The Master Goblin on 20/3/2011 at 08:25
I sure hope I don't gab in a self congratulatory fashion. If that's all I end up doing I deserve the harsh beat down that's coming my way. Plus the extra gut kick for good measure.
Your words, harsh they may be, are very fair. You are speaking the truth, and one that I debated on for some time myself. Wait or don't wait.
In the end (obviously) I decided not to wait. I wanted to build some sort of awareness for myself, my company, and what I am trying to do. I've studied business and this industry for some time, and felt that this would be the best chance for success. Plus, it also puts me into a more obligatory position to actually produce. If you fly under the radar it's easy to get lost.
Honestly, I was quite surprised that anybody really picked up my press release. I put it out more as a formality and while I hoped that somebody would pick it up, I did not expect any real traction from it.
Your opinion is correct. It would indeed be flashier, and possibly more explosive, to have waited until I had some form of trailer and then bum rushed the world (so to speak).
As to the "meh," I was being very serious, I do like that (and it is now tacked up on my wall above my computer). It's an excellent way of saying "just not interesting." A nice reminder that I need to do more.
Your candor, spark of interest, and well wishes are much appreciated. They do mean something to me.
I will endeavor to make the the best bloody game that I can.
gunsmoke on 20/3/2011 at 09:55
I really like the sound of the 'cut-less' scenes and the non-fatal Quick Time Events. I hope that you have something in place so that if you don't 'win' the QTE than it takes you in a slightly different direction than if you do successfully complete it.
For example, maybe have one pop in during a conversation and success sees you charming a particular item, piece of info, or whatnot from the character to make your journey easier, but not mission critical.
Or like in a passageway to a sweet weapon/treasure chest/whatever starts to shake and a QTE comes up having you duck and dodge your way through the collapsing debris. If you fail, rubble seals off the reward permanently and you have to take a longer way around to get to to the end of the level. If you are successful, you slip past the debris at the last moment and get the reward and have a shorter, easier path to the exit.
Yakoob on 20/3/2011 at 16:36
Quote Posted by The Master Goblin
Honestly, I was quite surprised that anybody really picked up my press release. I put it out more as a formality and while I hoped that somebody would pick it up, I did not expect any real traction from it.
How exactly did you announce your game? I saw the BluesNews blurb was mentioned but it didnt cite sources. Did you just contact them directly? Do it at GDC?
gunsmoke on 21/3/2011 at 02:33
Yakoob: his post says he issued a press release.
Yakoob on 21/3/2011 at 03:19
That's roughly saying "he told people about it," which does not really answer my question.
The Master Goblin on 21/3/2011 at 15:06
Sorry guys for not writing back sooner. I'm afraid I only have small pockets of time in which to respond and I like to devote an appropriate amount of time to the task.
@gunsmoke
Those are interesting ideas and I have thought of similar before. I have a few QTE varients in mind for this game, some of which use something along the lines of what you are saying.
@Yakoob
I sent press releases to several Major game news organizations (I have them posted on my website if you're interested). I know GamePress picked it up, and thus Gamasutra posted it (they are linked when it comes to the PR notices). From there it got spread around a little by bots and duplicators.
As to how BluesNews got it specifically I do not know since I had not sent them a copy directly. My guess would be via the above mentioned GamesPress or Gamasutra.
As Digital Nightfall said anybody can write a press release and get it posted (this is not a guarantee but clever writing or wording can get you noticed), and anyone can build a website.
The hard part comes next. Showing that I can do what I say that I can do.
gunsmoke on 21/3/2011 at 22:19
Quote Posted by Yakoob
That's roughly saying "he told people about it," which does not really answer my question.
What more do you want? What kind of paper it was printed on? Maybe the font?
Sorry, man, just telling you what he reported doing.
Yakoob on 22/3/2011 at 02:44
Thanks for all your answers The Master Goblin! Please do keep us posted whenever you have any major progress :D
Quote Posted by gunsmoke
What more do you want? What kind of paper it was printed on? Maybe the font?
Actually, yes, that's exactly what I am asking. How you announce it, and who you announce it, makes a really big difference.
The Master Goblin on 24/3/2011 at 05:55
I'm happy to answer any questions that people have.
I will mention in this thread (or any other that is relevant) anything big as it comes along. Though I don't want to spam the forums so don't expect much.
If you are interested in staying up to date, I would recommend checking in on the project at the official website or the business website. Since I will be keeping everything updated there.
To answer more of your question Yakoob. I emailed my press release out to a couple dozen news sites / editors who I thought would be interested in the material (I had to do some digging and research to compose my list). There are plenty of resources online and off about how to craft, compose, and submit press releases so I won't bore with any of that here (it's all fairly standard even in the games industry).
