GamesBeat editor-in-chief Dan “Shoe” Hsu stopped by Chartboost last week and offered his insight into how to get your game covered in the media. In his session, he discusses how to put together a compelling pitch and gain the attention of journalists. (Note: Audio improves 1 minute into the video.)
Some of Dan’s tips include:
Highlight uniqueness – explain what is new or special about your game (e.g. visuals, storyline, gameplay, anything!) as copycats are not remotely interesting to journalists. Journalists also tend to write about people who are visionary, funny, quotable, or otherwise memorable, so don’t be afraid to pitch yourself as well.
Branding is critical – the title and logo of your game are super important and should be beta tested just like your game. They should be memorable to help you stand out from the crowd and also give the player a sense of what the game is about.
Getting help – PR firms are becoming more indie-friendly if you have some extra cash. They have established relationships which can help you get your game in front of the right people. Make sure your firm likes both you and your game, they need to believe to do a good job.
Personalize outreach – think of your email pitch as a story. Spend time to craft one that grabs attention with an attention grabbing headline and intro. Learn everything about the journalist you can from their stories, tweets, and background to make a tailored pitch.
Pitch a big picture story – journalists are looking for stories that generate clicks. Think about how you can help them by tying your game into a broader theme or industry trend.
Thanks to Dan for his time and fantastic advice. More videos from Chartboost University coming soon!
Mike
