The Power of Cultural Heritage and Viral Marketing: The Wagadu Chronicles' Success Story

Gaining traction for a game prior to its release is a crucial topic, and at Develop:Brighton, Twin Drums' founder Allan Cudicio provided an inspiring example based on his studio's journey with The Wagadu Chronicles. Cudicio emphasized the importance of thinking about traction before a game's release, considering not only customers but also publishers, investors, and other organizations. He identified three key aspects: doing things early, doing things cheaply, and doing things that align with one's values. The Wagadu Chronicles is an African-inspired fantasy sandbox MMORPG that has garnered interest since a viral Twitter thread in January 2020. The game has undergone a successful Kickstarter, raised funds twice, and received a grant from the German government. Cudicio's marketing approach focused on social media, particularly Twitter, where he shared his research and knowledge to gain attention. He also highlighted the importance of having a personal project, understanding one's audience, and being open about the game's values and politics. The studio's transparency and values-led approach helped them connect with the D&D community, secure grants, and ultimately achieve a federal grant from the German government. Cudicio concluded by emphasizing the importance of thinking about sustainability, connecting the dots, and manifesting one's goals to achieve success in the gaming industry.