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HEY GAMERS. Here are reasons why devs can't/won't tell you a...
GAME'S RELEASE DATE 
(even if they can guess what it is)
Thread
GAME'S RELEASE DATE (even if they can guess what it is)
Thread
1) What marketing is 
Let's clarify the (simplified) purpose of marketing. We want to:
A) attract potential players
B) maximize game interest
C) hopefully do it profitably
Basically it's not our job to JUST communicate info - it's to do it strategically.
Let's clarify the (simplified) purpose of marketing. We want to:
A) attract potential players
B) maximize game interest
C) hopefully do it profitably
Basically it's not our job to JUST communicate info - it's to do it strategically.
2) NDAs/Contracts 
Devs sign deals with consoles, publishers, whatever.
They can ask to keep a date a secret because they have a whole event planned for it.
The secrecy and guarantee of news entices people to tune in in anticipation and curiosity.
Devs sign deals with consoles, publishers, whatever.
They can ask to keep a date a secret because they have a whole event planned for it.
The secrecy and guarantee of news entices people to tune in in anticipation and curiosity.
3) Competition 
You know lots of games are released everyday. We want to avoid release dates around direct competitors, since people only have enough time/money for one thing. Press too!
We research and wait for optimal news dates.
You know lots of games are released everyday. We want to avoid release dates around direct competitors, since people only have enough time/money for one thing. Press too!
We research and wait for optimal news dates.
4) Delays 
Delays happen for numerous reasons. Someone turned around and said a part of the game isn't good enough! A giant bug wrecked everything! Someone left the job!
We want to be generally sure on the game's stability before giving a release date.
Delays happen for numerous reasons. Someone turned around and said a part of the game isn't good enough! A giant bug wrecked everything! Someone left the job!
We want to be generally sure on the game's stability before giving a release date.
4.5) Loss of faith 
"But I don't mind if there are delays!" you say. Cool! But that doesn't apply to everyone.
Changes in release dates shifts backend work, press plans, AND fosters distrust in your abilities if you do it repeatedly, even if it's not your fault.
"But I don't mind if there are delays!" you say. Cool! But that doesn't apply to everyone.
Changes in release dates shifts backend work, press plans, AND fosters distrust in your abilities if you do it repeatedly, even if it's not your fault.
5) Deals 
A release date is attractive marketing info (a "beat"). People WANT to know it. Devs can leverage this to pitch their game to be in exclusive events, save it for themselves as a big reveal, etc.
A loss of a beat can be the loss of potential deals!
A release date is attractive marketing info (a "beat"). People WANT to know it. Devs can leverage this to pitch their game to be in exclusive events, save it for themselves as a big reveal, etc.
A loss of a beat can be the loss of potential deals!
6) Re-engage a community 
Sometimes there's a big delay btwn reveal and release. Devs need to make sure people are still hyped, capture new interested people, AND make sure ones who are hyped don't forget and lose interest.
Release dates reignites interest!
Sometimes there's a big delay btwn reveal and release. Devs need to make sure people are still hyped, capture new interested people, AND make sure ones who are hyped don't forget and lose interest.
Release dates reignites interest!
7) We don't know the release date 
Scope creep, shifting gears midway through development, pressure, etc. Things happen!
So sometimes even WE are only 40% sure if what the release date is shhh
Scope creep, shifting gears midway through development, pressure, etc. Things happen!
So sometimes even WE are only 40% sure if what the release date is shhh
There are SO many reasons why a game's release date needs to be secret, and I've only skimmed some of them.
Trust that if YOU'RE frustrated devs haven't released a game yet, the devs are probably equally as frustrated we can't tell you yet.
Trust that if YOU'RE frustrated devs haven't released a game yet, the devs are probably equally as frustrated we can't tell you yet.
