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” md_text_title2=”Typography Shortcode” md_text_title3=”Typography Shortcode” md_text_title4=”Typography Shortcode” md_text_title5=”Typography Shortcode” md_text_content_size=”14″ md_text_content_color=”rgba(20,20,20,1)” md_text_button_style=”fade-oval” md_text_button_text=”READ MORE” md_text_button_icon_class=”icon-angle-right” md_text_button_color=”rgba(0,0,0,1)” md_text_button_text_color=”rgba(255,255,255,1)” md_text_button_bg_hover_color=”rgb(0,0,0)” md_text_button_hover_color=”rgb(255,255,255)” md_text_button_size=”standard” left_right_padding=”0″ md_text_button_url=”#” md_text_button_target=”_self” md_text_animation_speed=”400″ md_text_animation_delay=”0.0″ md_text_animation_position=”center” md_text_animation_show=”once”]
- Jake Birkett @greyalien
- 2005 cofounded Full Indie
- shipped 10+ games. all made a profit
- survived over 11 years
- focus on your own games!!
- long tail is vital to success
- adaptability and determination is KEY
- build a sustainable business
- “nobody knows anything” – Jeff Vogel
- magic formula = good game + PR + contacts + magic
- PR -> shows/youtube
- connect w/ yourself
- don’t try to be other indie devs
- how do you define success?
- ship game, continue making games
- plan for sustainability
- abandoned first title Iron Fist. no market, going to take too long
- START SMALL!!
- stock art, stock photos, stock music
- christmas themed Xmas Bonus
- easter themed same engine
- 18 months $0
- lived frugally
- IT consultancy + science writing. side jobs
- low income tax credits
- just get started!
- sold match-3 engine
- SPEND $ on ART & AUDIO!
- wonderful wizard of oz match 3 $90k long tail
- another match 3 holiday bonus
- seasonal title spikes
- repromotion every year
- ask for promotions
- new portals – casual game portals
- localized
- 2x levels + GOLD label
- KEEP YOUR GAME ALIVE!
- THINK LONG TAIL!
- contract work w/ Big Fish Games
- Fairway Solitaire
- Unwell Mel
- ONLY CHOOSE COOL CONTRACT WORK!
- SAY YES TO OPPORTUNITIES!
- LEARN TO SAY NO! ad network, key giveaways, business long term goals
- networking = make friends
- game jams, shows, meetups, share information
- help people out
- Spring Bonus
- used social media to recruit artists
- crowdsourced localization
- used metrics + testers to balance games
- log work on every game
- avoid unhealthy deadlines!
- mobile ports are shit
- Eets Munchies
- MAKE YOUR OWN GAMES!
- ToastMasters
- Titan Attacks! port PC to mobile
- DON’T MAKE DECISIONS OUT OF DESPERATION!
- Spooky Bonus – best selling game
- portals take most money
- small scope -> 3 months
- no mobile version (focus)
- localized
- resonated w/ audience
- launched at good time
- spent $ on art
- Regency Solitaire
- GET FREE MONEY
- good pitch to get grant
- researched market, sales data
- other funding – savings, tax credits, other indie businesses
- don’t crowdfund
- 14% rev on steam
- press only when on steam
- Shadow Hand – RPG card game
- themed match 3 + card games
- Gamasutra: Indie Sustainability Top Tips
- “Cultivating Burning Desire” – Steve Pavlina
- info@greyaliengames.com
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