Congratulations! You’ve built and polished your game. Now it’s time to share your creation with the world. In this section, you’ll learn how to effectively showcase your game, gather feedback, and build a portfolio that can help you in your game development journey.

Before you present your game, ensure it’s ready for others to experience:

• Test Thoroughly: Play through your game multiple times to catch any remaining bugs or issues.
• Polish Presentation: Add a title screen, credits, and instructions so new players can easily understand how to play.
• Optimize Performance: Make sure your game runs smoothly on different devices and browsers.

Checklist Table:

To showcase your game, you need a version that others can easily access:

• Web Build: Export your game as an HTML5 build so it can be played in a browser.
• Hosting Options:
  • Itch.io: A popular platform for indie games.
  • GitHub Pages: Free hosting for static web games.
  • Personal Website: If you have one, host your game there.

Example: Exporting for Itch.io

1. Export your game folder (including index.html, assets, and scripts).
2. Zip the folder.
3. Create a new project on itch.io.
4. Upload the zip file and set the project as "HTML" so it runs in the browser.

A good description helps players understand and get excited about your game.

Key Elements:

• Title: Catchy and relevant.
• Short Summary: 1-2 sentences about the game.
• Gameplay Description: What do players do? What makes your game unique?
• Controls: How to play.
• Credits: Who made the game and any assets used.

Example:

Visuals help attract players and give a quick overview of your game.

• Screenshots: Capture key moments, menus, and gameplay.
• Trailer: A short (30-60 seconds) video showing highlights.

Tips:

• Use high-resolution images.
• Show different features and levels.
• Keep the trailer concise and engaging.

Once your game is ready and uploaded, share it with the world:

• Social Media: Post on Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and game dev communities.
• Game Jams: Submit to relevant jams or contests.
• Portfolio: Add your game to your personal portfolio or resume.
• Feedback: Ask for feedback from friends, family, and online communities.

Task:

1. Export your game as an HTML5 build.
2. Upload it to itch.io or GitHub Pages.
3. Write a game description and upload at least two screenshots.
4. Share the link in a game development community and ask for feedback.

Solution Example:

• Exported and zipped game files.
• Uploaded to itch.io: https://yourgame.itch.io/space-runner
• Description and screenshots added.
• Shared link on r/gamedev subreddit and received feedback.

Common Mistakes & Tips:

• Mistake: Forgetting to include all assets in the build.
  Tip: Test your uploaded game to ensure everything loads correctly.
• Mistake: Vague or missing instructions.
  Tip: Watch someone new play your game and note where they get confused.

Showcasing your game is also about building your reputation as a developer.

• Create a Portfolio Website: List your games, describe your role, and link to playable builds.
• Document Your Process: Write blog posts or devlogs about your development journey.
• Network: Connect with other developers and potential employers.

Showcasing your game is a crucial step in the game development process. It allows you to share your hard work, receive valuable feedback, and build a portfolio that can open doors to new opportunities. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to present your game professionally and make a lasting impression in the game development community.

Next Steps:
Continue improving your skills by participating in game jams, collaborating with others, and experimenting with new ideas. Every game you share brings you closer to mastering game development with Phaser and JavaScript!