I’ve always loved the thrill of starting a new game project. There’s something magical about that initial spark of an idea, the excitement of seeing it take shape, and the possibilities that stretch out ahead. But if I’m being honest, I’ve struggled with finishing games. I have a folder (okay, several folders) full of half-finished games, concepts, and prototypes—each with its own story, each representing countless hours of work. These are projects I’ve poured my heart into, only to abandon them when the going got tough, when life got in the way, or when a new idea lured me away. For the longest time, I wondered what to do with all these unfinished projects. Should I scrap them? Should I pick one and force myself to finish it? Or was there another way to make use of all these prototypes?
Through trial and error, I’ve learned that having multiple game prototypes can actually be a valuable asset. It doesn’t have to be a source of frustration or guilt. Instead, I’ve found ways to leverage these prototypes, turning them into opportunities rather than obstacles. If you’re like me and have a collection of unfinished projects, here are several strategies to make the most out of your prototypes:
💡1. Evaluate and Prioritize
- Assess Each Prototype: Play each prototype critically, considering aspects such as gameplay mechanics, fun factor, originality, and potential audience appeal.
- Collect Feedback: Share your prototypes with friends, online communities, and fellow developers to gather feedback and identify which ones have the most promise.
- Prioritize: Rank your prototypes based on the feedback, feasibility, and your personal interest. Focus on developing the most promising one(s) further.
💡2. Refinement and Development
- Polish the Best Prototypes: Take the top one or two prototypes and refine them. Improve graphics, smooth out gameplay mechanics, and fix any bugs.
- Create a Vertical Slice: Develop a vertical slice of the game—a small, fully playable section that showcases the core mechanics and overall feel of the game. This helps in pitching the game and seeking funding.
💡3. Market Validation
- Build a Community: Start sharing updates and development progress on social media, game forums, and your own website or blog to build a community around your game.
- Launch a Demo: Release a free demo version of your refined prototype to gather broader player feedback and generate interest.
- Conduct Surveys: Use surveys and feedback forms to understand what players like or dislike and what they want to see improved.
💡4. Funding and Monetization
- Crowdfunding Campaign: If your prototype receives positive feedback, consider launching a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to secure funds for full development.
- Early Access: Consider releasing your game in early access on platforms like Steam or itch.io. This allows you to generate revenue and get continuous feedback while you develop the full game.
- Pitch to Publishers: Prepare a pitch including your prototype, vertical slice, and game design document, then approach game publishers who might be interested in funding and supporting your game.
💡5. Collaborations and Partnerships
- Find Collaborators: If you need help with certain aspects of development (e.g., art, music, programming), consider finding collaborators or forming a small team.
- Participate in Game Jams: Use your prototypes as a base for participating in game jams. This can lead to new ideas, feedback, and potential partnerships.
💡6. Learning and Skill Improvement
- Analyze and Learn: Use your prototypes as learning tools. Analyze what works and what doesn’t to improve your game development skills.
- Iterate and Experiment: Continuously iterate on your prototypes, experimenting with different mechanics and features to see what works best.
💡7. Showcase and Networking
- Attend Events: Showcase your prototypes at game development events, expos, and conventions to gain exposure and network with industry professionals.
- Online Showcases: Participate in online game showcases and festivals to reach a wider audience.
💡8. Documentation and Reuse
- Document Your Work: Keep detailed documentation of each prototype, including the game design, code structure, and lessons learned. This will help you in future projects.
- Reuse Assets: Reuse successful mechanics, art, and code from your prototypes in future projects to save time and resources.
By following these strategies, you can make the most out of your prototypes, turning them into polished, market-ready games, or using them to build your reputation and skills as a game developer.