Indie devs: What info helps your game stand out for Spotlight & boost discoverability?

The Quest for Visibility: Why Information is Your Secret Weapon

In the vast ocean of new game releases, discoverability remains one of the greatest challenges for indie developers. Getting your game noticed by platforms, curators, and ultimately, players, often feels like finding a needle in a haystack. While a fantastic game is the foundation, it’s the quality and accessibility of your promotional material that frequently tips the scales when platforms consider titles for coveted ‘Spotlight’ features and increased visibility. But what exactly do these gatekeepers look for? What information makes a game truly shine?

Beyond the Trailer: Crafting a Compelling Narrative

While a high-quality trailer and captivating screenshots are non-negotiable, platforms and curators need more than just a glimpse. They need a story, a reason to champion your game. Think of the information you provide as your game’s detailed resume, designed to convince someone to invest their time and resources in promoting it. Here’s a breakdown of crucial elements:

1. The Irresistible Hook & Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

• Concise Elevator Pitch: Can you summarize your game’s core appeal in 1-2 sentences? What makes it unique, exciting, or profoundly different from everything else? This is the headline they’ll use.
• Clear Genre & Mechanics: Don’t leave them guessing. Clearly state the genre(s) and highlight 1-3 core gameplay mechanics that define the experience.
• Target Audience: Who is this game for? Knowing your audience helps platforms target their promotions effectively.

2. High-Quality Visual & Media Assets

This goes beyond what’s on your store page. Curators need assets they can use for their own promotional efforts.

• Variety of Screenshots & Key Art: Provide a diverse set of high-resolution, compelling screenshots showcasing different aspects of gameplay, art style, and mood. Include vertical options for mobile-first promotion.
• Gameplay Footage & GIFs: Short, punchy gameplay GIFs are excellent for social media and quick previews. Offer raw, unedited gameplay footage in addition to polished trailers.
• Logo & Branding: High-resolution versions of your game’s logo, transparent backgrounds included, for various uses.

3. The Development Story & Studio Identity

People connect with people. Your journey and passion can be incredibly compelling.

• Who You Are: A brief bio of your studio or lead developer. What’s your mission? What’s your track record?
• The ‘Why’ Behind the Game: What inspired this project? What unique challenges did you overcome? What message or experience do you hope players take away? This human element can be powerful.
• Community Engagement: Do you have an active Discord, social media presence, or a dev blog? Evidence of a nascent community shows potential for growth and player retention.

4. Practical Information & Accessibility

Make it easy for them to get the full picture.

• Press Kit: This is non-negotiable. A well-organized, easily accessible press kit (preferably on your website, with a direct link) containing all the above assets, a fact sheet, contact info, and boilerplate text.
• Awards & Accolades: Any nominations, awards, or positive press mentions should be highlighted.
• Current Status & Future Plans: Is it released? In Early Access? What’s the roadmap? Transparency is key.
• Wishlists & Demos: High wishlist numbers or significant demo downloads are strong indicators of player interest. Make sure to share these metrics.

Making Your Information Discoverable

Having all this great information isn’t enough if it’s buried. Ensure your game’s store page, website, and social media channels are consistent and up-to-date. When submitting to platforms or reaching out to curators, always provide a concise overview and direct links to your press kit and relevant media.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Champions

Ultimately, providing comprehensive, high-quality, and easily digestible information empowers platforms and curators to become your game’s best champions. You’re not just selling a game; you’re providing them with all the tools they need to sell it for you. By anticipating their needs and presenting your game’s story and appeal clearly, you significantly increase your chances of landing that coveted ‘Spotlight’ and achieving the discoverability your hard work deserves.