Positive Buzz During Crowded Steam Next Fest

SQYD.studio, a Canadian indie developer founded by two brothers, approached UberStrategist to promote their physics-based platformer, Watch Out For Goblins!, during Steam Next Fest. The studio’s goal was to generate wishlists for the game while creating leverage for potential publisher conversations.

The campaign faced unique challenges as a first-time PC release from an unknown studio with a limited social presence. With only one month to work on the project, UberStrategist needed to establish awareness and excitement among press to help the game stand out during Steam Next Fest.‍

We began by assessing comparable, better-known games to effectively position Watch Out For Goblins!. This allowed us to craft a targeted approach to highlight the game’s unique appeal to press. To build momentum, we announced the game before pitching its demo to carefully selected media.

Ahead of Steam Next Fest, we provided embargoed access to the demo for hands-on gameplay. With thousands of competing demos, including AAA titles, we leaned into our strong press relationships to secure news and roundup inclusions to maximize visibility despite the crowded field.

In just one month, our campaign secured 45 pieces of press coverage for Watch Out For Goblins!, including 11 Tier 1. Coverage on outlets such as GameSpot, TheGamer, Digital Trends, Bleeding Cool, Steam Deck HQ, and Gamereactor generated wishlists for the game and brought attention to SQYD.studio’s first PC release.

The campaign created positive sentiment among press, confirming the game’s potential and providing valuable feedback for the developer. The client was pleased with the results, which positioned Watch Out For Goblins! as a promising title in the competitive Steam Next Fest lineup.