The Case Against Completeness

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 26 views

The Importance of Completeness in Game Development: Separating Fact from Fiction

When it comes to game development, many aspiring game creators often face a crucial decision: when is the right time to pitch their game to potential investors, publishers, or retailers? While it's tempting to showcase a game in its early stages, the answer to this question is not a simple one. In fact, the statement "Before pitching a game to anyone, it should be completely created, finalized, and ready to be sold in retail stores" is a topic of debate among game developers and industry experts.

The Case for Completeness

Why Completeness Matters

While it's true that a game doesn't have to be perfect, having a complete and polished game is essential for several reasons:

First Impressions: A complete game makes a much stronger first impression than a rough prototype. Investors, publishers, and retailers want to see a game that is visually appealing, engaging, and well-designed.
Confidence: A complete game instills confidence in potential investors, publishers, and retailers. It shows that the development team has a clear vision, a solid plan, and the ability to execute it.
Marketing and Sales: A complete game is easier to market and sell. Retailers and distributors want to know that they can sell a game that is complete, tested, and ready for consumers.

The Case Against Completeness

Why Incompleteness Can Be a Strength

While completeness is essential, it's not the only factor that determines a game's success. In fact, some of the most successful games in history were pitched in their early stages, with a rough prototype or a concept document. Here are a few reasons why incompleteness can be a strength:

Innovation: Pitching a game in its early stages allows developers to showcase their innovative ideas and concepts. This can be a major selling point for investors, publishers, and retailers who are looking for something new and exciting.
Flexibility: A rough prototype or concept document provides flexibility for developers to make changes and adjustments based on feedback from potential investors, publishers, and retailers.
Risk Reduction: Pitching a game in its early stages reduces the risk of investing in a game that may not be completed or may not meet expectations.

The Reality

What Happens in Reality

While both completeness and incompleteness have their advantages, the reality is that most games are pitched in a state of "near-completeness." This means that the game is close to being finished, but may still require some polishing, testing, and refinement.

What Does Near-Completeness Mean?

Near-completeness means that the game has:

A solid gameplay mechanic: The game has a clear and engaging gameplay mechanic that is fun to play.
A complete art style: The game has a complete and polished art style that is visually appealing.
A functional user interface: The game has a functional user interface that is easy to use and navigate.
A tested and stable build: The game has been tested and is stable, with no major bugs or issues.

In conclusion, while completeness is essential for game development, it's not the only factor that determines a game's success. Pitching a game in its early stages can be beneficial for innovation, flexibility, and risk reduction. However, near-completeness is often the sweet spot for game development, where the game is close to being finished but still requires some polishing and refinement. Ultimately, the key to success is to find a balance between completeness and incompleteness, and to be prepared to adapt and adjust based on feedback from potential investors, publishers, and retailers.

What's the Best Approach?

So, what's the best approach for game developers who want to pitch their game to potential investors, publishers, or retailers? Here are a few tips:

Develop a solid concept: Develop a solid concept and gameplay mechanic that is fun to play.
Create a rough prototype: Create a rough prototype that showcases the game's art style, user interface, and gameplay mechanic.
Test and refine: Test and refine the game to ensure that it is stable, fun to play, and meets expectations.
Be prepared to adapt: Be prepared to adapt and adjust based on feedback from potential investors, publishers, and retailers.

By following these tips, game developers can increase their chances of success and find the right balance between completeness and incompleteness.
Q&A: The Importance of Completeness in Game Development

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of completeness in game development. We explored the pros and cons of pitching a game in its early stages versus having a complete and polished game. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about game development and completeness.

Q: What is the ideal time to pitch a game?

A: The ideal time to pitch a game is when it's near-complete. This means that the game has a solid gameplay mechanic, a complete art style, a functional user interface, and a tested and stable build.

Q: How do I know if my game is near-complete?

A: To determine if your game is near-complete, ask yourself the following questions:

Does the game have a solid gameplay mechanic that is fun to play?
Is the game's art style complete and polished?
Is the user interface functional and easy to use?
Has the game been tested and is it stable with no major bugs or issues?

Q: What if my game is still in its early stages? Can I still pitch it?

A: Yes, you can still pitch your game in its early stages. However, be prepared to adapt and adjust based on feedback from potential investors, publishers, and retailers. Pitching a game in its early stages can be beneficial for innovation, flexibility, and risk reduction.

Q: How do I balance completeness and incompleteness?

A: To balance completeness and incompleteness, focus on developing a solid concept and gameplay mechanic. Create a rough prototype that showcases the game's art style, user interface, and gameplay mechanic. Test and refine the game to ensure that it is stable, fun to play, and meets expectations.

Q: What if I'm a solo developer or a small team? How can I pitch my game?

A: As a solo developer or small team, pitching your game can be challenging. However, there are several options available:

Online platforms: Use online platforms such as Kickstarter, Steam Greenlight, or itch.io to pitch your game to a wider audience.
Game development communities: Join game development communities such as GameDev.net, Gamasutra, or Reddit's r/gamedev to connect with other developers and potential investors.
Local game development events: Attend local game development events, conferences, or meetups to pitch your game to potential investors, publishers, and retailers.

Q: What are the benefits of pitching a game in its early stages?

A: The benefits of pitching a game in its early stages include:

Innovation: Pitching a game in its early stages allows developers to showcase their innovative ideas and concepts.
Flexibility: A rough prototype or concept document provides flexibility for developers to make changes and adjustments based on feedback from potential investors, publishers, and retailers.
Risk reduction: Pitching a game in its early stages reduces the risk of investing in a game that may not be completed or may not meet expectations.

Q: What are the benefits of pitching a complete game?

A: The benefits of pitching a complete game include:

Confidence: A complete game instills confidence in potential investors, publishers, and retailers.
Marketing and sales: A complete game is easier to market and sell.
First impressions: A complete game makes a much stronger first impression than a rough prototype.

In conclusion, the ideal time to pitch a game is when it's near-complete. However, pitching a game in its early stages can be beneficial for innovation, flexibility, and risk reduction. By balancing completeness and incompleteness, game developers can increase their chances of success and find the right balance between showcasing their game's potential and meeting expectations.