How to Increase Player Engagement on itch.io, indiexpo & GameJolt

When it comes to showcasing your work in the vast world of indie games, platforms like itch.io, indiexpo and GameJolt offer fertile ground to do so. However, gaining visibility and engaging a wider audience can be challenging. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to increase player engagement on these platforms, taking into account the peculiarities of each.

There are common Strategies for all those platforms:

• Eye-catching Presentation: Regardless of the platform, ensure that your game page is eye-catching and well-curated. Use high-quality previews, engaging descriptions, and meaningful screenshots to capture the attention of potential players. Showcase different gameplay stages, exciting moments, and unique features of your game.
• Engage with the Community: Actively participate in the platforms' communities. Comment on other games, join forums, and share your work in a genuine and non-intrusive way. Building relationships with other developers and players can lead to increased visibility for your game.
• Update and Interact: Keep your game updated and respond promptly to player feedback. Demonstrating a continuous commitment to improving your game and engaging with the community can help build trust and interest around your work.

Now, let's explore some specific strategies for each platform:

Strategies for itch.io:

• Utilize Versatility: On itch.io, you can publish both paid and free games. Take advantage of this flexibility to reach a broader audience and test different monetization strategies for your game.
• Diversify Screenshots: In addition to showcasing exciting gameplay moments, include screenshots that also highlight the aesthetics, atmosphere, and design of your game. On itch.io you can upload more screenshots. Diversifying screenshots can capture the attention of players with diverse interests.
• Jams. On itch.io there are a lot of Jams. What is a Jam? A game jam is a collaborative event where game developers come together to create games within a specified timeframe, usually ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. These events often focus on a common theme or set of constraints, encouraging participants to explore new ideas, experiment with game mechanics, and produce innovative games within the given constraints. Jams foster creativity, teamwork, and rapid game development, leading to a diverse range of game prototypes and experiences.

Strategies for indiexpo:

• Engage the Community through Feedback: Seek feedback from the indiexpo community and use this information to improve your game. Demonstrating a commitment to responding to comments and working with the community can lead to increased visibility and appreciation for your work.
• Socials. indiexpo is very active on the Social Media. You can tag the main page to be shared or you can contact the Staff to have feedbacks.
• Harness Player Challenges: On indiexpo, player challenges are a great way to engage the community and generate interest around your game. Organize special events or encourage players to compete with each other for prizes or recognition.

You can check also this link to see... what is differece between indiexpo and other platfroms

Strategies for GameJolt:

• Build an Active Community: GameJolt has shifted its focus to communities, so focus on building and interacting with a dedicated fan base. Provide regular updates, post in the forum, and engage your players to keep interest alive in your game.
• Collaborate with Other Developers: GameJolt offers many opportunities for developer collaboration. Partner with other creators to organize events, cross-promotions, or even collaborative projects to increase your visibility on the platform.

Increasing player engagement on itch.io, indiexpo & GameJolt requires a mix of eye-catching presentation, community engagement, and platform-specific strategies. Make the most of the resources offered by these platforms and commit to interacting with the community to maximize the success of your indie game.

Good luck and happy developing!