Video Game Marketing: What Do You Need?

This is the second article in a five-part series that details exactly what you need to market your video game. Once you've developed a powerful video game brand, it's time to get your message in front of your targeted audience: your customer base and potentially large video game producers. The following details what marketing materials you need to successfully market your video game for both.

Must-have video game marketing materials

Posters - There is perhaps no better way to announce your video game launch to the masses than with posters. Video games by nature are graphically impressive, so you can take graphics right from your game to awe potential buyers in a crowd.

Business cards - If you're a small video game developer, you might have aspirations to climb the ladder and sell the rights to your game to a large, mass distribution company. In order to do so you'll have to get business cards to leave with important contacts.

CD/DVD covers or sleeves - Your video game needs to attract attention on the shelf just as much as it needs to in online venues, so make sure you have well-designed (branded) CD/DVD covers or sleeves (depending on your format) to promote your video game in retail outlets. Remember that customers do indeed judge video games by their covers.

Booklets - First of all, you'll need to print an instruction booklet that goes along with your video game. Whether you're developing for PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii or the PC, your customers need to know how to play your game. In addition, there are likely certain FCC compliance statements you'll need to include, which you can do with a paper insert or in your booklet itself. If you have a highly complicated, popular game you can make more passive income by publishing a game guide/cheat code booklet as well.

Postcards - Postcards are a cost-effective way to get news of your video game out to a well-targeted customer base. This is especially true if you have had success selling one video game already, and you can get your postcard to likely buyers. Include a time-limited discount coupon to facilitate sales.

Calendars - Everyone loves (and uses) free calendars. Showcase your video games via printed calendars, and you'll market to your target audience 365 days a year.

Website - It's hard enough to compete in the video game industry today. Put up a website that includes trial levels, features and benefits, industry awards and testimonials, and, of course, where to buy your video game.