Whether you’re looking to launch a new video game or an established game developer looking to expand your game development portfolio, there are many steps to take to secure funding for your game project.
Pitch your idea to an investor
Whether you are pitching a startup idea to investors or trying to sell a game, it’s crucial to get the right people to listen to you. Investors are looking for a unique value proposition. They’ll invest in your idea because they’re confident it will succeed. Having a playable prototype will increase your chances of success.
To get the right audience to listen to you, research the investors before you pitch. Feel free to ask for feedback if you need help. In return, you’ll get valuable feedback. It’s also essential to keep your pitch brief. It’s best to keep your presentation at most five minutes.
In addition to focusing on the pros, you should leave room for storytelling in your pitch. This will engage the investor with the founder. It will also make your pitch believable.
A long pitch, which can range from five to twenty minutes, includes financial forecasts, market share estimations, and vital information about the company. This gives a better picture of the company’s potential.
A good pitch will include a SWOT Analysis slide. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and explain your growth strategies. You’ll also want to mention your target audience, which will help you formulate your pitch and plan.
Learn how to start a video game company
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to start a video game business or just starting, it’s essential to know where to look for gaming startup funding. Consider a startup loan from an SBA or bank, or you may find a backer through crowdfunding. However, there are plenty of other funding options, as well.
If you’re planning on starting a video game company, you’ll need a lot of money for startup costs. These costs include a high-powered computer, a facility, and game development software. You’ll also need employees and marketing people.
In addition to startup costs, you’ll also need to register your business and obtain industry-specific licenses and permits. You’ll also need to file taxes, affecting your legal structure.
Before starting, you’ll need to research the video game industry and check customer reviews. This will give you an idea of what sells well and what doesn’t. You’ll also want to consider your product offerings and price points. Finally, you’ll want to find a niche market.
You’ll also want to get started developing your game. You can launch with a free game even if you need funding for a full-scale launch. This will help you build buzz before you go full-time.
Find a partner at the gaming startup fund that you will be working with
Getting an early startup gaming fund to back your game is daunting. An excellent place to start is by assembling your investor materials. You’ll need to understand the gaming industry, the game business model, and the financials to make a persuasive pitch.
One of the most important aspects of a successful pitch is understanding the type of investor you’re working with. There are specialized and non-specialized game funders. Choosing a specialized investor will give you the best opportunity to win a substantial investment. These investors generally have a firm grasp of the video game industry and are usually publishers. They also better understand how the gaming industry works, which can be a significant advantage when deciding which games to fund.
Non-specialized investors are more interested in quick returns. They aren’t as interested in the technological and fanciful. This is because specialized investors have more time to devote to their investment and are typically directly involved in the gaming industry. Non-specialized investors are less inclined to be involved in evaluating games since they focus on the finished product.
Get some 2nd party development experience.
Getting some VC-funded development experience is no small feat. Still, if you are a startup game developer or aspire to be one, you must consider the many funding sources available. This is true not only for gaming VC funds but also for non-gaming VC funds. The industry has seen an increase in new fund launches in recent years, with several large and small gaming VCs announcing new funds in recent months. As a result, there are plenty of VCs if you are willing to shop around. Moreover, many of these funds are flush with cash, so your chances of landing no-strings-attached funding are very high.
The game’s name is to find a VC fund to invest in your gaming endeavors. To that end, you will need to research to see the best funds. Some VCs will only invest in games. Others will invest in everything from content to services to a game engine. Of course, you also have to be picky about the types of games you are interested in – and remember that games are only sometimes the most popular.
Find a contract work partner.
Getting a shot at the big bucks can be a challenge, but if you’re willing to put in the legwork, you might be in the running for the big daddy of them all. In the process, you’ll also access the brains that came up with the game plans and the details of building and launching a burgeoning video game company. This is an excellent opportunity for gamers of all stripes. A few years ago, the gaming community was rife with a small group of enthusiasts, all intent on taking their gaming prowess to the next level. Luckily, companies are willing to take us seriously, and we’re not just talking about big names like Electronic Arts, Sony PlayStation, and Microsoft.
