The order that makes the most sense to me, in terms of building interest and a financial base of players, would be this:
DD1 - with 1/4 or so being a free demo
DD: prelude
DD2
DD3
I think preludes are the most interesting when you know more about what they are leading to. It also would be a great way to build momentum if after DD1 you could release something smaller and more quickly.
Releasing in 'sequels' rather than 'episodes' definitely seems more palatable for the average gamer.
This order would also set things up nicely for DD2, which ideally is where you would make the most money/fans, after having an established series with good mechanics and time to build up a good following. While the majority of the sales income is based on that first week, more time with the series on the market still will help with advertising and recognition.
3
Tobias 1104~4Y
The main point of this 'prelude' is to test the waters, to see whether something like this would attract interest (and sufficient profit) without committing myself to working on a trilogy of games. That's what's been causing me so much distress lately: what if I release the first, it's a flop, and I've promised two more? My options would be to lock myself into something that might never make money, or abandon it, neither of which is desirable.
So the idea of making a shorter game with the same gameplay and worldbuilding concepts, which I could release much more quickly than the trilogy I've planned, has been growing on me more and more. If people like it, great! I'll gladly make more. If not, then I won't have started a series of games, and can move onto something else.
3
Ptyrell37~4Y
Yeah that makes sense. I guess I'm less worried about that because it seems difficult for me to imagine the game not being a success, since it basically is a better version of the game so many have been wanting you to make for years. The demand and your improved skills and marketing knowledge make me optimistic! That's easy for me to say though, not actually being the person who is making and relying on that income.
I certainly like the prequel concept in general! In an ideal world though, I'd like it after DD1 was released.
3
Tobias 1104~4Y
I'm glad to hear you have so much faith in my ideas! My main concern is doing marketing well enough, since it seems to be that - rather than game quality - which determines how profitable projects are. But that's why I'm doing the research.
DD1 - with 1/4 or so being a free demo
DD: prelude
DD2
DD3
I think preludes are the most interesting when you know more about what they are leading to. It also would be a great way to build momentum if after DD1 you could release something smaller and more quickly.
Releasing in 'sequels' rather than 'episodes' definitely seems more palatable for the average gamer.
This order would also set things up nicely for DD2, which ideally is where you would make the most money/fans, after having an established series with good mechanics and time to build up a good following. While the majority of the sales income is based on that first week, more time with the series on the market still will help with advertising and recognition.
So the idea of making a shorter game with the same gameplay and worldbuilding concepts, which I could release much more quickly than the trilogy I've planned, has been growing on me more and more. If people like it, great! I'll gladly make more. If not, then I won't have started a series of games, and can move onto something else.
I certainly like the prequel concept in general! In an ideal world though, I'd like it after DD1 was released.