Expanding Your Indie Game's Reach Beyond the Screen

If you're invested in creating an original IP, you're likely looking for ways to engage your audience beyond the game itself. Recently, several gaming IPs have made the leap to Hollywood, with notable examples including The Super Mario Bros Movie, Fallout, and The Witcher. Even indie IPs are getting the Hollywood treatment, with upcoming projects like an Among Us animated series and a Vampire Survivors TV show. However, there are alternative avenues to explore for expanding your indie IP. Developing a rich lore is essential for building a strong IP, as it gives your game a unique personality and fosters a sense of community among players. A great example of this is Minecraft, which started as an indie title and has since expanded to include new mobs, items, and parallel dimensions, such as the Nether. At Midjiwan, we've spent eight years working on The Battle of Polytopia, and our approach has been to create a strong IP by celebrating each of the game's unique tribes. We achieve this through 'Tribe Moons', where we shine a spotlight on a specific tribe each month, hosting esports tournaments and developing additional lore and cinematics. Consulting with your player base is an effective way to give them a stake in the IP, but it's essential to strike a balance between incorporating their feedback and maintaining your creative vision. Rather than focusing solely on a single mascot, consider highlighting specific characters or groups within your game. Music is another powerful tool for reaching audiences outside of your game. Indie titles often feature incredible original soundtracks, and releasing them on streaming platforms can help introduce your game to new listeners. You can also have fun with soundtrack releases by creating unique cover art that reflects the personality and regional influences of your game. Physical soundtrack releases, such as vinyl records, can also help keep your game top of mind for players. Partnerships are a great way to reach new audiences, both within the gaming industry and beyond. Collaborating with other indie developers to feature your IP in their games can help you tap into their existing player base. Charity partnerships and sporting sponsorships can also be effective ways to associate your game with positive causes and reach new audiences. Finally, merchandise can be a great way to build your IP and introduce additional lore. From board games to limited-edition items, there are many opportunities to create unique and engaging merchandise that showcases your game's personality. By exploring these alternative avenues, you can expand your indie IP beyond the game and build a loyal community of fans.