Description

Creating a compelling pitch is crucial for indie game developers seeking to secure funding, resources, and marketing support from publishers. A well-crafted pitch can be the difference between securing a publisher’s interest and missing out on crucial opportunities.

Publishers are looking for more than just an engaging game concept; they need to understand the business and production aspects of your project. This includes knowing who will see the project through, assessing your team’s capabilities, and evaluating financial risks versus rewards.

This workshop will teach you how to tailor your pitch to different audiences, refine your delivery, and anticipate tough questions. We’ll also conduct pitch practice sessions, where you can present your pitch and receive feedback.

Who this workshop is for

This workshop is designed for indie game developers, small studio founders, and anyone involved in game development who wants to learn how to pitch their game ideas effectively. Whether you’re preparing to approach publishers, investors, or seeking to refine your pitch for crowdfunding, this workshop will provide you with the tools and confidence you need.

What you will learn

By the end of this workshop, participants will learn how to:

• Craft a compelling and concise game pitch.
• Identify and articulate the unique selling points (USPs) of their game.
• Tailor pitches for various audiences, including investors, publishers, and press members.
• Utilize visual aids, such as pitch decks, to enhance the presentation.
• Practice and refine their delivery for maximum impact.

Prerequisites

No prior experience in pitching is necessary. The workshop is structured to cater to both beginners and those who have some experience but wish to improve their skills. We’ll cover the basics and then move into more advanced strategies.

While there’s no formal preparation needed, we encourage you to bring something to pitch for 3 to 5 minutes. This will give you the opportunity to put the concepts we cover into practice and make them relevant to your project’s context. Please, check out the FAQ section to learn more about the particular needs.

Active Contribution

We highly recommend you engage with the instructor and your fellow workshop attendees. After all, this is a workshop rather than a lecture. Active participation during Q&A and hands-on pitching sessions will greatly enhance your learning experience.

Format & Materials

This workshop consists of roughly three consecutive 1-hour sessions delivered online.

Participants will receive:

• A detailed workshop guide that includes key concepts and best practices.
• Pitch Practice Worksheets: Exercises designed to help you refine your pitch.
• Examples of successful game pitches.
• A template for creating your own pitch deck.
• Access to additional resources, such as articles, videos, and case studies.

Outline

We have designed the following outline for our evening sessions that start at 19:00 EST. This is an ideal time for most people who live in the Americas. If you live elsewhere, use Time and Date to find the corresponding time in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a limit of 6 people?

This workshop involves hands-on activities, and we want to ensure everyone has the chance to participate. With more than 6 attendees, it could become chaotic, so we keep the group small to maintain quality and focus.

Can I attend this workshop from wherever?

Certainly! The workshop’s schedule is based on the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone. So, use Time and Date to find the corresponding time in your region.

Will there be opportunities to practice pitching?

Yes, the workshop includes a dedicated session for hands-on practice, where you can pitch your game idea and receive feedback. We encourage you to use a microphone and webcam to enhance your presentation.

What is the cost of the workshop?

The workshop fee is 150 Canadian dollars per person, which includes all materials, access to the workshop, and follow-up resources. There are no early-bird discounts or group rates available. Please check the registration page for more details.

Will the workshop be recorded?

For privacy and comfort, the workshop will not be recorded. However, attendees will have access to a summary of key points and additional resources after the session.

What if I can’t attend the workshop after registering?

Cancellations made within 48 hours of the workshop will not be eligible for a refund.

If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us at least 48 hours before the workshop to receive a full refund. Alternatively, you can use the Self Serve functionality to cancel your registration 48 hours before the session starts. 

How can I contact the instructor if I have more questions?

For any further inquiries, reach out via email at academy@viroidgames.com. Since we host multiple workshops at similar dates, please include details about the workshop and session you’re inquiring about.

Meet Your Instructor

Kumsal Obuz is a seasoned web developer and game designer with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. As a self-taught professional, Kumsal has honed his skills across various domains, leading teams and projects in multiple countries. In August 2020, he founded Viroid Games, a Toronto-based game studio, where he continues to innovate and inspire.

Professional Background

• Founder & CEO of Viroid Games: Kumsal Obuz established Viroid Games to bring his innovative visions to life, blending his passion for storytelling with a commitment to delivering immersive player experiences. The studio is dedicated to crafting unique and engaging games, with a focus on narrative depth and creative gameplay. In addition to game development, Viroid Games also offers art outsourcing services, where Kumsal personally oversees the artistic direction and ensures seamless client communication, bringing a high level of artistic integrity and client satisfaction to every project.
• Author and Educator: Kumsal has authored the book Game Development with Blender and Godot, which guides readers through the process of creating dynamic games using these powerful tools. He also teaches game development courses on Udemy, sharing his extensive knowledge with aspiring developers. He was entrusted with teaching the Low Poly Game Art course at OCAD University, one of Canada’s most prestigious and internationally recognized art institutions, where he shaped the next generation of game artists.
• Mentor and Community Leader: As the organizer of the Godot Toronto group, Kumsal actively contributes to the game development community by providing mentorship, fostering collaboration among developers, and sharing his expertise through talks at conferences and local meetups, both online and in-person, on the business side of game development.

Kumsal’s Educational Vision

• Compelling Game Ideas: Mastering the Art of Pitching: Kumsal’s experience in leading different types of development projects and his role as a studio founder make him well-versed in pitching compelling game ideas to investors and stakeholders.
• From Concept to Corporation: Business Mastery for Indies: Having successfully transitioned from a developer to a CEO, Kumsal understands the intricacies of building and managing a game development studio, making him an ideal instructor for this workshop.
• Practical & Efficient: Stress-Free Marketing for Indies: Kumsal’s experience in promoting his own games and his knowledge of effective marketing strategies will provide valuable insights for indie developers looking to enhance their marketing efforts.
• Streamline Your Process: Productivity Hacks for Indies: With a background in managing multiple projects and teams, Kumsal has developed productivity techniques that can help game developers streamline their workflows and boost creativity.
• Effortless Connections: Networking Secrets for Indie Developers: As a community leader and mentor, Kumsal has built a vast network within the game development industry. His insights into networking can help indie developers form valuable connections and partnerships.