how do you pitch an idea to a video game company

How To Pitch to Game Developers

• Set the tone from the beginning; you are entertaining, not just selling. A pitch is an opportunity to make a publisher excited about your game. ...
• Know your USPs USP stands for Unique Selling Propositions. ...
• Don’t be afraid to share your ideas While you are presenting, don’t be afraid to go “off-script”, especially if someone in your audience asks questions. ...
• Be prepared for the worst ...

Full Answer

How do you pitch a game idea to a publisher?

When crafting a pitch for your game idea, it’s important to pitch to the game publisher who creates content similar to your game. If you have a next-level game concept that will require a ton of memory or RAM, a small indie game company may not be able to afford to bring your idea to life.

How to pitch a video game?

The Guide to Great Video Game Design) there are several guidelines you can follow to make sure your pitch goes as smoothly as possible. Set the tone from the beginning; you are entertaining, not just selling. A pitch is an opportunity to make a publisher excited about your game.

Should you create a game pitch to sell your project?

If you have been working on a game idea with a lot of potential, you may want to consider creating a pitch to sell your project. Pitching gives you an opportunity to sell the vision of your game to potential investors, team members, studios, and game journalists.

What is a a pitch?

A pitch is an opportunity to make a publisher excited about your game. This means showing your game in the best possible light. Showcase whatever is most exciting about your game using images and examples.

Can you pitch video game ideas to companies?

If you have been working on a game idea with a lot of potential, you may want to consider creating a pitch to sell your project. Pitching gives you an opportunity to sell the vision of your game to potential investors, team members, studios, and game journalists.

How do I pitch a game idea to Sony?

How to pitch your indie game to SonyKnow what your game is. ... Keep visuals simple and bold. ... Research. ... Manage your expectations. ... Be able to adapt. ... Tailor your presentation. ... Sell yourself as a company and as individuals. ... Practice your pitch.More items...•

Can you pitch ideas to Nintendo?

While we receive tons of fantastic suggestions each month from our fans, due to the volume of requests we receive and the resources it would take to process them, we do not accept unsolicited game or product ideas.

How do I submit a game idea to Ubisoft?

To submit files to your support case: • Open a support case or select an existing case from the Your open cases section of Ubisoft Help. Select the + Add files button. Choose the files you want to submit. Select Submit My Case or Submit Attachments.

How do you write a video game proposal?

The goal of your project proposal is to describe the game you plan to create in enough detail to show how it will be played, how the game will be fun, how it will be novel, and what tools you will use to create it. It is particularly important that your game's novel aspect is clearly explained.

What do you need to pitch a game?

It should include:The past experience of your leadership team, even if that's just you.A one-sentence description of your game that includes the “hook” or unique selling proposition (USP). ... A brief synopsis of the game story.A clear description of the gameplay loop.A short list of key features.More items...•

How do I sell a video game idea?

Now, if you do want to get your idea made into a game, there are a few things you can do:Inquire with the company first. Ask them if they want to hear your idea and offer to sign an NDA (nondisclosure agreement). ... Get a job at a game company. ... Get a team together and make the game yourself.

How do I protect my game idea?

Copyrights and Design Patent – Work with a patent attorney to register your game board designs under Design Patent and copyright law. this will cover the actual design of the board. A Design Patent will enable you to exclude others from making, selling, or using your patented board design for a period of 14 years.

Can you copyright a game concept?

The US Copyright Office specifically states that “Copyright does not protect the idea for a game, its name or title, or the method or methods for playing it. Nor does copyright protect any idea, system, method, device, or trademark material involved in developing, merchandising, or playing a game.”

How do you pitch a video game?

Video game pitches need to include all the pertinent information about the game. Basically, it needs to outline the story, characters, gameplay elements, hardware requirements, what market the game is for, and other applicable info. When you have all of the pertinent information together, the actual pitch takes place.

How do I contact Ubisoft developers?

Ubisoft support contact number You can contact Ubisoft via their toll-free customer phone number at 919-460-9778. Through this line, you can address issues like missing items, account recovery, charge disputes, game and server problems, appealing a ban, giving feedback, and more.

How do I become a videogame writer?

How to become a video game writerGet your high school diploma. Most positions require a high school diploma at a minimum. ... Play video games. Knowing how video games function is vital to work as a writer. ... Practice coding. ... Earn a degree. ... Publish your writing. ... Establish your credibility. ... Apply for jobs.

How much does it cost to publish a game on PlayStation?

The $2,500 price point seems to be a popular option among most developers. Sony said it would not be changing its self-publishing processes, which are detailed on a website dedicated to indies. Many developers are happy to work in emulation on PCs.

Where can I sell my board game ideas?

boardgame geekGeekMarket Trades BGG Store Geek Game Shop Auction Search eBay Listings GeekMarket Classic (going away)Board Game Family Publisher.

How do I publish a game on PlayStation?

2:4426:40Unite Europe 2017 - How to get your game on PlayStation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRegistration is obviously free of charge. You can register. And you would also need to accept ourMoreRegistration is obviously free of charge. You can register. And you would also need to accept our global developer and publisher agreement. And that includes an NDA that you will sign with us.

How do you present a game?

There are 5 simple ways for you to up your game when you are on stage:1) Show Emotion. Show some spark when you present. ... 2) Engage the Audience. Engage the audience, ask questions, get them involved in the presentation, itself, and always keep good eye contact. ... 3) Know Your Audience. ... 4) Have a Flow. ... 5) Have Fun.

What is a pitch for a game?

A pitch is a simple yet alluring business presentation in which an individual approaches producers and investors for potential funding for that project. It’s your way of selling the very idea of your game to video game producers. Ideally, a pitch is short in length but packs enough of a punch to attract investors and executives into wanting ...

How to communicate effectively with video game publishers?

Instead of doing presentations on book reports, you’re going to have to communicate effectively with video game publishers through public speaking. This means you need to have good eye contact, be expressive without being over the top, and confidently express your ideas.

What games have great pitches?

Some of our favorite games like Diablo, Grand Theft Auto, and Silent Hill all had great pitches and have become cornerstones of gaming. Video game pitches are much like movie or TV pitches, except with software and design teams.

How long should a pitch be?

Ideally, a pitch is short in length but packs enough of a punch to attract investors and executives into wanting to take on the project and make your dream a reality.

What are the most famous video game publishers?

Some of the most famous and highest-earning video game publishers in history are Tencent Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft, Apple, and Activision Blizzard. So, what does a game publisher do? Video game publishers are publishing companies that release games.

What does a game designer do?

They will often deal with licensing issues, advertisement campaigns, art design for products, and even work out the proper localization, i.e., translating a game into a different language or language.

How to communicate with people?

The best way to communicate with people is by maintaining eye contact. Connecting to people in this simple way can do a lot in your favor. Shifting your eyes down shows a lack of confidence.

How to pitch a presentation?

A powerpoint presentation is the most common method of pitching. However, be aware that your audience can lose interest quickly – never linger too long on one slide and never show a slide that only shows words. Have at least one compelling image per slide and make sure that image is related to whatever you are talking about. Use concept art, screenshots, or even inspirational images from other games. If an image looks good and gets your point across – show it!

How to present yourself in a pitch?

Treat a pitch presentation as if it were a job interview. Dress nicely. Make eye contact while speaking. Speak clearly and not too fast. Be mindful of your body language – avoid crossing your arms and alternate who you are looking at as you give your presentation.

What is a pitch in Notch?

What is a pitch? A pitch is a presentation created by a game developer in order to obtain a publishing contract or financing.

How to address everyone in a pitch meeting?

When entering a pitch meeting, try to meet everyone at the table and find out a little bit about what they do, then cater your pitch accordingly. A good tip is to collect business cards and then lay them out on a table in relation to everyone in the room. That way, you can address everyone by name and have a reminder of what job position they hold.

What does it mean to pitch Bioshock?

If audience members start to offer ideas, it means that they are interested in your game. That’s a good thing! Make sure to write them down, as they will often be good suggestions. However, if someone offers an idea or suggestion that just doesn’t align with your game, don’t argue or tell the person that it is a bad idea – instead thank them for their idea and move past it. There’s no need to be rude or disrespectful during the pitch.

What to say when you are presenting?

Instead of making something up, it’s ok to say “I don’t know” or “we are still considering that” and move on.

What does the head of production want to know?

Everyone in the pitch meeting is there for a different reason. The head of production wants to know if your team has “what it takes” to make a game. The marketing director wants to know what the “X” and the “Y” of your game – what makes your game “X-citing” and “Y” should I care? The technologist wants to know how you are going to make your game. The project manager wants to know how much your game costs. The creative type wants to know what is cool about your game and how it will play.

How to get copyrights for a product?

The best method- make a prototype and own the copyrights. Attach a notice that it is saleable though ( or anything they call in technical terms ) and your contact number or e-mail address as well. They will contact you if they are interested.

Can you sue someone for their idea?

You see, it is a legal issue. If they come up with something even remotely like your idea, you could sue them.

Can AAA take up your idea?

No one, not a single AAA studio will take up your idea. They wouldn't even let you in their office (they are often secretive), forget listening to you. On the other hand, the best thing you can attempt to do with your idea is to learn game development and then make it yourself or with an indie team.

Can you make a game out of parkouring on top of trucks?

However, if the execution is bad, it will be terrible, however good the idea may be. For that reason, you can’t submit ideas for video games, nobody cares . 397 views.

Is the video game industry awash in great game ideas?

Even if your great game idea really is different and world-changing (which it probably isn’t), no one wants it. The video game industry is not at a loss for great game ideas.

Can you send a video game idea to a publisher?

You cannot. Game development studios and publishers destroy or return un-opened any unsolicited pitches sent to them, and keep very thorough records of having done so. Your sending a video game idea to them is a legal liability in addition to being just plain unnecessary. Whatever team you’re thinking about sending it to, you can be sure that the lot of them already have more ideas than they can ever make in a lifetime and that they’re way more interested in their own stuff than they are in anything that a stranger mails to them.

1. Think through your idea

Before you pitch your idea to anyone, the first step you need to take is to think through the details. The idea you share with others should be both specific and actionable. As you think through your idea, ask yourself what problem the idea solves and whether the problem is significant enough to justify the cost of your solution.

2. Consider the scope of the idea

The next step you should take is to consider how big your idea is, as the size of the idea impacts the amount of preparation you need to do, the number of pitches you need to make, the decision-makers you need to reach and the amount of time you can expect it to take to reach your goal.

3. Identify the decision-maker

The next step you need to take is to identify which person has the ability to approve your idea. If the scope of your idea is very small, this could mean you or even a peer within your company has the power to approve your idea. If the scope is large, you may need to get approval from a manager or even executive in your company.

4. Consider the other person's perspective

As you're starting to think through your pitch, it's a good idea to start by considering the perspective of the person to whom you're making your pitch. For example, you should consider why they are going to be interested in your idea and what their primary concerns are.

5. Plan your pitch

The next step is to plan your idea pitch. It's a good idea to have three variations: a five-second version, a 30-second version and a five-minute version. The five-second version should consist of a single sentence that concisely conveys your idea. That sentence should, in very simple terms, express both the problem and the solution.

6. Practice your pitch

After your idea is fully vetted and your pitch is complete, the final step is to practice your pitch for others who can give you honest feedback. Constructive feedback can help you improve upon your idea and how you present it to others so it has an even greater impact.

What to do if your potential partner is fair and square?

Thus, if your potential partners seem like fair and square businessmen who respect their associates, feel free to proceed to communicate with them and see how the story unfolds. Bear in mind that not finding any controversial material about a certain company does not guarantee you will not be their first victim, so whatever you do, make sure you have covered everything you can in order to protect your idea.

How to protect yourself from being robbed of a big idea?

The first, and the easiest way to protect yourself from being robbed of a big idea you might be developing is to file anything related to it and keep it somewhere safe just in case you need to submit it as proof.

Can you name your own idea?

Namely, if you can prove that you are the one who came up with the idea first and back it up with carefully stored tangible pieces of evidence, no jury would deny you the right of naming it your own and doing whatever you want to do with it afterward.