Game Development Essentials An Introduction

Chapter 12Marketing & Maintenance

developing the community

Key Chapter Questions

■ What are the respective functions of the roles associated with marketing—such as advertising, public relations, sales, and promotion?

■ What are the functions of customer support in the game industry?

■ How are fan communities created and maintained?

Marketing

• Advertising• Public relations (PR)• Sales• Promotion

Customer Support

• Official website• Tutorials• Newsgroups• Newsletters• Player matching

Prosumerism: Player as DeveloperModding

Neverwinter Nights mods created by the Midreach affiliation.

Prosumerism: Player as DeveloperFan-Produced Content

The Queen of Heart series (based on the popular Japanese game To Heart) is produced by fans.

Prosumerism: Player as DeveloperFan Sites

Ultimate Gamers is a Blizzard Entertainment fan site.

Summary

Customer Support• Official website• Tutorials• Newsgroups• Newsletters• Player matching

Prosumerism: Player as Developer• Modding• Fan-produced content• Fan sites

Marketing• Advertising• Public relations (PR)• Sales• Promotion