← All posts2026-03-24

Game Jam to Game Launch: A Marketing Timeline

Turn a jam prototype into a launch candidate with marketing checkpoints at each phase.

During the jam

Capture GIFs early. Marketing starts when you have one readable core loop, not when the jam ends.

Week one after

Freeze scope creep. Decide if the jam build deserves a commercial path or a portfolio piece. If commercial, pick a working title, store page target, and audience.

30 / 60 / 90 days

  • 30 days: vertical slice + public page + mailing capture.
  • 60 days: recurring devlogs + first creator outreach list.
  • 90 days: demo milestone, wishlist push, press kit refresh.

Ship small marketing updates with the same rhythm as code commits so momentum carries past the jam high.