Software Submission, Press Releases

[dxgame]

Obviously software submission to a bunch of websites is probably a positive thing because the obvious target is the end user, but I'm not quite sure what a press release would do for a newly released game. So, why would I put out a press release for an indie game?

And incase I'm convinced, links to the more popular press release services would be appreciated. ;)

[Leon]

http://www.vgsmart.com/

Why a press release? It gets people to know your game. Reviewers might pick it up and review it for their fan base. The people gotta know about your game before they can buy it, afterall.

If you use Terin's service he guarantees that your press release will be published by more than one site and also says he's yet to see a press release by him get on less than ten sites.

[terin]

Yes, I say that quite a bit! :) Plus I have a cash-back thing goin if you think it's all a scam. To date, I believe there have been two refunds in almost two years, both due to my own personal error (not due to lack of results)

-Joe

[Leper]

Hey guys,

well I have been using http://www.indiegamebusiness.com for my press releases and I received a lot of exposure out of it! My traffic peaked 400% the norm within the first week of the PRess Release from them. They're pretty affordable, but the best part is they're extremely painless to work with. Not only that, but I really like that my story got sent to tons and tons of magazines and even ended up having games from its contest on PC GAMER!!!

[Tom Ohle]

For the most part, a press release will help raise awareness among editors about your game. A bunch of sites do pretty much post releases verbatim, but with some of the larger ones (GameSpot, IGN, etc.) you're probably going to want to follow up to arrange some coverage beyond just the press release.

[Polycount Productions]

Glimmer Games offers a darn cheap software submission service:
http://www.glimmergames.com/index.php?categoryid=17&p2003_articleid=1&s=
(over 400 sites, $29.95, reports after submission)

There are several press release submission services:
http://www.indiegamebusiness.com/
http://www.softpressrelease.com/
http://www.dpdirectory.com/
http://www.promaxum.com/
http://www.vgsmart.com/
http://evolve-pr.com/ (coming soon?)

The reason to make a press release is to get generate media interest for your story. For example, to get featured on sites such as gamesindustry, gamespot or gamershell. Or if your story is good enough - maybe even to get to PC Gamer or PCZone or others.

Here are some tips for writing your own press release:
http://www.canadaone.com/promote/newsrelease2.html
http://www.asp-shareware.org/resources/pressrelease.asp
http://www.asp-shareware.org/resources/aspectspress.asp

[tretmike]

Yes, SoftPressRelease.com offer the special service for indie game developers. The right link would be http://www.SoftPressRelease.com/games/

You are always welcome here.

[dxgame]

Excellent, thank you for all the replies! :)