Exhibiting Your Game at Events
Welcome back!
I've been working on BattleClaws for almost two years now, and we've been fortunate enough to have been able to showcase the game publicly at a number of large conventions in Ireland. We've been at Dublin Comic Con, the Irish Gaming Market, and Gamerfest, and it's always a lot of fun.
With that said, I've noticed that there aren't a lot of resources that touch on what it takes to exhibit your game at a public event, so I decided to share some tips from my own personal experience.
Here's what I've learned!
Create an "Event Setup" checklist! This list should include everything that you'll need to showcase your game. It's also helpful to keep track of how many of each thing you'll need to bring. This list will vary project to project, and no two lists will be the same. To give you an example, the checklist for BattleClaws includes all of the following:
- A working, stable build of your game.
- Enough controllers for your maximum number of players, plus spares.
- spare batteries for any devices you will need. (Monitor remotes / controllers etc)
- Any promotional materials you have prepared.
- Business cards and / or Steam Keys for your game if applicable.
- Extension Leads, Phone & Laptop Chargers!
- Snacks (Showcasing a game is hungry work)
I made a post on LinkedIn about the experience of creating this list and shared a couple of pictures of the finished set up which you can view here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-morgan-game-design/recent-activity/all/
Bring your team with you When we bring BattleClaws to any event, I always try to make sure that at least one other member of the team is available to come with me. It's a LONG day, maintaining a booth, and you run the risk of having your equipment stolen if you need to leave your stand unattended for any length of time. (Thankfully this has never happened to us.)
It's not only practical, it's also really nice to spend the day with your friends! Even if you're a solo dev, it's definitely worth while bringing an extra pair of hands with you.
If you get offered a chair, take it. Events usually offer a standard set up for exhibitors which would typically include a table, and access to at least one plug socket. A chair is not always a part of the deal! It might seem like a small thing, but gaming conventions tend to run all day, and standing on your feet for a long time, gets extremely tiring. So if you're offered a chair, say yes! Even if you don't use it the entire time, it's nice to have the option of a few minutes reprieve. You can also offer the chair to players who could also use a little break!
Organize transportation It might sound silly, but you'd be surprised with how much equipment you end up bringing to events when you are showcasing a game. If you're dealing with Monitors, gaming pcs or laptops, it's probably best that you don't try to bring all of your things on the bus. After a lot of practice, I've learned I can fit the entire BattleClaws setup into the back of my Ford Fiesta, as long as one of the team don't mind letting the TV squash their lap in the backseat.
Be prepared for Feedback It can be intimidating, putting your project out into the world, and even more so when your players are interacting with it right in front of you. The vast majority of people who approach you will only have positive things to say, but do be prepared for a small minority who might be very vocal about the things they don't like about your game. This is completely normal, and like all feedback, should be taken with a pinch of salt. I've taken to bringing feedback surveys with me to events, which allows players to speak their mind honestly, while also giving me valuable insight on their experience playing my game.
Talk to other developers
You'll likely be showcasing your game in a dedicated gaming space, and this makes events a great place to meet other game developers and talk with people who know what it's like to make games. You never know who you'll meet, so if you have a linkedIn account or other contact details, bring them with you.
Enjoy the experience! The first time we shared BattleClaws at Dublin Comic Con, I was so nervous I thought I was going to puke. It took most of the first day for my nerves to settle, but once I got more relaxed, I started to really enjoy the experience. We had roughly 600 players give the game a try over the two day convention, and it was incredibly fulfilling to see people interacting with, and enjoying playing our game!
If you've got the opportunity to showcase your game at an event, I strongly recommend it!
Thanks for reading!