Good time to start a devlog, and where?

[Elliott404]

I've been considering about this for awhile if I want to get some audience, or at least anyone to look forward to my project, and maybe give some constructive feedback.

What should be prepared to start a devlog? And where is a better place to post the devlog?

EDIT: is it allowed to post Devlog in games in development section?

 

[MushroomCake28]

Hmm, I would say Youtube is good place. But that alone, like any other platform, isn't the optimal solution. There are mainly 3 functions you need to look for to advertise with a devlog, and each function can be filled by different platforms. Of course, one platform could serve 2 functions, like for example the forum could be used to host your devlogs and maintain your community:

1. Hosting the Devlogs: This is where people can find and watch/read your devlogs. Important features are easy access and good content organisation. Accessories features are stuff like analytic tools, comment section, forum-like place, etc. Example of platforms: Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, Itch.io, Forum.
2. Marketing and Audience building: This is how you share your devlogs in order to build an audience. Important features are large user base, ease of target audience reaching, and community features such as groups, friending, etc. Example of platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
3. Community maintenance: This is how you keep your audience excited about your project. A passionate audience means more buy rate in your audience, better feedbacks, reviews, etc. Important features are ease of interactions between dev and audience and organisation of the interactions. Example of platforms: Discord, Forum, Youtube (although it's not a good community maintenance platform as the interactions are mostly one sided).

So in order to have a good business model with devlogs, you want a good interaction between 3 functions: you want a marketing and audience reaching platform (ex: Twitter, Instagram) in order to promote your devlogs hosted on your platform (ex: Youtube, Twitch) by providing a visual link, and to a community over time that you will have to maintain on your community maintenance platform (ex: Forum, Discord).

UNRELATED NOTE: This should be part of this forum's jurisprudence lol.

 

[Finnuval]

@MushroomCake28 makes all the necessary points from a business standpoint I think so no need to rehash those

As you asked I'll post my advice here, though this is more advice geared towards how to handle a dev-log from a more interacting with your audience standpoint, and also considering we're not a triple A studio ;

First off, be clear about your own expectations and intentions with the dev-log. Don't 'go dark' or leave your viewers in the dark at any point but be clear about why you might nor update for a while, concerns you might be facing, etc. give people explanation. Keep expectations realistic for both you and your audience.

Second, when it comes to presentation ; it's good to have visuals as they help hook an audience and convey your ideas more clearly, as well as a faster way to show progress, however they are not the Holy Grail some ppl make them out to be. In the end your audience is watching because they are interested in your project and its status and not in the fact you're live-streaming from E3 for example. (I've had this with triple A studios having a devlog and I find myself yelling at the screen "who cares? talk about the game already!"). I much rather read a whole wall of text that holds my interest then watch a bunch of flashy graphics that tell me nothing at all.

Thirdly, (especially when on platforms like YouTube and alike) prepare to receive some annoying things thrown at you from ppl who are there just to throw crap around. Don't let it get to you and instead look at who gives you feedback, what kind of person are they? and why are they watching? Remember why you start a dev-log and don't get sidetracked by idiots or ppl who's opinion is either irrelevant or not aimed at the project at all.

Lastly, have fun! If you find yourself not having fun doing it then you might need to reconsider if that part of it is for you or if your timing is correct. Never be afraid to reconsider and re-evaluate what you are doing.

And that's the limit of my wisdom
As always, remember we are all wrong anyway xD

 

[Kupotepo]

@Elliott404, @MushroomCake28 has been presented a business perspective already. So I will present as a hoppyist perspective.

I recommend for your put devlogs in the game development or itch.io

If you choose this path, you do not need to use agresstive market streagy.

I do not recommended YouTube as @Finnuval said. The group of Trolls will destroy your optimism.

A group of target audience that will likely and surely to get your family that likes to play game and people who you are with friends with here.

Devlogs are to show what you have done today. Maintain devlogs is not fun if you have multiple locations, so put one location. If you want to view your game webpage, you need to commission artworks. People attach to shining things.

 

[Andar]

the posters above give good points, but there is one question that is even more important than their points:

Should you start a devlog at all, yes or no?

The problem is that if you want the devlog to gain you an audience, then you need to keep it updated.
If you can't update the devlog at least semi-regularly, then it will destroy more audience as if you had no devlog at all.

And updating the devlog takes time away from developing the game.

So if you can't keep the devlog up-to-date in addition to developing your game, then you should not make one but wait until you are near the end of your development.

That is where the project development topics on this forum are better - you can post there if youhave something without requiring constant updating.

 

[Finnuval]

@Andar makes a very good point. (which was already covered a little on your profile status but should've mentioned it here too haha) and precedes my point about being upfront to your audience. There is nothing wrong with a dev-log that doesn't update every week or every month, but be clear about when you will update to your audience, and stick to it. If you feel this is not something you can manage then indeed wait until you are more sure you can

 

[FleshToDust]

I started a devlog some time ago. I just put up a video on youtube whenever I finish a mechanic.
Talk for a few minutes in game about said thing and upload it.
Try it for a while and if you don't like it you can always stop.

 

[OgreKiddo]

Not sure if the answer is still needed, but I say when you have a good amount of Assets & Sources to show off. As well as a decent # of followers on different Social Networks, atleast enough to know you're up to something & are super supportive. From there, like your favorite RPG, you must enjoy the grind.

 

[bgillisp]

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