Game Description

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Scribe

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Game Description
« on: June 30, 2018, 11:08:45 AM »
The current paragraph for touting the game is "A fast and fun turn-based adventure where you use top-down tactical combat and collectible card mechanics to master your strategy."

The purpose of this thread is to discuss whether (and how) this should be tweaked to appeal to players and build a strong community willing to support it in the long run. Indeed, this game will only live as long as its players are willing to support it financially. So how can we entice this kind of gamers in trying the game?
A short description paragraph is often one of the first things that people see about a game (after the name and icon/key image). Its importance is such that it should be well honed.

Let's start with a few facts about game descriptions:
- In the Google Play store, 5 lines of about 100 characters each are displayed. The 6th line is grayed (to show that the text continues and can be expanded), but is still readable. So that's about 600 characters that are available...on PC! On a small mobile phone in portrait mode, this figure is down to 7 times 50 = 350 characters. And on the Google Play android app, this seems to be down to 2 times 60 = only 120 characters!
- In the Apple Store on a small mobile, it's only about 115 characters that are visible.
- On Steam PC and iOS app the limit seems to be 6 times 50 = 300 characters. On a medium tablet in portait mode (both in browser or app) less space is available for the text, bringing it down to 270 characters.

So the smallest text length is dictated by the Apple store, with 115 characters, to be compared with 130 for the current short description. With the 115 limit it would cut the text short as follows:
"A fast and fun turn-based adventure where you use top-down tactical combat and collectible card mechanics to master..."

Are these the most important things to say? Please weigh in, to help the game spread around!

RossD20Studios

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Re: Game Description
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2018, 05:57:10 PM »
Hi Scribe, thanks your input on this! Kelly and I are in the process of revamping our marketing including our elevator pitch description of the game (which should be 1-2 sentences).

The elevator pitch should answer two questions:
  • What is this game about/What should player expect? (ex: genre cross)
  • What makes it unique/compelling/interesting?
So, we started by trying to identify what Summoners Fate is - a blend of three genres (tactical strategy, RPG, CCG) and then started discussing some of the items that make it unique (diversity: over 200 characters, 400+ cards to choose from, cross-platform multiplayer, accessibility, fast battles).

Kelly quite astutely pointed out that my initial attempts to describe the game was far too verbose and too dry sounding (ex: top-down, turn-based tactical that blends RPG and CCG elements with rogue-like procedurally generated single player campaign and cross platform multiplayer). Similarly, things I thought were unique/compelling about the game didn't actually hit on the real need of the player. For example, it doesn't matter if the game is multiplayer or accessible if you're not sold on the game's concept. So, what's really the most important thing about Summoners Fate and the reason players will find it interesting?

We landed on "defeat your opponent creatively" as the core motivator of the game. We give players the means to achieve victory in fun and creative ways, such as hurling a squirrel for maximum impact, deploying well groomed time traveling rats, or mind bending your opponent to the brink of madness!

To that end, here are two contenders for our new elevator pitch. Feedback welcome and encouraged!

1) Summoners Fate is a deck builder game with tactical combat that’s about defeating your opponent in the most creative way possible. Determine the destiny of hundreds of diverse characters by choosing the right cards, team members and paths to explore.

2) Defeat your opponent in the most creative way possible in tactical combat deck builder game Summoners Fate! Determine the destiny of hundreds of diverse characters by choosing the right cards, team members and paths to explore.

RossD20Studios

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Re: Game Description
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2018, 03:28:31 PM »
Here's another WIP idea from our animator, Peter:

An epic fantasy adventure played out in strategic close quarters battles, continually adapting and improving your deck of spells and heroes.

Feedback on these welcome!