The Dangers of Comparing Yourself to Viral Hits

Developers often view viral hits as a benchmark or goal. While these successes can inspire and motivate, they can also lead to significant frustration if ...

not approached with caution. This blog post explores the dangers of directly comparing one's work to viral hits in the tech and gaming industries and provides insight into how such comparisons can negatively impact creativity, motivation, and the overall success of the project.

1. Understanding Viral Successes
2. The Importance of Unique Value Proposition
3. Emotional Connection vs. Direct Comparisons
4. The Pitfall of Overconfidence
5. The Role of User Feedback
6. Long-term Vision vs. Short-term Comparisons
7. Conclusion

1.) Understanding Viral Successes

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand what makes a game or software product go viral. These successes are often characterized by their ability to resonate deeply with users on an emotional level, offering unique value that sets them apart from the competition. They also typically benefit from timing, cultural relevance, and effective marketing strategies.

2.) The Importance of Unique Value Proposition

When comparing your game or software to a viral hit, it's essential to focus on creating a unique value proposition for your product. Viral hits are memorable because they offer something distinctive that other products do not. By identifying what makes your game or software special and communicating this effectively, you can differentiate yourself in the market without feeling the need to match every aspect of a viral hit.

3.) Emotional Connection vs. Direct Comparisons

Comparing your work directly to viral hits often leads to frustration because these successes are based on emotional connections with users rather than direct comparisons in terms of features or gameplay mechanics. For instance, while -Flappy Bird- was simplistic, it tapped into the universal fear of failure that resonated deeply with players worldwide. Comparing a complex game like -The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt- to this simplicity-focused title can lead to disappointment and frustration because they cater to different emotional needs and gameplay preferences.

4.) The Pitfall of Overconfidence

When you compare your work too closely to viral hits, you might start believing that your product is even better than it actually is. This overconfidence can cloud your judgment and prevent you from making necessary improvements or changes based on user feedback. It's crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and continue gathering data and feedback throughout the development process rather than relying solely on early comparisons with viral hits.

5.) The Role of User Feedback

The best way to ensure that your game or software offers a unique value proposition is by actively seeking user feedback at every stage of development. This can help you understand what users appreciate about viral hits and how they might be looking for something new and different in your offering. By incorporating this feedback into your product, you can create something that stands out without trying to replicate the success of viral hits.

6.) Long-term Vision vs. Short-term Comparisons

Finally, it's important to maintain a long-term vision when developing your game or software. Viral successes are often short-lived; their popularity fades over time as new products and trends emerge. By focusing on creating something that users will continue to enjoy in the long run, you can avoid the trap of constantly comparing yourself to viral hits and instead focus on building a sustainable business and community around your product.

7.) Conclusion

Comparing your game or software directly to viral hits can be both inspiring and frustrating. However, it's crucial to remember that viral successes are defined by their unique value propositions and emotional connections with users rather than direct feature comparisons. By creating a compelling unique value proposition, focusing on user feedback, maintaining a balanced perspective, and having a long-term vision, you can avoid the pitfalls of comparing yourself to viral hits and develop successful products in your own right.

The Dangers of Comparing Yourself to Viral Hits