Starting a new game development office can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. However, with the right strategy and approach, you can set your new office up for success from day one. In this article, we will explore some key considerations and best practices for launching a game development office and growing it over time.
1. Define Your Vision and Goals
Before you start your new office, it’s important to define your vision and goals. What do you want to achieve with your game development business? Do you want to focus on mobile gaming, console gaming, PC gaming, or all of the above? What kind of games do you want to create? These are important questions that will help you determine the direction for your new office.
One example of a company that has successfully defined its vision and goals is King, the creators of Candy Crush Saga. When they started out, their goal was to create casual mobile games that were fun and engaging for players of all ages. They focused on creating simple, addictive gameplay that could be played in short sessions, and they quickly became one of the most successful game development companies in the world.
2. Identify Your Target Market
Once you have defined your vision and goals, it’s time to identify your target market. Who are your potential players? What platforms do they use? What kind of games do they like? Answering these questions will help you create games that resonate with your target audience and increase the likelihood of success.
One example of a company that has successfully identified its target market is Niantic, the creators of Pokemon Go. When they started out, they focused on creating an augmented reality game that would appeal to mobile gamers of all ages. They conducted extensive research on player behavior and preferences, and they used this information to create a game that was both fun and engaging for players.
3. Develop a Business Plan
A business plan is an essential tool for any new venture, including game development offices. It outlines your company’s goals, strategies, and financial projections, and it can help you secure funding and support from investors and partners.
When developing a business plan for your game development office, be sure to include information on your team, your target market, your revenue streams, and your marketing and distribution plans. You should also include financial projections, including projected revenue, expenses, and profit margins.
One example of a company that has successfully developed a business plan is Supercell, the creators of Clash of Clans and Hay Day. When they started out, they created a detailed business plan that outlined their goals, strategies, and financial projections. This helped them secure funding from investors and partners, and it set them up for success in the competitive game development industry.
4. Build a Strong Team
Hiring the right team is crucial to the success of any new venture, including game development offices. You will need a mix of skills and expertise, including game design, programming, art, and production. Be sure to look for individuals who are passionate about gaming and have experience in the industry.
One example of a company that has built a strong team is Blizzard Entertainment, the creators of World of Warcraft and Overwatch. When they started out, they hired a team of experienced game designers, programmers, and artists who shared their passion for gaming. This helped them create games that were not only fun and engaging but also technically advanced and visually stunning.
5. Create a Strong Brand Identity
Your brand identity is an important part of your new office’s success. It includes your logo, website, social media presence, and other marketing materials. Your brand identity should be consistent across all channels and reflect your company’s values and vision.
One example of a company that has successfully created a strong brand identity is Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. When they started out, they focused on creating a fun, engaging gameplay experience that would appeal to players of all ages.
