What are the best ways to test a game's marketability during the prototyping phase?

2 Create a landing page

A landing page is a web page that showcases your game's concept, features, and benefits, and encourages visitors to sign up for updates, pre-order, or join a beta test. A landing page is a great way to test your game's marketability during the prototyping phase, as it allows you to measure the interest and demand for your game, as well as collect valuable feedback and data from potential players. You can use various tools and platforms to create and host your landing page, such as WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, or Unbounce. You can also use different techniques to optimize your landing page, such as A/B testing, headlines, images, videos, testimonials, and call-to-action buttons.

3 Build a community

Building a community around your game is another effective way to test your game's marketability during the prototyping phase. A community is a group of people who share a common interest and passion for your game, and who can provide you with support, feedback, and word-of-mouth. You can build a community around your game by using various channels and platforms, such as social media, forums, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or Discord. You can also engage your community by creating and sharing valuable content, such as devlogs, behind-the-scenes, sneak peeks, polls, quizzes, or contests.

4 Conduct playtests

Playtesting is the process of having real players try out your game prototype and observe their reactions, behaviors, and feedback. Playtesting is essential for testing your game's marketability during the prototyping phase, as it allows you to evaluate the fun factor, usability, accessibility, and appeal of your game. You can conduct playtests in various ways and settings, such as online, offline, remote, or in-person. You can also use different tools and methods to collect and analyze the data from your playtests, such as surveys, interviews, questionnaires, analytics, or video recordings.

5 Validate your assumptions

The final step in testing your game's marketability during the prototyping phase is to validate your assumptions. This means comparing the results and findings from your testing methods with the initial hypotheses and goals you had for your game. For example, you can ask yourself questions such as: Did your game attract the target market you expected? Did your game deliver the value proposition you promised? Did your game meet the quality standards you set? Did your game generate the revenue potential you estimated? By validating your assumptions, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your game, and make informed decisions on how to improve your game design and marketing strategy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?