Sands of Hope gains attention ahead of release

A playful social media post about Silksong greatly benefited the indie game Sands of Hope.

Social media joke boosts indie game Sands of Hope ahead of release

Indie developer Pere Albacar shared a lighthearted promise on social media for a free Steam code of his upcoming game Sands of Hope, contingent on an announcement about Hollow Knight: Silksong at the recent Nintendo Direct. While Silksong did not appear, Albacar's post surprisingly attracted over 34,000 responses, ultimately leading to more than 3,000 wishlists for Sands of Hope on Steam. Now the game is gaining visibility as it appears on the homepage's Popular Upcoming list, ahead of its release on August 4. Albacar expressed his gratitude for the unexpected attention, noting the positivity from potential players despite the absence of Silksong. Albacar, who is developing Sands of Hope with a small team, emphasized the importance of standing out in the crowded indie market to succeed.

Albacar's experience highlights the power of social media in shaping visibility for indie games. A humorous post, even if initially not serious, can pivot a game from relative obscurity to notable popularity. As indie games face increasing competition, creative marketing strategies like Albacar's may become essential tools for developers. Community engagement offers a direct connection to gamers, allowing developers to gauge interest and adapt their plans accordingly. The success of Sands of Hope acts as a reminder of the evolving dynamics in the gaming industry, where innovative marketing can be a lifeline for small developers.

Highlights

The success of Sands of Hope illustrates how connection and creativity can drive indie game success.