Hi, I have a game that is about 2 months out in terms of a release. I plan on getting some screenshots and a video out to the TA community and a few others within the next month to build up some anticipation for the game but I need to know whether a website is necessary or not. I have seen that many big games have websites just to be able to link to something but is it really something I have to have before the game launch, after the game launch, or not at all? Have any of you had websites that helped your game's sales or not? Thanks in advance for all of your help, Im really looking forward to getting this app done
I think a website is a great reference point. No it isn't necessary and it won't dramatically increase your sales. You're selling a game, not a website. A website is convenient for the user and helpful but if it's too much trouble on your end (if you have no clue how to build one), I wouldn't worry about it too much! We have a small site set up for our upcoming game called, DEO, take a look: hhtp://deothegame.com
Would you put hundreds of hours of work into anything and then cut corners at the end? No. Make a website and blog about your development. It builds your brand, provides additional info for fans, and lets them connect with you in a deeper way.
I guess it also depends on a size of the game. If you've been working on a game for a year, it'd be pretty stupid not to have a website.
Buy a domain, use wordpress, and customize a theme you like, it's a two day job!And later you can decide if you want to seriously invest in a website or not! Cheers.
Thanks for your help guys, I think Ill be using wordpress or something of the sort. This game has been in development for about 6 months now so its a pretty big project. Be looking out for it on the forums soon, I would love some beta testers ;D
And sometimes, just when you think nobody is reading your website and all the updates you are making, you get a mention in a popular blog on a major website like BoardGameGeek: http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/3684/ios-news-bits-kanji-battle-released-ascension-lite So I'd have to say that a website is a big part of marketing your game and building buzz.
Of course you should have a website! - Where else could a user/player gets more information? News, more screenshots, embeded video, contact form etc... For my game it's perfect cause I can track if they are "using" the games Level Editor. If they do a new level that level is transfered to my site. Seconds after I can see it on the site (as all visitors also can). In that way the active users is adding more value to the game AND to the website! See it here: http://www.woolcraft.net/woolcraft_levels
website, and have rss available, plus get started tweeting on your progress too. it takes awhile to build a following. bonus points for facebook fan page. any thoughts on one .com per game though?
