How does publishing a game work on here exactly + maturity and game length?

[SpokesWriter]

@Fullmetal

I’d like to write a game on CoG. How does that work exactly?

Your first game will probably be through Hosted Games and not COG, so the process would be:

1. write some portion of the game, ideally 10000+ words
2. create a thread here and collect feedback
3. implement that feedback as you continue to work on the game
4. have good beta testers read the whole thing before your final draft and incorporate their feedback too
5. once it’s done, send the files to hg-submissions@choiceofgames.com along with art and other stuff and they’ll work with you from there re: contract, etc. There will also be a review of the content, but you’re not forced to make any changes unless they’re egregious. Then you wait. then, you wait some more!

@Fullmetal

I’ve got a question about the maturity of my game.

The game I was planning to make would be pretty grimdark, including brutal murders and sexual violence, possibly even rape (though I would not be going into detail, just mentioning it). It would not be glorified, of course, but it would be present as part of the overall theme. Would that be an issue?

Probably not? Can’t say for sure but if this is accurate you probably won’t have any issue. COG has the final call though.

@Fullmetal

When [the 30k word req] says “includes code” does that mean stuff like “*create name”

Yes, but honestly your final product should probably be well over 30k to tell a coherent story with meaningful choices so I wouldn’t worry too much about meeting this benchmark. Most hosted games nowadays seem to be 300k+

@Fullmetal

Bonus question I just thought of: What kind of stuff is popular on here in your opinion? I think I see fantasy and lost of romance stuff being popular, but I’m not sure and would like a more experienced member’s opinion.

Here’s the data! (from a couple years back) Hosted Games Data Sheet: For All You Number Nerds Out There