Business factors that can impact on the success or failure of a newly launched game.

I've grown up around video games. I've watched how they can either make or break a company. From indie games like Five Nights At Freddy's getting so big they ended up with a movie and a triple-A game, to mainstream games going forgotten or failing upon launch. It does beg the question when so much rides on a launch of a game, what can you do to ensure it succeeds above the rest?

Well, from the way I see it, there are two key components to it.

The first is advertising. Social media is everything nowadays, and the kids who grew up on it are quickly becoming your target age. Staying hidden in the old days isn't going to lend to an even slightly popular game. Whole careers have been formed over playing and exposing people to video games. Streaming services like Youtube, Twitch and others are a goldmine for advertising your game. Some YouTubers get over a million views an episode, and just one video on your game is still exposed to a million people. Shying away from interacting with influencers and offering early copies of your games for them to play is asking for your game to fail. It is the perfect way to market and gain exposure for your game, and it is a method that is barely touched. People enjoy watching YouTubers play games, give their honest opinions on them, and it is a very good way to gain an abundance of feedback from those who have made a profession out of playing games. This one is a no-brainer.

Secondly, censorship. A lot of the industry has handled inclusivity as if it is some terrifying subject to touch; that it can only cause more harm than good. This is extremely, extremely wrong. in fact, games are often being praised and played simply for their recognition and mention of topics that companies for years have dared not touch. When the bar is so absolutely rock bottom for communities like LGBT+, it is so easy to gain fans by offering a genuine, front and centre portrayal of, for what is, most people's lives. Do your research and incorporate these themes into your games, because that is what the next generation of gamers want to see. They want to be able to see themselves in your work. They want to be inspired and connect with these characters. These subjects are normal now, and the media should reflect that and recognise that these people exist. Many people have this fear of offending this so-called "snowflake" generation, but it is incredibly easy to offer a good portrayal when you put genuine effort and pride into your work and research. And your fans will thank you.

These things are often frowned upon by the industry, and disgruntled fans know this. There is so much opportunity for success lying in these methods, and businesses should work hard to make sure they are giving the most to their audience.