The Web3 revolution is not just a blip on the gaming industry’s radar; it’s a relevant shift with the potential to transform the very core of how we design, market, and play games. For independent developers and NFT enthusiasts looking to use the power of the blockchain, launching a game is no longer simply about lore, code and ad spend. It’s about building a community, showcasing the game’s value through clever content distribution, and creating an ecosystem that thrives on user engagement and empowerment.

Here’s a simple guide on how to launch your Web3 game with the right mix of content creation, community building, and strategic marketing to elevate your title.

1. Create Compelling Video Content

In the realm of Web3, video content isn’t just about showcasing gameplay — it’s the currency of community building and the backbone of initial user acquisition. As a marketer, your first task is to generate awareness. This is often by creating video content that not only demonstrates the potential of your game but also resonates with the ethos of Web3.

The Try Before You Buy Effect

In a traditional gaming studio setup, the “try before you buy” effect is a well established process with little room for differentiation. Web3 gaming studios on the contrary have the unique ability to leverage their game’s assets immediately. By creating compelling video content that entices users with a play-to-earn approach, you can allow players to engage with your game’s ecosystem before they’ve even downloaded the client. This approach serves as a powerful marketing tool and a generous offering that new and existing players alike will appreciate.

To achieve this, focus on cinematic storytelling that hooks the viewer emotionally and demonstrates the Web3 value proposition clearly. This creation should not feel like an ad but an initiative to inform and reward potential players.

Example:

Walker Labs and Readyverse Studios teased their “Open” battle royale game with a cinematic video on various platforms, instantly building hype and engagement.

2. Community Building

The success of your Web3 game launch is heavily reliant on the strength of the community you build around it. The blockchain and NFT space is bustling with enthusiasts, investors, and players eager to discover the next big thing. You need to position your game not only as a product but as a movement with a mission to redefine the gaming experience.

Use the power of personalized, direct engagement to convert the passers-by into active community members. This means participating in online discussions, answering questions, and integrating the feedback you receive into your game’s development. It’s essential to remember that in Web3, every touchpoint is a potential for growth.

Develop a dedicated presence on forums, social media, and emerging channels specific to the blockchain and NFT communities. Create a bi-directional flow of information by hosting and participating in AMAs, contributing to open discussions, and rewarding early adopters with unique assets for their support. Record snippets/highlights of those conversations and deploy them with Viewdrops to create more awareness and educate your community about the upcoming title.

Example:

The creators of Ethermon actively engage with the community by hosting regular AMAs and releasing teases and updates across their various social media channels. Members of the community often receive exclusive NFTs and gaming assets as a show of gratitude for their continual support. With Viewdrops, you’re able to deliver these tokens of appreciation via your own video content, in the form of an ad, a video on your website or a post on X.

 

Marketing and Promotion

The blending of Web3 and the gaming industry presents an unparalleled opportunity for innovative marketing — everything is turning into a game. Be bold, be creative, and be inclusive in your approach. This is about more than selling a product; it’s about inviting players to a new digital realm that values their participation on an entirely different level.

Leverage Blockchain and NFT Communities

The demographic line between blockchain and gamers is blurring. Reach out to crypto influencers and community leaders to endorse your game. Use NFTs not just as digital collectibles but as keys to unlocking exclusive game content and advantages. This crossover marketing is not just effective; it’s becoming expected.

Integrate your marketing strategy with the native ecosystems of popular blockchains and NFT platforms. Use these channels to highlight unique in-game assets and generate buzz through limited releases and pre-sale events.

Example:

My Neighbor Alice, a blockchain-based multiplayer builder game, recently sold out their land pre-sale in a matter of minutes, proving the demand for Web3 gaming is at an all-time high, through a compelling campaign that was driven by the hype of a collection, but also the excitement creation about the gameplay.

 

Launch

The big day is here. Your Web3 game is ready to meet the masses, but a successful launch is more than pressing the “Start” button. It’s about orchestrating an event that will be talked about for weeks, if not months. What if those that engaged early on with your promotional content can have special VIP invitations for this event? Is there any better way to prove them how important they are for your community?

A seamless launch is key to player retention. Partner with reputable platforms & blockchains that complement your game’s theme and mechanics to amplify your reach. Get them to support your game’s marketing. You can give out tokens for that chain to those that engage with your marketing (eg. give Matic out to those who watch videos of a game on polygon, using Viewdrops)

 

Control the Narrative

At each phase of your game’s launch — from teaser trailers to the release day itself — collect 1st party data to better understand the players you are attracting. This information is a goldmine for future marketing strategies, content creation, and game adjustments. By knowing your audience inside and out, you’ll be able to tailor your approach to secure the best ROI for your efforts.

Use Viewdrops, rewards for watching and sharing your promotional content, as a way to engage with your audience from the outset. These rewards should be seamlessly integrated into the game, acting as both an enticement to play and a gift for loyal followers: exclusive content, sneak peeks, or rare in-game items . This method incentivizes players to become active participants in your game’s digital footprint even before its official release.

Imagine creating a buzz so potent that it turns every view into a potential player and superfan. With ViewFi, you’re not merely reaching out to gamers; you’re inviting them into an immersive experience that rewards their curiosity and interest with tangible in-game benefits. It’s about creating a symbiotic relationship where every share, every watch, results in mutual growth — for your game and for your players.

Incorporating ViewFi into your promotional strategy ensures that every interaction with your content translates into a deeper connection with your audience. It’s about setting the stage for a gaming revolution where players are not just spectators but integral contributors to the game’s success. Dare to innovate, and watch as your game becomes more than a passtime — it becomes a shared adventure in the vast expanse of the digital universe.

Launching a Web3 game isn’t just about the game itself; it’s about building an ecosystem that champions user participation, promotes fairness and transparency, and opens avenues for endless engagement. By implementing the strategies mentioned above, you’re not just launching a game — you’re planting the seeds for a digital world that evolves with the players who inhabit it.

Strap in, indie game developer. The metaverse awaits, and it’s ready for your unique contribution. Now, go forth and gamify the future.

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About ViewFi

ViewFi helps brands turn their content into a powerful sales enablement tool to build awareness, education, lead generation, and conversions. Tapping into the growing trend of value exchange marketing, the ViewFi platform enables Companies to set up perks to reward relevant target audiences for engaging with marketing video content and sharing data directly back to the brand. Rewards include Coupons, lead magnets, contests, NFTs, airdrops and more.

 

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