The Weekly Download – Details, episodes & analysis

This episode of the Games PR Podcast, hosted, as always, by our Jack, features industry veteran Ichiro Lambe discussing the challenges and strategies around game discoverability. With over 30 years in the industry and notable achievements like founding Dejobaan Games and working at Valve on Steam Labs, Ichiro shares insights on the difficulties developers face in getting their games noticed. Topics include the enormity of Steam's ever-expanding library, the role of storefronts at the bottom of the sales funnel, and the impact of social media and traditional media on game marketing. The conversation also explores the potential of AI in game development and marketing and the importance of effective trailers and initial impressions. Lastly, they touch on the viability of paid advertising, the role of authenticity in reaching niche communities, and emerging industry trends.

Unlock the secrets to mastering social media for game development with insights from social media guru Tamsin and Sarah, the marketing dynamo behind Astral Clocktower Studios, in the latest episode of The Games PR Podcast. Sarah brings her hands-on experience from cat-themed action RPG Kristala, sharing the pivotal role data-driven decisions play in crafting effective marketing strategies. You'll learn why quality trumps quantity in content creation and how truly understanding your audience can set you apart in a crowded digital landscape.

We also explore the strengths of various social media platforms and how to leverage them effectively. From building vibrant communities on Discord to maintaining a consistent visual theme on Instagram, we cover it all. Discover the latest LinkedIn trends, including the power of carousels and face imagery to boost engagement, and stay ahead of the game with insights into the ever-changing algorithms of Instagram and TikTok. Our discussion provides actionable tips to navigate these challenges and amplify user-generated content.

Dealing with negative feedback doesn't have to be daunting. Learn strategies to respond constructively and distinguish between genuine criticism and trolling. Sarah and Tamsin offer practical advice for solo developers, emphasizing the importance of mental health and effective time management. Whether you're consulting friends before responding or utilizing moderation tools, we'll equip you with the knowledge to build a resilient and engaged community for your game. Tune in for a wealth of insights that will transform your social media strategy.

Episode 14 of The Games PR Podcast sees Jack, Amie, and Tom return to the studio. They're joined by BGM's very own Max, who'll provide valuable insights into the benefits of an effective PR strategy when looking to secure investment.

The crew cover various topics surrounding investment opportunities in gaming, including using PR to build credibility, avenues for investment, and successfully approaching business media.  Platforms like Patreon, Kickstarter, and incubator programmes are also discussed.

Got any questions, queries or ideas for new episodes? Get in touch on our website or drop us a DM on Twitter!

BGM Twitter: https://twitter.com/Biggamesmachine
BGM Website: https://www.biggamesmachine.com/
BGM Content Hub: https://www.biggamesmachine.com/hub/

Episode 13 of The Games PR Podcast sees Jack and Tom joined by Floppy Club, developers of acclaimed music puzzler Rytmos!

Offering a behind-the-scenes look into the game's development, Niels and Asger reveal the inspirations behind the variety of music contained with Rytmos and explain the complex nature of developing the game's puzzles. They also discuss the successful launch of the game earlier this year on Nintendo Switch and Steam, alongside the process of porting the game to mobile and the future of Rytmos.  

Got any questions, queries or ideas for new episodes? Get in touch on our website or drop us a DM on Twitter!

BGM Twitter: https://twitter.com/Biggamesmachine
BGM Website: https://www.biggamesmachine.com/
BGM Content Hub: https://www.biggamesmachine.com/hub/
Rytmos: https://rytmos.club/
Rytmos on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1634220/Rytmos/

The BGM podcast team are back, and this episode of The Games PR Podcast is all about the best ways to make news for your game out of nothing. 

Even if you've got no major news or updates to share, there are still some great ways to keep gamers and journalists engaged. From developer diaries to community-focused live streams, join Jack, Tom, Amie, and Alex as they offer their expert advice on the best ways to generate buzz in your game.

Got any questions, queries or ideas for new episodes? Get in touch on our website or drop us a DM on Twitter!

BGM Twitter: https://twitter.com/Biggamesmachine
BGM Website: https://www.biggamesmachine.com/
BGM Content Hub: https://www.biggamesmachine.com/hub/

Hopping on the trends trend, the BGM crew breakdown the best ways to identify trends, as well as the best ways you can utilise them to level up your PR game!

Jack is lamenting the lack of dark modes, and PR veteran Amie joins the podcast for the first time. Oh, and Tom is still hanging around the studio, as always.

We'll be covering Newsjacking, trend-spotting tools, and even best practices for when you're pitching to take advantage of the trends you've discovered. 

Got any questions, queries or ideas for new episodes? Get in touch on our website or drop us a DM on Twitter!

BGM Twitter
BGM Website

Useful Resources:

SteamDB
VGInsights
GoogleTrends
Talkwalker
Exploding Topics

This events-themed episode of The Games PR Podcast sees Jack, Tom and James address some of the best ways to level up your event-attending game! From deciding which events are best suited to you and your needs to discussing the details of what you even can get up to at physical events such as GDC, Develop, and Gamescom, this episode of The Games PR Podcast is perfect for newcomers and event veterans alike!

With plenty of event experience under their belts, there's no better place to go for some event-based wisdom!

Resources mentioned:

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/events

Head of Communications at Ukie, George Osborn, joins The Games PR Podcast to lift the curtain on some behind-the-scenes aspects of the games industry. From how indie studios can stand out from the crowd to why the non-gaming media are changing their perceptions of gaming, there’s a whole host of interesting stories and points (like MPs playing video games in Parliament) you won’t want to miss.

This Halloween episode of The Games PR Podcast sees Jack, Alex and Tom address some of the most fear-inducing areas of games PR. From the fear of rejection to worrying about your game being lost in a wave of new releases, this episode is certainly not for the faint-hearted! The team offer their insights into misconceptions surrounding PR, worries over a game not being newsworthy and much much more.

In this bumper episode of The Games PR Podcast, host Jack is joined by regulars Alex and Tom, as well as special guest Kate Gray. Kate and the team offer their insights into the results of the 2022 Games Journalist Survey, discussing the best things to include in a pitch, types of media coverage and much much more! 

For the full survey results be sure to check out the Big Games Machine website. A sequel to our 2018 survey, the 2022 survey was completed by over 160 journalists from across the games media industry, including IGN, PCGamesN and many more. Offering insights into a range of different areas of games PR, the survey is a brilliant resource for anyone looking to run their own PR and is all accessible completely free of charge (just like our podcast)!