Learning from Cortex Command - The road to launching Planetoid Pioneers
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This talk by Vlad Micu from Data Realms discusses lessons learned from game development, particularly focusing on the benefits and challenges of a modding community and effective communication strategies. Key points include the importance of resilience, clear messaging, and structured team roles, along with the need for proprietary technology and effective marketing. The presentation emphasizes learning from failures and leveraging community talent in a sustainable manner for future projects.
Learning from Cortex Command - The road to launching Planetoid Pioneers
- 1. The lessons from And the road to launching
- 2. Quick Disclaimer Nothing in this talk is new, but we just don’t talk about it often enough!
- 3. Who is Data Realms? This is a talk by Vlad Micu Business development manager at Data Realms Data Realms has 12 developers in 9 countries on 4 continents Previously created Now working on @DataRealms @DataRealms
- 5. Pros and Cons • Unexpected modding community • Incredibly fun to watch • Lot’s of lessons learned on game design • Resulting in extended shelf life, HR talent pool and more vision for next game • Suffered from initial bad PR strategy and unclear messaging. • No online multiplayer • Lack of community management • Unclear messaging
- 6. Harnessing a Modding community • Amazing talent pool • Hired from them • Structured the ‘Pioneer Program’ around lessons learned. • Admitting and embracing the creativity of our audience.
- 7. Dan found the Right People for the Right Responsibilities “You know in a startup, you only need three people. You need someone who can make something. You need someone who can sell it. And you need someone to collect the money. That’s the only three roles in a startup. So which one are you?” – Guy Kawasaki
- 8. Different Attitude & Vocabulary • Sustainable traction – who’s ever used that word? • Cash flow positive – or this one? • Share holders/Revenue share agreement • Business plan!? • Go-to-market strategy? • Product/Market fit Recommended by @derkdegeus
- 10. Proprietary Tech still matters • With publishers, platforms and other potential partners • Unique look and feel vs. Unity or Unreal Engine • For PR & Marketing purposes • Even potential commercialization & licensing options (id Software, Crytek, etc.)
- 11. User Generated Content is everywhere • YouTube & Twitch • Fan Art & Fan Fiction • Modding • Game Assets
- 12. REALLY having Everything Written Down • Meeting minutes, e-mails & contracts. • Use team communication platform Slack! • Get your licenses straight: https://tldrlegal.com/ • Find a lawyer for equity/rev share Watch Dmitri Dubograev’s talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXL79-rmvjw
- 13. Learn with (Comic) Relief And squeeze in that Work/Life balance in there while you’re at it!
- 14. Find Veterans & Advisors Let them give you much needed perspective
- 15. Pitch all the Time, Everywhere • Know who you are and who you aren’t • Know what the other person wants and doesn’t have • Use that to disarm your opponent and put him/her in the defensive • Make yourself rare/scarce Learn from Eminem! http://techcrunch.com/2014/01/18/how-to-get-an-mba-from-eminem/
- 16. Managing expectations • Communities are made up of fans because they love what they see and its potential. • Important to communicate YOUR vision of the potential clearly - setting expectations. • You will never be fast enough for people. • Steam Early Access is about managing all of these expectations and more. Watch Jeroen’s talk on the launch of The Flock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbqMjCPmaa8
- 17. The #1 Skill is still Resilience The Fins have ‘Sisu’ (perseverance)
- 18. Summary: What ‘Triple I’ means for us • Long term goals & plans • Proprietary technology and modding community • Unique vision and business attitude • Advisors and veterans on board for legal, design, business, etc. • Looking for unlikely partnerships • Strong PR & Marketing effort and significant budget • Being ready for anything from Worst to Best case scenarios
- 19. Contact me • @vgvisionary • Mail me at v.micu@vgvisionary.com • Slides: www.slideshare.net/VGVisionary #imlonely
- 20. Sign up for the Pioneer Program! signup.planetoidpioneers.com PP Test Builds, Slack community, content sharing!
- 21. Thanks! Questions? Let’s talk more outside!