What to know before releasing a Demo?

A place to discuss things that aren't specific to any one creator or game.
Forum rules
Ren'Py specific questions should be posted in the Ren'Py Questions and Annoucements forum, not here.
Post Reply
Message
Author
User avatar
JayBlue
Regular
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2016 7:10 pm
Location: Space
Contact:

What to know before releasing a Demo?

#1 Post by JayBlue »

What should I know before I release a Demo for my game? Like what kind of legal things I should be aware of, what information do people want to know, who should I give special thanks and credit to, etc..., and anything else you guys can think of.
If an Owl hoots in a forest, does it make a sound?

User avatar
Scribbles
Miko-Class Veteran
Posts: 636
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2016 4:15 pm
Completed: Pinewood Island, As We Know It
Projects: In Blood
Organization: Jaime Scribbles Games
Deviantart: breakfastdoodles
itch: scribbles
Location: Ohio
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#2 Post by Scribbles »

legal stuff:
don't use stuff you don't own unless you have permission. period.

people want to know:
how to install and how to play

people to credit:
anyone who helped you create the game, whoever else you want to

Otherwise:
content warnings if they are needed (usually with violence, adult themes, and so on)
when you plan to release the full game
full game content that can be expected (number of routes, illustrations, length, and so on)

just a general idea, but it's really up to you in the end! :)
Image - Image -Image

User avatar
JayBlue
Regular
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2016 7:10 pm
Location: Space
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#3 Post by JayBlue »

Cool, thank you. :)
If an Owl hoots in a forest, does it make a sound?

User avatar
Eirrir
Regular
Posts: 81
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2017 7:16 pm
Projects: Operation: Future Domination
Tumblr: Eirrir
itch: eirrir
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#4 Post by Eirrir »

I suggest you look through the Works in Progress section of this forum because you'll get a lot of answers to your questions that way. Actually, if you haven't yet created a WIP post for your game, it would be a good idea to do so. That way, you'll actually get some people to look over your game and provide feedback. In general, though, what information you provide about your game depends largely on how you want to present your project. In regards to legal matters, I'm no lawyer, but I think that if you are using original material and if you've given credit to everyone for their respective works appropriately (e.g. who did the art, who did the writing, who did the programming), you shouldn't have much to worry about. The way I see it, special thanks is usually given to people who've helped you with the project (e.g. coding help, emotional support, etc.) but didn't exactly play a typical or dedicated role in your project.
Current VN Project:
Image
Game Development Blog

User avatar
fleet
Eileen-Class Veteran
Posts: 1571
Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:25 pm
Deviantart: fleetp
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#5 Post by fleet »

A lot of people would want to see samples of the artwork (sprites).
Some of my visual novels are at http://www.the-new-lagoon.com. They are NSFW
Poorly done hand-drawn art is still poorly done art. Be a Poser (or better yet, use DAZ Studio 3D) - dare to be different.

User avatar
Katy133
Miko-Class Veteran
Posts: 704
Joined: Sat Nov 16, 2013 1:21 pm
Completed: Eight Sweets, The Heart of Tales, [redacted] Life, Must Love Jaws, A Tune at the End of the World, Three Guys That Paint, The Journey of Ignorance, Portal 2.5.
Projects: The Butler Detective
Tumblr: katy-133
Deviantart: Katy133
Soundcloud: Katy133
itch: katy133
Location: Canada
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#6 Post by Katy133 »

Things a demo should do:

A visual novel demo should...
  • ... Setup the premise (what the story's main conflict is).
  • ... Introduce the main characters (and their personalities).
  • ... Be a 'vertical slice' (if your game has mini-games/an interesting gameplay mechanic/choices, you should give the player a taste all the features your game will have).
  • ... Tempt the player in (don't drag things. Don't be boring. Leave them wanting more).
ImageImage

My Website, which lists my visual novels.
Become a patron on my Patreon!

User avatar
Milkymalk
Miko-Class Veteran
Posts: 753
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:30 pm
Completed: Don't Look (AGS game)
Projects: KANPEKI! ★Perfect Play★
Organization: Crappy White Wings
Location: Germany
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#7 Post by Milkymalk »

A question in that regard:

A demo is obviously free. Let's say I am using a font that I don't YET have a commercial licence for because I might decide to change it later, and non-commercial use of that font is free. Am I allowed to do this or do I need to either buy the licence or swap out the font for the demo too?
Crappy White Wings (currently quite inactive)
Working on: KANPEKI!
(On Hold: New Eden, Imperial Sea, Pure Light)

User avatar
morg
Regular
Posts: 95
Joined: Sun May 10, 2015 7:35 am
Projects: Cupid's Affair
Tumblr: n-morg
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#8 Post by morg »

Milkymalk wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2017 7:43 pm A question in that regard:

A demo is obviously free. Let's say I am using a font that I don't YET have a commercial licence for because I might decide to change it later, and non-commercial use of that font is free. Am I allowed to do this or do I need to either buy the licence or swap out the font for the demo too?
I believe you can use it for the demo, yes. If you decide to use it in the commercial version later on then you must buy the license
Image

User avatar
Qwxlea
Newbie
Posts: 18
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2017 3:58 am
IRC Nick: qwxlea
Github: Qwxlea
Contact:

Re: What to know before releasing a Demo?

#9 Post by Qwxlea »

Also make sure your demo is tested by other people then yourself, preferably on all platforms you want the demo to be available as (Windows, Mac and Linux).

You will probably not get in trouble, but there is no such thing as fonts you can use for a demo. If you want to be sure it is wiser to swap out the font temporarily for a free, not as nice font.

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users