Launching and Sustaining Games

This unit prepares students to take a game from final prototype to launch and beyond, emphasizing iteration, player feedback, accessibility, and legal/ethical responsibilities. Students will also learn project/time management, post-launch support strategies, and industry engagement opportunities to sustain and promote their games.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze player feedback, playtest data, and audience research to prioritize and document at least three iterative changes that improve game balance, usability, or engagement
• Apply legal, ethical, and accessibility guidelines by producing a comprehensive launch checklist that addresses intellectual property, licensing, permission clearance, and inclusive design features
• Demonstrate effective project and time management by creating a production schedule and post-launch roadmap that includes update cycles, community engagement, and maintenance plans
• Evaluate distribution, marketing, and community-building strategies (including participation in game jams and industry events) and justify selected approaches based on target-audience alignment and measurable goals