1. Preparing for Launch

Detail: Creating a Comprehensive Pre-Launch Checklist

Concept: A pre-launch checklist ensures that everything is in place before launching the game. This includes final QA tests, marketing materials, platform-specific requirements, and legal documentation.
Practical Example: Provide a sample pre-launch checklist that includes items like "Final Playtest Completion," "Marketing Assets Ready," "App Store Metadata Finalized," and "Privacy Policy Reviewed." You can walk students through how to customize this checklist based on their game and target platforms.

2. Submitting to App Stores and Platforms

Concept: Each platform (e.g., Steam, Google Play, Apple App Store, consoles) has unique submission requirements, including asset specifications, metadata, and content ratings.
Practical Example: Use a step-by-step guide for submitting a game to the Google Play Store, detailing required assets like icons, screenshots, descriptions, and the process of setting up a developer account, filling out forms, and handling compliance with platform policies (e.g., content ratings, GDPR). Compare this process with another platform, like Steam, to highlight differences.

Concept: A well-structured process for updates and patches is critical for fixing bugs, adding content, and responding to player feedback.
Practical Example: Discuss a case study of a game that successfully handled post-launch updates, such as "Among Us," which continually introduced new features and fixed bugs based on player feedback. Provide a flowchart showing how updates are planned, developed, tested, and deployed, emphasizing the importance of communication with the player base during this process.

Concept: Continuous improvement through player feedback is essential for long-term success. Setting up feedback channels and responding effectively helps build a loyal community.
Practical Example: Illustrate how to set up feedback channels, such as in-game surveys, social media listening, and community forums. Use the example of a game like "No Man's Sky," which transformed its initial poor reception into a positive one by actively engaging with the community and making substantial improvements based on feedback. Show students how to categorize feedback (e.g., bugs, feature requests, general sentiment) and prioritize responses.