The Indie Game Launch Checklist: From Store Page to Day One
A practical launch checklist for indie game teams preparing their store pages, community, press kit, and discovery plan.
· 6 min read
Start with one clear promise
Before launch, write one plain-language sentence: who is this game for, what do they do, and why is it satisfying? Put that promise at the top of your store page, trailer description, and ShowGame listing. A player should understand the genre, fantasy, and platform before they need to scroll.
Two weeks before launch
- Verify every purchase, demo, community, support, and social link on desktop and mobile.
- Prepare a short gameplay trailer, six readable screenshots, key art, logo, and a press-kit folder.
- Make your first five minutes genuinely representative; avoid marketing footage that creates the wrong expectation.
- Add a contact address and an update plan so early players know where to report problems.
Launch with useful context
Publish a concise announcement that says what is available today, where to get it, price or launch offer, supported platforms, and the one thing you most want players to try. Then submit the game to ShowGame's discovery pages so people can find a permanent overview of the project.
After release
Treat early comments as research, not a verdict. Group feedback by issue, platform, and player type. Fix high-friction problems first, share a clear changelog, and keep your listing current. Consistent follow-through earns more trust than a one-day burst of promotion.