More initiatives of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft
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More initiatives of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft

Indie Pitch Workshop - A nice chat with the Grumpy Old Men

We are looking for ambitious Indie Studios based in Hamburg or northern Germany! The Grumpy Old Men give a few answers to the upcoming Indie Pitch Workshop 2019.

Wolfgang WalkMichael Hengst

Wolfgang Walk & Michael Hengst - Grumpy Old Men

  1. What does an indie studio need to have these days to be successful in the very competitive games market?

Wolfgang Walk: "A great, original concept, knowing who the players of such games are, as well as the knowledge and means to make these games visible to their target group.”

Michael Hengst: "And that concerns all points: They should know what they are doing! They should have plans:

A production plan -- When will what part be finished? Or: How long does the development take in total?

A financial plan (incl. cash flow planning, investments, cost overview) -- What does the development cost? What funding opportunities are there?

A Marketing plan -- at least considered approaches. It is *not* enough to say that you will announce it on social media!

A HR planning -- who is responsible for what?

A Plan B -- what happens if nothing happens as supposed?”

  1. Which mistakes can be avoided already with the publication of the first game?

Wolfgang Walk: "Think that a) a good game is enough, b) the market is waiting for you and c) there are no people out there who can advise you well."

Michael Hengst: "It's not bad if the team can't or doesn't know something -- but how can this gap be filled? And it also depends on whether the team allows consulting at all.

In short: teams overestimate themselves and the product and underestimate the effort.

  1. What general tips can you give for a successful pitch, what should the Indies pay attention to in their presentation?

Wolfgang Walk: "You have 3, maximum 5 minutes to make clear to business contacts how your game works, how it feels, and why it's awesome. Everything else is already details and can be explained afterward."

Apply now! https://forms.gle/us4m16gMWh1U5WmC8

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