanics.
A playable demo, even if it’s a simple prototype, can significantly strengthen your pitch. It allows decision-makers to experience the gameplay firsthand and get a better sense of the game’s potential. If you don’t have the resources to develop a demo, storyboards or mockups can still be effective in conveying your vision.
Read also: How to make a video game cover that stands out
Outline the market potential
While the creative aspects of your game are crucial, you also need to show that your game has the potential to succeed in the marketplace. Conduct research to support your claims about the game’s commercial viability.
Start by comparing your game to similar successful titles. Explain what sets your game apart and how it fills a gap in the market. Showing awareness of current gaming trends and competitors demonstrates that you’ve done your homework.
Identify the platforms you plan to release the game on, whether it’s PC, consoles, mobile devices, or virtual reality. Different platforms have different market demands and development costs, so be specific.
Once you establish that, you can think about how the game will make money. Will it be a one-time purchase, a free-to-play game with microtransactions, or perhaps supported by ads? Make sure your monetization model is appropriate for your target audience and the genre of the game.
Prepare a strong pitch presentation
A well-structured presentation is, of course, a pivotal part of pitching a video game idea. It can make or break your pitch.
Start with something that grabs attention immediately. This could be a teaser trailer, an exciting piece of concept art, or a brief story snippet from your game. The goal is to intrigue your audience from the beginning.
Then you present your game concept, including the title, genre, storyline, and core mechanics. Be concise but thorough, and highlight the elements of your game that make it stand out from the competition. These could be innovative gameplay mechanics, a compelling story, or cutting-edge technology.
Present your research on the target audience and the market potential for your game. Back up your claims with data, trends, and examples from successful games in the same genre.
If possible, include visuals such as concept art or gameplay footage to bring your idea to life. A short demo or even a gameplay mockup can leave a lasting impression.
End with a clear ask. Whether you’re seeking funding, partnership, or development support, be specific about what you need and why it’s beneficial to your audience.
After presenting your pitch, be prepared for questions. Your audience will likely want to know more about certain aspects of the game, such as development timelines, budgets, or potential risks.
Be ready to answer questions confidently, and don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t have all the answers yet – but be sure to show that you’ve thought through potential challenges.
It’s also essential to be open to feedback. Listen carefully to any suggestions or critiques and be willing to adapt your concept if necessary. Game development is often a collaborative process, and showing that you’re flexible and responsive to input will make you a more attractive partner.
Are you prepared to pitch your video game idea?
Knowing how to pitch a video game idea is an art in itself. By following this article, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a pitch that captures attention and secures the support you need to bring your vision to life.
And, when you feel ready, what about pitching your video game idea to us here at Main Leaf? We can help you develop any part of the process and work alongside you to make sure your game idea comes to life.
You can get in touch with us anytime you want. If you liked this article, check out our blog for many others relating to the world of video games and video game development.
