Indie Game websites

Taking a look at a lot of indie games, the think I notice that quite a number of them are pretty poor quality. Which I think is unfortunate because I know the average Internet user judges the site, and therefore the game in probably less than 15 seconds. So, a good game with a poor site, could really hurt chances of success.

I am wondering are there companies out there that specialize in creating websites for Indies? Should this be a service that some companies should consider offering indies?

There are thousands of companies out there offering web development services and company/product presentation websites are a pretty common service offered.

Taking a look at a lot of indie games, the think I notice that quite a number of them are pretty poor quality. Which I think is unfortunate because I know the average Internet user judges the site, and therefore the game in probably less than 15 seconds. So, a good game with a poor site, could really hurt chances of success.

I am wondering are there companies out there that specialize in creating websites for Indies? Should this be a service that some companies should consider offering indies?

There are thousands of companies out there offering web development services and company/product presentation websites are a pretty common service offered.

Yes, I realize that, but why do so many indies not have good sites? A lot of web dev have niches. I'm wondering if there are any that specialize in gaming sites.

Taking a look at a lot of indie games, the think I notice that quite a number of them are pretty poor quality. Which I think is unfortunate because I know the average Internet user judges the site, and therefore the game in probably less than 15 seconds. So, a good game with a poor site, could really hurt chances of success.

I am wondering are there companies out there that specialize in creating websites for Indies? Should this be a service that some companies should consider offering indies?

There are thousands of companies out there offering web development services and company/product presentation websites are a pretty common service offered.

Yes, I realize that, but why do so many indies not have good sites? A lot of web dev have niches. I'm wondering if there are any that specialize in gaming sites.

Many indies have poor websites because they are unwilling or unable pay an external developer to make a good website for them, high quality custom work is always expensive. (indie game developers tend to have far better websites than non tech companies of similar size)

Many indies have poor websites because they are unwilling or unable pay an external developer to make a good website for them, high quality custom work is always expensive. (indie game developers tend to have far better websites than non tech companies of similar size)

But depending on the game, their web presence might be far more important than a non-tech company. Games need to have a "cool" factor that a non-tech company doesn't have to worry about.

I agree with you. However, so much time is spent on the game itself, and marketing, and everything else, when what really needs to be done is focus on the website design.

If companies offer this to indies, it has to be cheap. Under a $30/hour rate, for sure.

Many indies have poor websites because they are unwilling or unable pay an external developer to make a good website for them, high quality custom work is always expensive. (indie game developers tend to have far better websites than non tech companies of similar size)

But depending on the game, their web presence might be far more important than a non-tech company. Games need to have a "cool" factor that a non-tech company doesn't have to worry about.

I agree with you. However, so much time is spent on the game itself, and marketing, and everything else, when what really needs to be done is focus on the website design.

If companies offer this to indies, it has to be cheap. Under a $30/hour rate, for sure.

You don't find many good webdevs in western countries working at those rates though, the cheapest webdev company where i live charge $60+tax / hour, the vast majority charge roughly twice that and still have no trouble finding customers who are willing to pay, to get down to $30 you pretty much have to find some kid who is willing to do the work to get experience(this may or may not result in something nice) or outsource to a low cost country.

But depending on the game, their web presence might be far more important than a non-tech company. Games need to have a "cool" factor that a non-tech company doesn't have to worry about.

How much money do these hobby/indie game developers have on hand to develop the site? Most build EVERYTHING themselves because they are unable or unwilling to pay others for it. That is the nature of the group of people.

For some, even the payment for a domain name and for hosting is painfully high.

Yes, having a great web site would help their business. Marketing is one of many important factors. Of course, these individuals are having a struggle making the product in the first place. Marketing the product is often an afterthought to them, and an incredibly expensive one at that.

By the very nature of their choices they are unable or unwilling to pay others to develop their web site for them.

Yes, it is true that many indie game developers and hobbyist developers could benefit from professional development of their web site and marketing material. But it is also true that these same individuals are generally unwilling or unable to pay for such a service. Consequently the market is almost nonexistent. Sure there is a potential benefit for customers, but the potential customers are unable or unwilling to pay, making it improbable for a successful service business.

By the very nature of their choices they are unable or unwilling to pay others to develop their web site for them.

True dat.