A step-by-step guide to a successful elevator pitch

Pitching is crucial in the game sector. Like most skills in life, it requires practice to be perfected, which in this case means being effective and convincing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help game professionals prepare an elevator pitch that could be used at one of Pocket Gamer Connects’ events, such as the Very Big Indie Pitch, Investor Connector or Publisher SpeedMatch. It could also be used at Connector SpeedMatch, which is featured at Pocket Gamer Connects events in Dubai, Aqaba and Shanghai. 

Of course, the principles included are relevant to many other contexts of pitching too.

Making the most of a Pocket Gamer Connects event means turning up prepared, ready to deliver an elevator pitch. Rapid and sharp in nature, those are pitches figuratively taking place during a quick elevator ride. 

Thousands of industry professionals attend our fringe events. That’s a lot of opportunities to make lasting impressions on the sort of people that matter to your business. Come mentally equipped, understanding that these meetings and events are fast-paced and high-stakes, and they could completely change your future outlook. 

Who are you pitching to? 

A first step is knowing who you are tailoring your pitch to. Publisher, platform, investor, or service partner? Recognising your target gives you a heads up on what this particular stakeholder cares about. 

Whether it’s ROI, future potential, innovation, IP, or something else, design your pitch to be specifically relevant to the person in front of you.

What makes you unique? 

Next, learn how to communicate who you are and your unique selling points (USP) quickly and clearly.

Imagine you’re a mobile game developer pitching to a publisher. Your personal introduction and credibility matters, but your game's USPs are equally as important. Getting this across in a concise way is essential. Don’t underestimate aligning your product’s unique strengths with things publishers care about, such as execution and market potential. 

In short, highlighting why the market needs your product, what problem it solves and what’s unique about it is what sets you apart from competitors. If you can’t clearly define these points, you’ll likely end up wasting everybody’s time.

Don’t end your pitch on a hanging note; conclude with a logical ask, a next step forward. Are you looking for a publisher who can help scale your game? A publisher helping with user acquisition, live ops, and global launch? Be actionable and precise.

Maximise a minute

Once you know all the key components making your individual pitch successful, cut it down, then cut some more.

In a venue of two to 10 floors, based on elevator speed of 100 to 200 feet per minute, an average ride takes 30 to 90 seconds. 

Aim for your pitch to take 30 to 60 seconds max. Obviously, we’re all passionate about our own creations, but there’s no need to over-explain gameplay mechanics or technical features unless they are elemental to the game’s USP.

Pitfalls to avoid

Avoid being vague, spending too long explaining a wordy vision. Again, try to lead with product features and USP instead. 

Similarly, don’t try to sound overly professional by loading your pitch with industry acronyms or jargon. This strategy is hard to pull off well.

10,000 hours of practice

Malcolm Gladwell famously popularised the 10,000-hour rule - that’s the time of dedicated practice needed to master any complex skill. Realistically, in terms of creating a strong and slick pitch, 10,000 hours is pushing it. With that said, refining and practising your pitching will be hugely beneficial. 

A few handy tips include practising your pitch on colleagues, mentors and managers. Even seeking professional services can be a worthy investment. Adjust your phrasing, pacing and tone based on their reactions and outcomes.

Ready to put your elevator pitch to the test? Visit the Pocket Gamer Connects website to find an event near you and start making those connections.