LudumData

How to release a puzzle game

[raw] LD31LD #31 07. Jan 2015 · 02:24 UTC · 33 days after compo start by AgentParsec · 2

So, I’ve been working on a music-based puzzle game for quite a while, and it’s getting very near completion.  It’s something I want to release, but two things are bothering me as I’m getting close to the end:

1.  I should really make a trailer for the game, but being a puzzle game, there isn’t much that changes visually, which makes it hard to montage.  At least there are some graphical differences for each of the five songs, but they’re relatively minor.  I’m just trying to figure out the right way to go about this.

2.  My only other released game that people are aware of is a horror game, which is pretty much the polar opposite of a music-based puzzle game.  Will this vast shift in gears be too jarring, or shouldn’t I worry about that?

Comments

oobie
07. Jan 2015 · 04:34 UTC
I think you should just do your best it showing the game in a trailer then just release it.

In my opinion I would be more likely to check out a puzzle game from someone who has only released a horror game, then from someone who only releases puzzle games.
07. Jan 2015 · 04:53 UTC
1. If the content or thematic changes in the game are limited: Use the trailer to demonstrate the main mechanic. Do I tap here to match the notes? Do I use this joystick to synchronize the harmonies…etc. If that’s not enough content then demo the first or second puzzles, and then maybe a moderate difficulty puzzle. Just to let people know it does get tougher.
rjhunter
07. Jan 2015 · 12:25 UTC
You don’t have to use only full-screen footage in a trailer, you can do anything that conveys the idea of what the game is and help the viewer decide if it’s something they would enjoy.
08. Jan 2015 · 03:06 UTC
These are all great recommendations from all of you. Thanks!