Game Marketing
Ongoing coverage on Game Marketing.
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Ex PlayStation boss told Clair Obscur Expedition 33 devs not to call it a turn-based RPG: "That alone might cause…
Former Sony Interactive president Shuhei Yoshida advised Kepler Interactive to avoid marketing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a turn-based RPG due to perceived market unpopularity. Despite this guidance, the game, developed by Sandfall Interactive, was released to critical acclaim and numerous awards, ultimately helping to revitalize interest in the genre. Yoshida shared this anecdote at the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026.
The Real Reason GTA 6’s Gameplay Reveal Is a Timed Netflix Exclusive
Rockstar Games is experimenting with a new distribution strategy for the Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay reveal by partnering with Netflix for an exclusive premiere six hours before its release on official channels. CEO Strauss Zelnick suggests this is a groundbreaking partnership, implying the reveal itself will be presented in a format suitable for Netflix, potentially incorporating documentary-like elements or a special presentation rather than a standard trailer. This move is seen as a strategic marketing effort to create an event around the reveal, leveraging Netflix's platform to build anticipation for the game's eventual release.
Rebels No More: How Rockstar Sold Out on GTA 6
This opinion piece criticizes Rockstar Games' marketing strategy for Grand Theft Auto 6, particularly the decision to give Netflix exclusive rights to an extended look at the game. The author argues this move, along with past issues like the Definitive Edition trilogy and labor practices, shows Rockstar has become a 'sellout' prioritizing corporate gain over artistic integrity. The article also touches on the impact of this exclusive reveal on other upcoming game releases.
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The article discusses the significant challenge developers face in making their games discoverable amidst a crowded market. It highlights how traditional marketing strategies are becoming less effective, leading to a situation where many great games struggle to find an audience.
GTA 6 fans waiting for Trailer 3 are convinced they've spotted an easter egg in GTA Online referencing the…
Grand Theft Auto 6 fans believe they have discovered an easter egg referencing the game's map within Grand Theft Auto Online. A painting in The Kortz Center Heist update is being interpreted by players as a depiction of the Leonida region, fueling speculation about Rockstar Games' marketing strategy ahead of the game's November 19 release.
Stellar Blade boss completely misses the point of why people are upset with Blood Rain's AI slop video: 'The…
ShiftUp CEO Hyung Tae Kim addressed backlash over the AI-generated marketing video for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, stating that the character Evie was created by artists and AI only rendered her. The article argues that the extensive use of AI in other aspects of the video, including the song, undermines the game's image and cheapens the overall presentation, despite the company's talented composers and artists.
Predicting the 5 biggest GTA 6 reveals that we should see in the next 100 days
With Grand Theft Auto 6 set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the next 100 days are expected to bring significant reveals. Predictions include a gameplay showcase in August, a deep dive into the living world in September, potential news on GTA Online in October, previews in October, and a final story trailer in November. Rockstar Games is anticipated to ramp up marketing efforts significantly before the release.
When will GTA 6 Trailer 3 come out? Latest predictions and theories
Fans are speculating about the release date of the third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, with predictions centering around Take-Two Interactive's upcoming earnings call. While past marketing for Grand Theft Auto 5 suggests a gameplay trailer could arrive in September, two months before the November 19, 2026 release date, the article notes that Rockstar Games' marketing strategies can be unpredictable.
MINIBOSS SOLUTIONS FORMS ADVISORY BOARD, NAMES INAUGURAL MEMBERS
Miniboss Solutions, an embedded publishing leadership team, has established an advisory board with industry veterans Sarah Anderson and Yoshio Osaki as its inaugural members. The board will provide strategic counsel to Miniboss as it assists game studios like Smilegate and VOID Interactive with publishing strategy and execution. This move aims to enhance Miniboss's expertise and support its growth as a leader in the games industry.
Relax, PC Gamers: We're not getting GTA 6 on November 19, but we've got, um... 'Phantom Vice Auto'…
This article humorously discusses the lack of a PC release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, contrasting it with the fictional 'Phantom Vice Auto' which is set to launch on PC the same day. The author sarcastically praises Phantom Vice Auto's simplistic features and low-quality trailer, highlighting the perceived shortcomings compared to Rockstar's standards.
Modern Warfare 4 Facebook ads want to make sure everyone understands this year's Call of Duty won't be on Xbox Game Pass
Activision is using Facebook ads to inform players that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, a shift from previous years. This marks a change in Microsoft's strategy for its gaming division under new leadership. The game will release on October 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with pre-orders offering early access to the campaign and an expanded DMZ mode.
50 Ways to Ruin Your Indie Game — Avoid These Mistakes
This article outlines 50 common mistakes that can lead to the failure of an indie game before or during its release. It covers pitfalls in marketing, game design, development planning, team organization, and publishing strategies, emphasizing the importance of avoiding common errors to ensure a successful launch.
Few things get me excited like these big GTA 6 moments, but we need to talk about digital game ownership - and fast
The author expresses excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6's upcoming release, particularly its promotional screenshots, but pivots to discuss concerns about digital game ownership and pricing. The article critiques the move away from physical discs, the potential for revoked licenses, and the increasing cost of games, arguing for a consumer right to true ownership rather than just a license.
Game Marketing Budget Calculator for Indie Developers
The Game Marketer has launched a free Marketing Budget Estimator tool to help indie developers establish a starting point for their game marketing budgets. The tool emphasizes the importance of planning marketing spend, suggesting it should typically be between 20% and 30% of the total development budget, and offers personalized guidance based on game genre, platform, and development phase.
GTA 6 is a 'singleplayer experience', leaving me to question what's going on with GTA Online
Rockstar has confirmed Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch as a singleplayer experience in November 2026, leaving uncertainty about the future of its lucrative Grand Theft Auto Online component. While a "top secret" feature for online lobbies was revealed in court documents, Rockstar has remained silent on GTA Online's fate, though historically multiplayer modes have launched post-singleplayer release. The article speculates on potential models for a new online service, including standalone releases or subscription expansions.
If Rockstar Follows Its Own Precedent, Don’t Expect GTA 6 Trailer 3 This Week
This article analyzes Rockstar Games' marketing patterns for previous titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Grand Theft Auto 4 to predict when the third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 might be released. Based on historical data, the trailer may not launch this week alongside preorders, potentially appearing in early July.
GTA 6 Hype Management for Adults | TAG
This article provides a guide for adult gamers on how to manage the extensive hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 without burning out or spoiling the experience. It offers strategies for limiting trailer re-watches, proactively muting spoilers on social media, avoiding pre-order psychology, and setting realistic expectations for launch day, especially for those with work and family commitments.
Why one in three new games at SGF has got their launch wrong | Opinion
The article argues that many game developers and publishers fail to adequately support game announcements made at events like Summer Game Fest. It highlights that a significant portion of announced games lack essential post-announcement marketing infrastructure, such as dedicated websites, social media follow-ups with gameplay, and community Discord servers. The author emphasizes that these foundational steps are crucial for building player interest and ensuring a successful launch, rather than focusing solely on the initial trailer.
"GTA is like the ogre" - It's an "odd" year to release a video game, says A Plague Tale studio Asobo
Asobo Studio, developers of A Plague Tale: Resonance, have commented on the significant impact Grand Theft Auto 6's upcoming release will have on the 2026 video game schedule. They describe GTA 6 as an 'ogre' that influences marketing and player attention, forcing other studios to strategically adjust their release dates to avoid direct competition.
One Solo Developer. One Big Finish: The Game Marketer Helps ShantyTown Reach 100,000+ Steam Wishlists
Solo developer Erik Rempen's cosy diorama builder ShantyTown, developed under Silk Softworks, achieved over 100,000 Steam wishlists with the help of marketing agency The Game Marketer. The comprehensive campaign included strategy, PR, paid media, and creative asset production, leading to 1.5 million Steam page visits and 70,000 demo downloads.
