Game Dev Phases & Why Timelining Matters
Indie devs prioritize their efforts on creating great games. But don’t forget all the activities that connect your game to the real world!
Timelining Well
1. Game Dev Phases
Game dev usually goes through these stages:
- Pre-production
- Production
- Release
- Post-release
Best time to plan your timeline? Pre-production. But honestly, it’s useful no matter where you are.
What to Plan For
- Funding (Kickstarter, investors, grants)
- Target audience (Who’s playing? What do they like?)
- Game specs (Unique mechanics, art, sound)
- Team & skills (What you have vs. what you need)
- Marketing & community (Social media, influencers, hype)
Reverse-Engineered Timeline
Start with your ideal release date and work backward. If possible, launch during a Steam Festival that fits your niche—better visibility, more hype, and a push from Steam’s algorithm.
Steam festival dates for 2025? Check here.
That’s it—plan smart, launch strong
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