Episodit
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From preempting sensitive content issues to tackling the dreaded server crash or internal scandal, we're joined by our crisis comms sage Max, who shares invaluable strategies to keep your game's reputation spotless through its launch and beyond. Dissecting the fine line between a mere hiccup and a full-blown PR nightmare, episode 21 of the Games PR Podcast is all about mastering crisis communications.
Communication is more than a buzzword when it comes to weathering the storm of crisis management, and we're here to show you why. Exploring the 'three R's'—regret, reason, and remedy—we dissect the anatomy of a solid statement that resonates with players and calms stakeholders. The conversation takes a turn into the unique battlefield faced by indie studios, where the lines between personal and professional blur on social media. Our chat is peppered with actionable tips for maintaining transparency and keeping the dialogue with your community genuine and fruitful, even when the going gets tough.
As we wrap up, we navigate the tricky waters of game reviews and feedback, balancing the scales of taking criticism constructively and remaining unflinchingly professional. By analyzing the journeys of titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Helldivers 2, we showcase the importance of managing player expectations and evolving a game's reception over time. Honest communication, accountability, and the sometimes necessary day-one patch are tools we dissect. Every game developer's journey is fraught with ups and downs; join us as we chart a course through the choppy seas of games PR. -
Discover the reality of the world of games journalism as Eurogamer's Editor in Chief, Tom Phillips, joins us to dissect insights from our 2024 Games Journalism Survey. We peel back the curtain on the intricate dance of games journalism, offering a treasure trove of insider knowledge for PR professionals and game developers.
Tom shares how game developers can pitch their stories to stand out in this SEO-driven landscape and the importance of balancing algorithm-driven articles and authentic content for readers. This leads to an insightful conversation on the evolving presence of guides and the rise of popularity in such content in an age of growing demand from players.
We also head to the front lines of gaming content creation, where the pressure of overflowing inboxes and the allure of early access reviews shape the future of the industry. We'll entertain you with tales from the trenches about sifting through the daily deluge of pitches and the red flags that signal an instant 'no.' Tom also reveals how platforms like Patreon revolutionise how journalists and creators connect with their communities and whether this will be an ongoing trend in a highly uncertain industry.
To wrap up, we journey through the high-stakes world of pre-release game reviews and the nuanced dance of publisher-journalist relations. Tom offers a rare peek into the world of reviewing games ahead of release, unpacking the pressures and ethical considerations unique to video game criticism, and best practises to maximise coverage opportunities for your game.
We close with a reminder to check out the comprehensive 2024 Games Journalist Survey for further illumination of the fascinating trends shaping the future of game journalism. -
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Get ready to unlock the mysteries of influencer marketing in the gaming world with the insights of Lynn Marie from Lurkit. This episode peels back the layers on the actual costs of influencers and busts myths about their marketing prowess. We shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes—micro-influencers—and their uncanny ability to forge deep connections in niche gaming communities. It's not just about throwing game codes at content creators; it's about nurturing authentic relationships and tapping into the unique audiences that truly vibe with your game.
When authenticity meets collaboration, magic happens in the realms of gaming and cosplay. Authenticity is the name of the game as we discuss genuine connections in influencer campaigns, and how they can transform a marketing strategy. We glean valuable lessons from a Gamescom case study, illustrating the power of real engagement over superficiality. The episode also heralds a new era of consumer relations, where developers are building closer ties with players and content creators, providing resources like cosplay guides and early game access that are reshaping the industry.
Measuring campaign success is an art, and in this episode, we challenge the conventional wisdom that views are king. Instead, we argue for engagement as the crown jewel, where influencers can cultivate a lasting community around a game. You'll hear about underdog influencers who punch well above their weight, just like Brock Purdy's surprising ascent in the NFL. It's an episode that champions the genuine passion of creators whose impact is measured in more than just numbers, and it offers a blueprint for how fostering these connections can foster a vibrant gaming community. -
Looking to get some top tips on attracting game journalists to your upcoming indie game? We’ve got your back! Episode 18 of the Games PR Podcast sees Jack and Tom joined by former Rock, Paper, Shotgun video producer, and co-host of the Indieventure podcast, Liam Richardson!
Together, they’ll cover a range of different methods that can help make your game more attractive to the media, as well as dissecting the nuanced factors that shape the identity of indie games, from the size of their development teams to the subtleties of publisher relationships.
In a marketplace brimming with both indie treasures and blockbuster giants, we break down how journalists strike a balance to shed light on hidden gems amidst the clamour for the next big title. The conversation also delves into the complex nature of game promotion – the importance of an engaging hook and the artistry behind captivating visuals that can set an indie project apart in a saturated industry. We also touch on the complex relationship between PR, discoverability, and the journalist’s quest to present fresh, innovative content to an eager audience.
As the episode draws to a close, we reminisce over the transformative journey of indie games, from novelty pastimes to influential market contenders, and Liam's preferred ways to discover indie games, through festivals such as Next Fest and trawling social platforms! -
Ready to level up your event and PR game? We’ve got you covered! This week, host Jack and tech PR wizard Amie welcome Molly and John from the award-winning pop culture marketing agency, Experience12. They’re here to offer their fantastic insight into the best ways to bring event plans to life.
The Experience12 team explains the different options available to those looking to build a presence at events such as EGX, Gamescom and GDC, highlighting how even if you’re an indie on a budget, you can still be present at events in some form. However big your budget is, what is super important is planning, and the team explain how bigger events often require year-long planning.
We reminisce about the best free goodies we’ve bagged at events and how the industry as a whole is shifting to more sustainable methods of delivering event experiences and booths across multiple events to maximise efficiency and minimise waste!
We also discuss how the post-COVID era has undoubtedly posed challenges, but it has also offered opportunities that underline the significance of relationships formed at events and how important having a presence at said events can be. Online events still have an important role and allow a wider base to participate in them, but they need the experiential nature of physical events that can really assist in relationship building.
Wrapping up the conversation, we delve into how local partnerships and event attendance can open fresh avenues for brands. Experience12’s Molly and John highlight the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere and expanding someone’s experience at an event to being more than just sitting down and playing a game. -
Are you ready to take your pitching game to the next level? Episode 16 of The Games PR Podcast is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of B2B and games media-focused pitching. From understanding the industry to articulating complex topics, our pitching superstars Jack, Tom, Luke, and Keaiana will guide you through the entire process. Find out how to identify the different media groups for pitching and create a compelling strategy tailored to your product or game.
We delve into the intricacies of striking the perfect balance between professionalism and showing passion in your pitch. Catch the attention of journalists, even in a crowded space, as our experts share their insights into making your pitch memorable. Discover the significance of being friendly and personable, and learn how these attributes can make a world of difference in your pitching efforts.
But that's not all! We also highlight the importance of understanding a client's needs and how it informs our pitching approach. Learn how client interactions can help you better grasp their brand, business, and goals. We wrap things up by comparing B2B and B2C relationships, emphasising how understanding the industry can help you ace product launches. Whether you're a novice or a pitching pro, you will want to catch this episode packed with actionable insights and tips. -
Episode 15 of The Games PR Podcast sees Jack and Tom joined by Bafta-nominated Tomas Sala, developer of The Falconeer and Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles.
Tomas sat down with the BGM crew to discuss the nature of solo development, his decision to release an 'evolving demo' for Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles (and the unique nature of player feedback he receives as a result), as well as offering a behind the scenes insight of Steam Next Fest from the perspective of an indie developer.
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/
Tomas Sala Twitter: https://twitter.com/FalconeerDev
The Falconeer: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1135260/The_Falconeer/
Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles: https://store.steampowered.com/app/290100/Bulwark_Falconeer_Chronicles/ -
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.
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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.
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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)! -
Alex is back alongside Tom and Jack to share some expert insights on the unique nature of PR for mobile games. This episode of The Games PR Podcast tackles a range of topics from the tricky topic of the difficulties in pitching mobile games, how to approach cross-platform titles and the team takes a trip down memory lane to the early days of mobile games. Anyone remember Doodle Jump?!
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Tom and Jack sit down to discuss the best ways to approach games PR with a shoestring budget, covering topics ranging from media and influencer strategies to effective ways of community building. They also touch on navigating social media as well as the key components in ensuring maximum returns from a small budget!
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From Twitch to YouTube, influencers are an essential part of a modern games PR campaign. But the world of influencers can be tricky, especially when working without a big budget to spend on paid partnerships - and how do you even find the right people to reach out to? The team will chat all this and more - with a little detour into the physical vs digital media debate!
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Combining all the games media, PR and influencer knowledge, the team talks through project timelines from announcement to launch, with everything in-between. Listen in to hear why there is no secret formula for the perfect launch date, the best ways to keep media engaged and the ideal window for sending review codes.
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