"Winter is coming," and I'm not just quoting every episode of Game of Thrones. The snow has finally fallen, and I'm trading my excitement for dread – preparing tiny humans for polar vortex conditions is a daily miracle.
But tonight marks a milestone: our entire class is online for the first time ever! No commuting, no traffic, just warm homes and eager minds.
Chris Zukowski's session on "Understanding Steam Algorithm" was the perfect antidote to the cold. His enthusiasm was infectious as he shared insights on NextFest, wishlists, and Steam trends. Chris's honesty was refreshing, but seeing the stats and reality of the situation hit hard. It was a dose of tough love, reminding us to be realistic and honest with ourselves.
As he discussed trends and success rates on Steam, I felt a bit out of my league, Googling terms to keep up. The reality check was deflating, but necessary.
However, Chris's emphasis on creating infinitely playable experiences and understanding market demand sparked new ideas. His mantra? "You aren't chasing trends, it's the type of game." He showcased Sandbox games, calling them the "Lego of the gaming world."Beautiful graphics, gameplay, and playability – our game, Feline Frenzy, should take note.
As Chris shared his expertise and spoke to virality, I couldn't help but think of Playtheos, our platform, and what we spoke of last week, bringing Will Wright's words to the forefront: "Video games are a part of our culture, and they're not going away. They're a legitimate form of artistic expression, and they're increasingly becoming a legitimate form of educational expression."
Key Takeaways from our session:
- Don't chase trends; focus on gameplay
- Beauty and graphics matter
- Leverage demos, online festivals, and streamers
We wrapped up with more Q&A, and I appreciated Chris's willingness to address our concerns. My questions might have gotten lost in the chat, but his advice sparked new ideas.
Next, my classmate took the virtual stage, pitching his game idea and presenting us with an awesome sneak peak. Impressive! His creativity and passion were inspiring.
A few moments of reflection:
- Make multiple games to increase chances of success
- Target post-secondary institutions and vet clinics
- Locking down our demo is crucial for testing and feedback
- Reality checks might sting, but they fuel growth
As I wrap up this recap, I'm reminded of the wise words of Shigeru Miyamoto: "The most important thing in making games is the people who make them." Tonight, Chris Zukowski proved that expertise, enthusiasm, and honesty can make all the difference.
I've already signed up for Chris's mailing list, How To Market A Game – Feel Confident marketing your game and I'm eager to learn more. Next class, we're diving into publishing – the perfect next step for Dan and me, as we're champing at the bit to unleash Feline Frenzy with the world.
Until then, stay warm, and keep gaming.
Kerry
Co-Founder, PlayTheos
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