Common Pitfalls in Game Pitches: What Not to Do

Pitching a game is a critical step in the development process, yet many aspiring game developers consistently stumble over the same common pitfalls. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significant mistakes developers make while pitching their games, supported by insights from industry veterans. Our goal is to equip you with actionable advice to elevate your pitch and maximize your chances of success.

So with no more talking, let’s get it started!

1. Skip the Backstory Dump

When you kick off your pitch, the last thing your audience wants to hear is an extensive recitation of your game's backstory. A common error is trying to set the scene with epic lore reminiscent of an extensive fantasy novel.

• IMPORTANT!: A game pitch is not a storytelling session; it needs clarity and brevity. Give a succinct overview, similar to the iconic opening crawl in Star Wars.
• Note: Focus on explaining what makes your game fun right off the bat rather than expecting them to learn everything at once.

2. Don’t Over-Explain the Inventory System

Another common mistake is going into exhaustive detail about systems commonly found in other games. Unless your inventory system offers a radical new perspective, just mention that you have one without delving into specifics.

• TIP: Use simple statements for standard features, allowing you to concentrate on unique elements that set your game apart.

3. Define Your Creative Vision Clearly

Starting your pitch with questions like, “What do you think my game should be?” puts you in a vulnerable position. Clearly present your creative vision instead.

• STEP 1: Start with an enthusiastic pitch about what you want to create.
• STEP 2: Emphasize what your game is about without asking for the audience’s input on basic decisions.

4. Identify the Unique Hook

Your audience wants to know what sets your game apart from the competition. Simply listing game pillars is not sufficient; you need to highlight the unique aspect that sparks interest.

• Note: The “hook” is essential in distinguishing your game; make sure it is front and center early in the pitch.

5. Describe Player Experience

You need to go beyond describing your stunning visuals or rich narrative. Make it crystal clear what players will do at any moment during gameplay.

• IMPORTANT!: If your pitch fails to convey the player experience, it can quickly lose the audience’s interest.

6. Avoid Realism Excuses

Saying things like, “Well no one can double jump in real life” to justify design decisions is typically a red flag. Unless you are trying to create a hyper-realistic simulator, focus on how game mechanics enhance fun.

• TIP: Justify your decisions based on gameplay, not realism. Everything is ultimately about delivering entertainment.

7. Don’t Use Frame Stories Unnecessarily

When pitching a game that utilizes a frame story (such as a game show format), reconsider whether this is truly necessary. In many cases, the gameplay mechanics alone can stand on their own.

• STEP 1: Determine if adding a frame narrative contributes meaningfully to the player experience or if it complicates the design.

8. Use Parody with Caution

If your game is marketed as a parody, it may end up sounding like an excuse for a lack of originality. Ensure that your work stands on its own merit.

• IMPORTANT!: Approach parody with caution; make sure that your game genuinely excels without leaning on comedic tropes.

9. Acknowledge Tech Risks

Discuss any ambitious technological elements in your game, especially if they come with significant risks.

• TIP: Acknowledge the risk upfront and share how you plan to address it. Confidence in your capability to manage risk is essential.

10. Ensure Your Prototype Proves Your Concept

The proof of concept should focus on showcasing the unique features that set your game apart, not just general mechanics that you can execute easily.

• STEP 1: Identify the most challenging aspects of your game.
• STEP 2: Create a prototype around these components.

11. Quality Over Quantity in Art

Having a slew of mediocre art pieces will not make your game look more impressive. Instead, aim for just a couple of high-quality images to present your vision.

• TIP: One exceptional piece is far better than many poorly executed ones.

12. Clearly Identify Placeholder Art

Ensure that the audience knows which images are placeholders and what’s intended to be in the final game. Confusion can deflate enthusiasm.

• NOTE: Label placeholder art clearly, so there’s no mistake about what the finished product may look like.

13. Avoid Polishing Too Early

Sometimes, developers polish artwork too soon, overshadowing the game mechanics that are still underdeveloped. Your mechanics should take priority before focusing on final art.

• IMPORTANT!: Showcase work-in-progress art if the core gameplay mechanics aren’t solid yet.

14. Showcase Your Writing Skills

If narrative is a significant part of your game, make sure that the dialogue you present in your pitch is of high quality.

• TIP: Instead of showing placeholder dialogue, use well-crafted scenes that reflect your writing capability.

15. Relevance of New Technologies

In a rapidly changing industry, you can be tempted to chase the latest tech trends. Ensure that the technology you are using is necessary for your game and not just a gimmick.

• NOTE: Avoid retrofitting your existing game to satisfy the latest tech craze; it often falls flat.

16. Tailor Your Pitch to the Right Audience

Do your homework before pitching, ensuring you approach the right type of publisher or investor whose interests align with your game’s genre and platform.

• TIP: Research the publisher’s portfolio thoroughly to avoid unnecessary meetings.

17. Differentiate from Existing Titles

If your game is comparing itself to existing titles, clarify what makes it distinct. Simply saying, “It’s like Gone Home,” won’t carry weight.

• IMPORTANT!: Don’t leave the audience questioning why your title matters when a similar game already exists.

18. Secure Intellectual Property Before Pitches

When pitching around existing IPs, it's daunting to ask a publisher to negotiate licenses on your behalf. Ensure you have access to the necessary rights beforehand.

• TIP: Start discussions about licensing before pitching; it may streamline the negotiation process.

19. Avoid Sole Focus on Monetization

Don’t lead with your monetization plan. While it’s an important aspect, the core appeal of the game should always come first.

• IMPORTANT!: Discuss monetization after you've drawn interest through your pitch.

20. Know Your Scope Thoroughly

Never enter a pitch without a clear understanding of your game's scope in terms of time, budget, and resources needed.

• NOTE: Be prepared to answer common questions about the gameplay duration and other metrics upfront.

21. Present a Viable Team

It’s vital to showcase an experienced team that’s capable of executing the vision you laid out. If you’re a small team, at the very least, have a roadmap of who you’ll want to hire.

• TIP: Clearly illustrate a plan for building out your team in your pitch.

22. Develop a Realistic Business Plan

Keep your business expectations grounded. If you anticipate your project making World of Warcraft-level sales, you may lose credibility.

• NOTE: Build a business plan based on realistic projections of success.

23. Mind Your Collaboration Skills

Your personality matters in a development relationship. If you're perceived as difficult during a pitch, it raises red flags.

• TIP: Present yourself amiably and demonstrate that you’re easy to collaborate with.

24. Don’t Assume Familiarity

Always introduce yourself and your team’s background. Not everyone will be familiar with your previous projects, no matter how successful they may have been.

• IMPORTANT!: Make sure to highlight previous projects that establish your credibility.

25. Roll with Questions

When you receive questions during your pitch, it shows the audience's interest. Respond to their inquiries naturally without getting flustered.

• TIP: Flexibility in your pitch will work in your favor.

26. Be Tech Savvy

Have the appropriate technology for your presentation ready, whether that’s a laptop or a tablet. Presentations can fail when the tech doesn’t cooperate.

• NOTE: Bring necessary cables or adapters to avoid tech-related hiccups.

27. Bring Headphones

If audio is critical to your game, bring your headphones so that potential investors can experience this element without distraction.

• TIP: Ensure that you maintain an isolated environment for sound during pitches.

28. Avoid Distractions

Presenting while hungover or out of it is a surefire way to lose credibility. Show that you take the pitch seriously by being alert and engaged.

• IMPORTANT!: Prepare yourself for the meeting to ensure you are in top form.

29. Don’t Trash Competitors

While discussing your game, avoid disparaging your competitors or previous partners, as this can reflect poorly on your professionalism.

• TIP: Focus on what makes your game unique without negative comparisons.

30. Maintain Cleanliness and Respect

Personal hygiene may seem trivial, but maintaining a professional appearance during your pitch can influence their impressions positively.

• NOTE: Keep things tidy, both personally and in your presentation materials; it sends a message of respect.

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Conclusion

In summary, refining your pitch with these guidelines can significantly impact the outcome of your proposal. By focusing on what sets your game apart, presenting your ideas confidently, and ensuring a professional demeanor, you'll engage better with potential partners and increase your chances of success.

If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your pitches, and remember: the gaming world is yours to influence!

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TIP: If you want to learn more about this subject, I recommend this amazing Talk HERE, that I used as the main reference for this blog post. :D