Skip to main content

Indie game storeFree gamesFun gamesHorror games
Game developmentAssetsComics
SalesBundles
Jobs
TagsGame Engines

What do you look for when looking for games to play/rate?

A topic by HoboBunnie created May 25, 2026 Views: 79 Replies: 3
Viewing posts 1 to 2
Submitted

This is my third ever game jam and I had a blast with it but one thing I always notice in game jams is just how many more rating some games get then others and I was hoping to get everyone’s feedback/opinion on what you personal look for or how you choose which games to rate. Is it about the cover art? Title? You found it on the needs rating list and looked at the lowest or highest rated games? Do you have to download it? I think it would useful for everyone here to be able to share and/or hear what makes a game attractive to play and rate and how they can improve the amount of people seeing their game. Appreciate anyone’s feedback, advice or comments just hoping to make a space where we can discuss and learn on how to improve “marketability” which I feel doesn’t get discussed very often in the context of game jams.

Submitted

In my opinion your thumbnail is the NUMBER ONE thing you can do because it is how most people decide to rate or not rate.

I think tied for number one is making it playable in the browser. Downloading is such a drag and it slows people down.

I think something that is important but maybe won't get you more ratings is making your page look pretty. We put a lot of work into this: https://antiquegeargames.itch.io/budget-fossil-co

Another thing is going out of your way to rate and give good comments on other submissions!

Submitted(+1)

Yea this is definitely something I need to work on since I always kinda neglect the cover art whether it’s due to lack of time or whatever but I’m learning marketing is a really important but often overlooked facet of game development that shouldn’t be forgotten. Thanks for your advice!

Submitted

I will say that optimizing for success in a jam is a different target to a commercially successful game! To do better in the jam you only need to target other jammers.