Self-publishing a video game is always a viable option, but sometimes you may require additional funding, expertise, or marketing support. In these cases, a well-structured pitch deck can serve as a powerful tool to attract potential partners, investors, or publishers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key elements and structure of a video game pitch deck that can help you convey your vision effectively and increase your chances of securing funding and support.
Focus on the ‘Ask’:
When creating your pitch deck, prioritize the essential details regarding your funding requirements, timelines, and needed assistance instead of excessively explaining your game concept. Assume that gameplay videos, trailers or demos will showcase your game’s features. Use this opportunity to outline your financial needs and demonstrate the practical aspects of bringing your game to market. Clearly articulate the amount of funding required, provide a breakdown of your budget, and highlight any partnerships or collaborations sought. By focusing on the ‘ask,’ you convey professionalism and purpose, increasing the likelihood of attracting the necessary support to make your game a success.
Remember, the primary purpose of the pitch deck is to effectively communicate your funding requirements. Present a compelling ‘ask’ by highlighting the financial aspects and practical considerations involved. This approach allows investors or partners to grasp the importance of their involvement and increases the chances of securing the support and resources needed to turn your game into a reality.
Highlight Studio and Individual Experience:
Investors and publishers place value on the track record and expertise of the development team. Include information about previous projects successfully shipped by both individuals and the collective team to instill confidence in your ability to deliver a game of the proposed scope and quality. Showcase key achievements, critical acclaim, and commercial success attained by team members, emphasizing their roles and responsibilities. Incorporate industry recognition, awards, and accolades received by the team or studio to further strengthen credibility. Present this information concisely, using visual representation of the team’s capabilities and past accomplishments. By highlighting your team’s experience, you create a compelling narrative that assures investors and publishers of your ability to deliver a successful and high-quality game, increasing the likelihood of securing the necessary support and funding for your project.
Showcase Traction and Player Engagement:
When developing your pitch deck, highlight any traction and player engagement your game or studio has already achieved. This section of your presentation serves as evidence that your game has generated interest, received positive feedback, and has the potential for success. Here are some key points to consider:
- Positive Player Feedback: If your game has been playtested or released in any capacity, include testimonials or quotes from players who have experienced and enjoyed your game. Highlight any positive comments that demonstrate the appeal and enjoyment players have found in your game.
- Awards and Recognition: Did your game receive any awards, nominations, or accolades? Make sure to mention them in your pitch deck. Awards act as external validation and show that industry professionals have recognized the quality and potential of your game.
- Media Coverage: Has your game been featured in any media outlets, websites, or publications? Include screenshots or links to articles, reviews, or interviews that highlight your game’s unique features, innovation, or positive reception. This demonstrates that your game has already captured the attention of the media and has the potential to generate further interest.
- Community Engagement: If your game has an active community, whether through social media, forums, or dedicated fan groups, showcase the level of engagement and interaction. Include statistics such as the number of followers, active community members, or user-generated content to demonstrate the interest and support your game has generated.
- Influencer and Streamer Attention: If notable influencers or streamers have showcased or played your game, mention their names or include clips from their streams. This can help establish credibility and attract additional interest from potential investors or publishers.
By showcasing the traction and player engagement your game has already achieved, you provide evidence that your project is not just an idea, but a concept that has resonated with players and industry professionals. This tangible evidence of interest and positive feedback strengthens your pitch and increases the likelihood of securing funding or partnerships.
Provide Relevant Comps:
Including “comps” or comparisons with similar games can help publishers understand the market you’re targeting and the potential size of your audience. Briefly mention a few games that share similarities with your own and highlight how your game aligns with those titles. By focusing on key features or mechanics that make your game unique while drawing parallels to successful games, you provide valuable context for publishers to conduct their own due diligence. Avoid overwhelming the pitch deck with an excessive number of comparisons. Choose the most impactful and relevant examples that effectively convey your game’s unique selling points, allowing publishers to quickly grasp the market potential and make informed decisions based on their own research and analysis.
Incorporating relevant comps in your pitch deck demonstrates your understanding of the market landscape and identifies your target audience. This information helps publishers assess the market demand and viability of your project. By presenting this information concisely, you provide valuable insights while leaving room for publishers to explore further if desired. Utilize comps as a powerful tool to convey the market positioning and appeal of your game, allowing publishers to make informed decisions and potentially increase the likelihood of securing funding or support for your game project.
Tailor Your Pitch to Your Audience:
Tailoring your pitch deck to your audience is essential for maximizing impact. Conduct research on the individuals or organizations you’ll be pitching to, understanding their preferences and requirements. Customize your pitch deck accordingly by adapting the content to align with their interests and needs. Some may prefer a concise overview, while others require more in-depth information. Emphasize the relevance of your game to their goals and demonstrate how collaboration with your team can benefit them. Personalize the deck by addressing them by name and referencing their previous projects. By demonstrating professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine understanding of their needs, you enhance your chances of capturing their attention and generating interest in your game.
Conciseness is Key:
In a crowded landscape of game developers seeking funding, the key to making an impact with your pitch deck lies in conciseness. It’s imperative to present your information succinctly, grabbing the attention of potential investors and partners. Every slide should have a clear purpose and contribute to the overall message you want to convey. While the quality of your game remains paramount in securing funding, a well-structured pitch deck can be the catalyst that sets you apart from the competition. By streamlining the process and showcasing the most salient details, your pitch deck becomes a powerful tool in capturing interest and making a lasting impression.
Crafting an effective pitch deck for your video game is a crucial step in securing funding, partnerships, or publishing deals. By focusing on the key elements discussed in this blog, you can create a pitch deck that effectively communicates your funding requirements, highlights your team’s experience and achievements, showcases traction and player engagement, includes relevant comparisons, and tailors the content to your audience. Conciseness is the key to capturing attention in a crowded landscape, ensuring that each slide serves a purpose and contributes to the overall message. While your game’s quality remains paramount, a well-structured pitch deck can significantly streamline the process and help you stand out from the competition. Remember, the right pitch deck can serve as the catalyst that propels you towards securing the support and resources necessary to bring your game to life.