How to Run a Successful Video Game Development Company
If you grew up as a gamer or are still an active player, they you may have dreamed of being a game developer one day. Or maybe you saw the success of a seemingly simple game like Angry Birds and thought you’d have a go at it. Truth is, starting a game company is more than a pipe dream and definitely possible if you have the know-how and determination to do so. Here are a few tips on how to establish a successful gaming company.
Gather Extensive Knowledge
Before you even start thinking of establishing your company, make sure that you gather as much knowledge as you can about the industry first. Read as many news stories, analyst reports, sales numbers, magazines, target research and market analysis as you can. Be sure to also read up on the type of gaming equipment on the market, either to buy them for your company, or know what you’re up against. One product that we recommend checking out would have to be the gaming laptop from Razer’s site (https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops) which is steadily gaining popularity in the market. Once you have all this information, you can identify your target market and on what platform you will develop games, may it be home gaming consoles, portable devices or browser based social games.
Try to Get a Competitive Edge
The best way to get a competitive edge is by hiring better. What separates gaming companies is not just funding and marketing skills, but the quality of their teams. Try to hire for creativity, problem solving, hunger, intelligence and most importantly, passion, and make it clear in your game designer job descriptions. The most successful teams hire people with a genuine interest in gaming, people who are avid gaming fans and gamers themselves. This allows them to create games with the player in mind first.
Once you’ve built your team, make sure you communicate your core principles to them, the principles that make your company unique and aren’t altered by market forces, platforms or competitive influences. Then make sure these principles permeate every part of their work. Communication is key to building a build successful team in any industry, so the importance of hiring experienced communicators in the video game industry is not to be underestimated.
Find the Right Partners
You’ll most likely have to seek financial aid or a partnership if you’re just getting started in the industry. This is why it is important that you partner up with people who also have a deep passion and understanding of the gaming industry. You have to go with someone who understands the gaming development process, believes in you and your vision and is ready to support you every step of the way.
You should also seek partnership from more experienced mentors that could educate you on some of the aspects of the industry you may lack expertise in.
Create the Gaming Company You’ve Always Wanted
What separates brands like Apple and Google is their culture. Both have very different ways of working and company cultures to other brands in their sector, and that’s what sets them apart and makes them so successful. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through when creating a company culture and focus on the aspects you value the most.
Building a successful gaming company can be done if you know what you’re doing, and you have the drive and knowledge necessary to make it. If you follow the tips in this article, you’ll be one step closer to building a successful game development team.
Thank you very much for this inspiring article. Your tips are great and it answers a lot of my questions. Thank you for such valuable resources.
Very interesting article. I am full time gamer and designer. Love modern warfare games the most. I am planning to start my own gaming development company. I tried it 2 years back but unfortunately I dropped my plan due to some issues. But this time for sure I will and the information you have shared in this article is definitely going to help me. Thanks!
nice post