Even though larger game developers often dump millions into their top franchises, indie games are becoming increasingly popular. With a little bit of hard work and some dedication, you might be able to create a groundbreaking game that shakes the industry.

Master Your Programming Language of Choice

When it comes to designing a game, there are many different programming languages to choose from. Most games are written in some form of C++, and that is a great starting point if you aren’t sure of which device you would like to release your game on. For mobile and web-based games, you will need to familiarize yourself with Java. That language isn’t as popular as C++ and C#, but you might find it much easier to master. You can also research your favorite games and find out what programming language they were written in if you’re hoping to emulate them on the same type of platform.

Start Marketing Right Away

Well before you even think about releasing your game, you need to establish a marketing campaign. Most indie game developers have very small marketing budgets, and that is why they must get creative. Regularly releasing content on YouTube and other social media platforms is a great way to advertise your game, and it’s free to do. You should also consider joining at least a few online forums that focus on video games and game development. Those types of online communities can make or break an indie game, and you should try to make a name for yourself as an active and positive member.

Crowdfund the Project

It seems as if every entrepreneur has their own opinions on best practices crowdfunding, and you will need to draw from each of those individuals if you want to be successful. At the very least, you need to establish measurable goals and create some type of content for your investors. Your initial funds might come from personal contacts, but there will most likely come a point when you need to convince strangers that your project is worth investing in, and crowdfunding is going to be one of the most effective ways to do that. Patreon is a common platform for those looking to get funding for creative projects, though it’s important that you keep your patrons updated on your game-building progress.

Determine How You Are Going to Release Your Game

Early-stage funding is incredibly important, but there will come a time when you need to shift your attention to how you are going to sell your game. Many companies are now offering turnkey software to indie game developers who don’t want to worry about complex e-commerce laws and expensive hosting options. A solid selling platform will allow you to get your game into the hands of your customers as quickly and efficiently as possible.

While you might want to focus on game development, you need to remember that you are starting a business. That means you will need to legally form a company and acquire some type of insurance that protects your business and all of its assets. While setting up your crowdfunding and game launching plans, be sure to put together your business plan as an indie game developer.