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Publishing Your Game

A comprehensive guide to publishing and distributing your AeThex game to players worldwide.

Overview

This guide covers the complete publishing workflow:

Pre-launch checklist
Platform-specific setup
Store submissions
Marketing materials
Post-launch monitoring
Updates and maintenance

Pre-Launch Checklist
Export Your Game
Platform-Specific Publishing
Marketing Materials
Launch Strategy
Post-Launch
Updates and Patches

Pre-Launch Checklist

✅ Game Completion

All levels/content implemented
Tutorial completed and tested
All major bugs fixed
Performance optimized for target platforms
Tested on minimum spec hardware
Audio balanced and finalized
UI polished and consistent
Accessibility options implemented

✅ Technical Requirements

Cloud services configured (if using)
Analytics integrated
Crash reporting set up
Save system tested thoroughly
Multiplayer stress-tested (if applicable)
All external APIs work in production
Privacy policy created
Terms of service written

✅ Legal & Business

Company/entity registered (if required)
Tax information prepared
Age rating obtained (ESRB, PEGI, etc.)
Trademark search completed
Copyright notices added
License agreements in place
Insurance considered (if applicable)

✅ Store Assets

Game title finalized
Description written (all required languages)
Screenshots captured (all required platforms)
Trailer created and uploaded
Icon/logo designed in all required sizes
Banner images created
Keywords/tags researched
Store page previewed

Export Your Game

See EXPORTING_GAMES.md for detailed export instructions for:

Windows
Linux
macOS
Web (HTML5)
Android
iOS (coming soon)

Quick Export:

# Via editor:
Project → Export → Select Platform → Export Project

# Via command line:
aethex --export-release "Windows Desktop" builds/windows/game.exe

Platform-Specific Publishing

Steam

1. Create Steamworks Account:

Go to partner.steamgames.com
Pay app deposit ($100 per game, recoupable)
Complete company verification

2. Set Up Your Game:

Steamworks Admin Panel:
├── App Admin → Basic Info
│   ├── Game name
│   ├── Description
│   └── Release date
├── Store Presence → Graphics
│   ├── Header capsule (460x215)
│   ├── Small capsule (231x87)
│   ├── Screenshots (1920x1080)
│   └── Trailer
└── Technical Requirements
    ├── Supported OS
    └── Minimum specs

3. Upload Build:

# Install Steamworks SDK
# Use SteamPipe to upload

# steamcmd.exe
login your_username
set_product your_app_id
upload_depot depot_id depot_manifest.vdf

4. Configure Store Page:

Description (short & long)
Tags/categories
Supported languages
System requirements
Pricing

5. Submit for Review:

Complete all required fields
Submit for Steam review (1-5 days)
Address any feedback
Set release date

6. Launch:

Release when ready
Consider Early Access for ongoing development

itch.io

1. Create Account:

Go to itch.io
Sign up for creator account (free)

2. Create New Project:

Dashboard → Create new project:
├── Title & URL
├── Classification (Game)
├── Kind (Downloadable/HTML5)
└── Release status

3. Upload Files:

Upload → Add file:
├── Windows ZIP
├── Linux TAR.GZ
├── macOS ZIP
└── Web folder (if HTML5)

Set file types:
- Windows: Executable
- Linux: Executable
- Web: This file will be played in the browser

4. Configure Page:

Cover image (630x500)
Screenshots
Description
Trailer embed
Tags
Pricing (free or paid)
Donation options

5. Publish:

Preview page
Click "Publish"
Share link immediately

Pros:

Free to publish
Indie-friendly community
Instant publishing
Flexible pricing (pay what you want)
Good for prototypes/demos

GOG

1. Apply for Publishing:

Email games@gog.com
Provide game description and trailer
Wait for approval (selective)

2. Submission Process:

If approved, work with GOG partner manager
Build must be DRM-free
GOG handles QA testing

3. Release:

GOG manages store page
Revenue split: 70/30

Epic Games Store

1. Apply:

Go to Epic Games Publishing
Submit application
Wait for review

2. Onboarding:

Complete developer agreement
Set up payments
Work with Epic partner manager

3. Requirements:

High-quality polish expected
Epic Games Account integration
Achievement support recommended

Google Play Store

1. Create Developer Account:

Go to Google Play Console
Pay one-time fee ($25)
Complete account verification

2. Create App:

Play Console → Create app:
├── App details
├── Store listing
│   ├── Title
│   ├── Description (short & full)
│   ├── Screenshots (phone & tablet)
│   ├── Feature graphic (1024x500)
│   └── Icon (512x512)
├── Content rating (ESRB, PEGI)
└── Pricing & distribution

3. Upload APK/AAB:

Release Management → App releases:
├── Production → Create release
├── Upload AAB (recommended) or APK
├── Set version code/name
└── Add release notes

4. Fill Requirements:

Privacy policy URL
Content rating questionnaire
Target audience
App content
Data safety section

5. Submit for Review:

Review takes 1-7 days
Address any policy violations
Publish when approved

Apple App Store (iOS)

1. Apple Developer Account:

Join Apple Developer Program ($99/year)
Complete agreements

2. App Store Connect:

Create New App:
├── Platform (iOS)
├── Name
├── Primary language
├── Bundle ID
└── SKU

3. Prepare App:

App Information:
├── Name & subtitle
├── Privacy policy URL
├── Category
├── Screenshots (all device sizes)
├── Description
└── Keywords

4. Build Upload:

# Archive in Xcode
# Upload via Xcode or Transporter app
# Wait for processing (15-60 minutes)

5. Submit for Review:

Select build
Set release method (manual/automatic)
Add version information
Submit (review takes 1-2 days typically)

Web Publishing

GitHub Pages:

# Build for web
aethex --export "Web" builds/web/index.html

# Create gh-pages branch
git checkout -b gh-pages
cp -r builds/web/* .
git add .
git commit -m "Deploy game"
git push origin gh-pages

# Enable in repository settings
# Access at: https://username.github.io/repository

Netlify:

# Install Netlify CLI
npm install -g netlify-cli

# Deploy
netlify deploy --dir=builds/web --prod

# Or drag-and-drop in Netlify dashboard

Vercel:

# Install Vercel CLI
npm install -g vercel

# Deploy
vercel builds/web --prod

Self-Hosting:

# nginx configuration
server {
    listen 80;
    server_name yourgame.com;
    root /var/www/yourgame;
    
    location / {
        try_files $uri $uri/ /index.html;
    }
    
    # Enable CORS for WebAssembly
    location ~* \.(wasm|pck)$ {
        add_header Access-Control-Allow-Origin *;
    }
    
    # Cache static assets
    location ~* \.(jpg|jpeg|png|gif|ico|css|js|wasm|pck)$ {
        expires 1y;
        add_header Cache-Control "public, immutable";
    }
}

Marketing Materials

Screenshots

Best Practices:

Capture at 1920x1080 or higher
Show gameplay, not menus
Highlight key features
Include UI elements
Use variety (action, exploration, etc.)
Add subtle branding watermark

Tools:

# In-game screenshot system
func take_screenshot():
    var img = get_viewport().get_texture().get_image()
    img.save_png("user://screenshot_%s.png" % Time.get_unix_time_from_system())

Trailer

Structure:

0-5s: Hook (best gameplay moment)
5-15s: Core gameplay footage
15-30s: Features and variety
30-45s: Unique selling points
45-60s: Call to action + release date

Tools:

Video editing: DaVinci Resolve (free)
Screen recording: OBS Studio (free)
Music: Epidemic Sound, Artlist

Store Description

Template:

[One-sentence hook]

[2-3 sentence description of gameplay]

KEY FEATURES:
• Feature 1 (brief description)
• Feature 2 (brief description)
• Feature 3 (brief description)
• Feature 4 (brief description)

[Optional: Story/setting paragraph]

[System requirements or platform info]

[Social media links]

Launch Strategy

Timing

When to Launch:

Avoid major game releases
Consider seasonal factors (summer slow, Q4 busy)
Tuesday/Thursday often best for visibility
Allow time for reviews/coverage

Soft Launch:

Release to smaller region first
Gather feedback
Fix critical issues
Full launch 1-2 weeks later

Press Kit

Create a press kit at yourgame.com/press:

Fact sheet (release date, platforms, price)
Description
Features
Trailer embed
Screenshots (zip download)
Logo (multiple formats)
Developer info
Contact email

Reaching Out

Media Contacts:

Research relevant gaming sites/YouTubers
Send personalized emails (not mass blasts)
Provide steam keys/review copies
Follow up once if no response

Email Template:

Subject: [Your Game Name] - [Genre] launching [Date]

Hi [Name],

I'm [your name], developer of [game name], a [genre] game 
launching on [platform] on [date].

[One paragraph about what makes your game special]

Key features:
• Feature 1
• Feature 2
• Feature 3

I'd love to send you a review key. Are you interested?

Trailer: [link]
Press kit: [link]

Thanks,
[Your name]

Post-Launch

Monitor Launch

First 24 Hours:

Watch for critical bugs
Monitor social media mentions
Respond to player feedback
Track analytics (sales, downloads, engagement)
Be ready to deploy hotfix if needed

First Week:

Gather reviews and feedback
Plan first update
Engage with community
Share player content
Thank supporters

Community Management

Platforms to Manage:

Steam discussions
Discord server
Twitter/X mentions
Reddit threads
Email support

Response Times:

Critical bugs: < 4 hours
General support: < 24 hours
Feature requests: Acknowledge within 48 hours

Analytics Review

Key Metrics:

Daily active users (DAU)
Retention (Day 1, 7, 30)
Average session length
Completion rates
Crash rate
Purchase conversion (if applicable)

See ANALYTICS_TUTORIAL.md for implementation.

Updates and Patches

Hotfix (Critical Bugs)

# Fix bug
# Test thoroughly
# Export new build
# Upload to platforms

# Version: 1.0.0 → 1.0.1

Update Quickly:

Web: Instant (just replace files)
itch.io: Upload new build (instant)
Steam: Upload via SteamPipe (< 1 hour)
Mobile: 1-7 day review

Content Updates

Planning:

Based on player feedback
Fix common pain points
Add requested features
Balance tweaks
New content

Versioning:

Major.Minor.Patch
1.0.0 → 1.1.0 (feature update)
1.1.0 → 1.1.1 (bug fix)
1.1.1 → 2.0.0 (major update)

Changelog:

Version 1.1.0 - November 15, 2024

NEW:
• New boss battle
• 5 new weapons
• Photo mode

IMPROVED:
• Better controller support
• Faster loading times
• Updated UI

FIXED:
• Player getting stuck in walls
• Audio crackling issue
• Save corruption bug

DLC/Expansions

# Check DLC ownership
if AeThexAuth.has_dlc("expansion_pack_1"):
    enable_expansion_content()

Monetization Strategies

Premium (Paid)

Pricing:

Research similar games
Consider your costs
Regional pricing
Sales strategy

Steam Pricing Tips:

$9.99 - $19.99: Indie game sweet spot
Avoid $14.99 (psychological barrier)
Plan for sales (20-50% off)

Free-to-Play

Best Practices:

Game must be fun without paying
No pay-to-win mechanics
Cosmetic items work well
Battle pass model
Generous with free currency

# In-app purchases
func purchase_item(item_id: String):
    var result = await AeThexAuth.purchase_item(item_id)
    
    if result.success:
        grant_item(item_id)
        AeThexAnalytics.track_event("iap_purchase", {
            "item_id": item_id,
            "price": result.price
        })

Freemium

Free demo/trial
Upgrade to full version
Good for single-player games

Marketing Channels

Twitter/X:

Post development updates
Share GIFs of gameplay
Engage with gamedev community
Use hashtags: #indiegame #gamedev

TikTok/Instagram:

Short gameplay clips
Behind-the-scenes
Game development tips
Quick wins/satisfying moments

Reddit:

r/IndieGaming
r/gamedev
Genre-specific subreddits
Avoid spam, engage authentically

Discord

Create a community server:

Announcements channel
General chat
Bug reports
Suggestions
Development updates

Email List

Build Pre-Launch:

Capture emails on landing page
Send updates during development
Offer beta access
Announce launch date

Tools:

Mailchimp (free tier)
ConvertKit
Substack

Common Pitfalls

❌ Avoid These Mistakes:

Launching too early - Polish matters
No marketing - "Build it and they'll come" is a myth
Ignoring feedback - Players know what's not fun
No community - Build audience before launch
Poor store page - First impression is everything
Broken multiplayer - Test with real players
No analytics - You need data to improve
Giving up quickly - Games can have long tails

Resources

Tools

Analytics: AeThex Analytics
Marketing: Presskit()
Community: Discord
Email: Mailchimp

Learning

Podcast: How to Market a Game Podcast
Book: "The Indie Game Developer Handbook"
YouTube: Game Marketing channels
Community: r/gamedev

Support

Email: support@aethex.io
Discord: AeThex Community
Docs: docs.aethex.io

Checklist for Launch Day

24 Hours Before:

Final build tested on all platforms
Store pages reviewed (no typos!)
Press emails sent
Social media posts scheduled
Discord announcement prepared
Support email ready to monitor
Analytics dashboard configured
Backup plan for critical bugs

Launch Day:

Publish on all platforms
Post to social media
Send email to mailing list
Post in relevant communities
Monitor for issues
Respond to comments
Thank supporters
Celebrate! 🎉

Week After:

Gather feedback
Plan first update
Thank press/influencers who covered
Post-mortem analysis
Start work on updates

Summary

You've learned how to: ✅ Prepare your game for launch
✅ Publish to multiple platforms
✅ Create marketing materials
✅ Build and engage community
✅ Plan your launch strategy
✅ Support your game post-launch
✅ Handle updates and patches

Publishing is just the beginning - support your game and community for long-term success!

Need More Help?

Export Guide - Technical export details
Analytics Tutorial - Track your success
API Reference - Cloud features documentation

Good luck with your launch! 🚀

16 KiB Raw Blame History

Publishing Your Game

Overview

Table of Contents

Pre-Launch Checklist

✅ Game Completion

✅ Technical Requirements

✅ Legal & Business

✅ Store Assets

Export Your Game

Platform-Specific Publishing

Steam

itch.io

GOG

Epic Games Store

Google Play Store

Apple App Store (iOS)

Web Publishing

Marketing Materials

Screenshots

Trailer

Store Description

Launch Strategy

Timing

Press Kit

Reaching Out

Post-Launch

Monitor Launch

Community Management

Analytics Review

Updates and Patches

Hotfix (Critical Bugs)

Content Updates

DLC/Expansions

Monetization Strategies

Premium (Paid)

Free-to-Play

Freemium

Marketing Channels

Social Media

Discord

Email List

Common Pitfalls

❌ Avoid These Mistakes:

Resources

Tools

Learning

Support

Checklist for Launch Day

Summary

16 KiB

Raw Blame History