Field Guide: Running a Safe, Viral Game Demo Day (2026 Checklist)

Field Guide: Running a Safe, Viral Game Demo Day (2026 Checklist)

Hook: Demo days can build huge momentum — but they’re also a risk. This 2026 checklist prioritizes safety, viral-friendly moments, and measurable outcomes.

Pre-event planning

• Permissions: secure venue permissions and insurance.
• Capacity planning: limit demo times and stagger sessions.
• Field kit: bring weekend field kit essentials — batteries, cables, backups: Weekend Field Kit Essentials.

On-site safety

Enforce queueing with clear signage. Have trained staff for headset sanitization and rapid resets. If you’re doing live drops or micro-merch, manage payment flows with real-time settlement patterns to avoid disputes — learn more from real-time merchant settlement strategies: Advanced Strategies for Real-Time Merchant Settlements.

Viral moments & creator coordination

Plan two or three appointment moments for creator-led events. Use serialized drops to schedule appointment viewing windows and short-form hooks: Serialized Audio-Visual Dramas informs this approach.

Post-event follow-up

Send targeted emails with redemption codes and links to your marketplace drops. Consider local post-event fulfillment with same-day pickup options to close the conversion loop.

Legal & compliance

Track data collection consent, payment compliance, and content releases. For broader product and legal guidance on traceability and product handling, consult relevant trade resources.

Quick checklist: permits, capacity limits, sanitized headsets, field kit, creator schedule, real-time settlement, follow-up serial drops.