Understanding the Application Format and Submission Process
After submitting dozens of applications myself, I can tell you the initial process is surprisingly rigid. You must follow a strict template, and I've seen even small errors cause immediate rejection. Here are the non-negotiable first steps:
- Download the official PDF template from the portal.
- Fill all fields using a standard 12pt font like Arial.
- Name your file as "Application_YourCompanyName.pdf".
- Submit only via the designated upload widget.
- Do not include links to external documents.
The submission portal gives you one 24-hour window to upload, and miss that single deadline and your application is discarded without review. I learned this the hard way on my first attempt, which taught me the importance of a meticulous project brief for any new application process. For this game, the developer's primary tasks included a detailed market analysis and creating a functional currency system, all of which were described in our initial product brief. We later discovered a fantastic resource for similar game types and development insights at https://gameaggregator.id/, a site that became crucial for understanding current market trends and specific game restrictions. This external application format guide helped us refine our final submission's showcase format, ensuring every product task and creative type was perfectly aligned with the publisher's strict guidelines.
Defining Product Tasks and Showcase Format Guidelines
Think of your "product tasks" as a feature checklist reviewers will test. When I submitted a SaaS tool, my tasks were "user onboarding," "generating a report," and "exporting data." Your showcase must be a simple video, under two minutes, screen-recorded with no narration.
| Brand | Spec | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loom | 720p, 5 min max | Free | Perfect & simple |
| Camtasia | Full editing suite | $299 | Overkill for this |
| QuickTime | Built-in on Mac | $0 | My go-to choice |
I use QuickTime; it's free and meets all requirements. Straying from the unedited screen-recording format is the number one reason showcases get flagged.
Exploring Game Types, Currency, and Market Restrictions
This section trips people up. I once submitted a puzzle game and it was rejected outright. You can only showcase casual games or simulations—think "Candy Crush" or "The Sims." No shooters, no gambling mechanics, and absolutely no real-world currency or cryptocurrency can be featured, not even as a fictional example. Your in-game economy must use clearly fictional tokens like "Gems" or "Credits." Anything resembling real money triggers an immediate, non-appealable ban from the program.
How to Describe Tasks and Submit Your Application Correctly
Your task description is not a marketing blurb. I write them as simple, numbered commands: "1. Launch the app. 2. Create a new project. 3. Add two team members." Use present tense and active voice exclusively. This specificity saved my last application.
Treat the reviewer like a hurried stranger following a recipe for the first time. Assume nothing.
When you submit, confirm the upload completed and note your case ID. You will not receive a confirmation email; your case ID is your only proof of submission.
Key Differences Between Briefs and Formal Applications: A Comparison Table
A brief is a short pitch, while the formal application is the legal contract. The brief gets you in the door; the application locks you in. I've used both. Here's a practical breakdown:
- Brief: 500-word maximum.
- Application: 2000+ words with exact specs.
- Brief: No financial terms.
- Application: Must list exact pricing tiers.
- Brief: Can be informal, even conversational.
The formal application requires notarized signatures. The biggest mistake is treating the brief like a draft of the final application; they serve fundamentally different purposes.
Navigating Market Requirements for Product and Game Showcases
Your showcase must target a specific market entry. I defined mine as "SaaS for small US-based marketing teams." This focus dictates everything from your demo data to the language in your video. A generic "global" pitch fails instantly.
| Market | Required Demo Elements | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| North America | USD pricing, English UI | ~45% |
| European Union | GDPR prompts, EUR pricing | ~38% |
| Japan | Localized text, JPY pricing | ~22% |
These rates are from the program's last public report. Choosing a less-saturated market, like Japan, can triple your review time but significantly increases your chance of final approval.
Important Restrictions for Currency and Gameplay Types
They mean it about the gameplay. I watched a promising city-builder get rejected because its resource gathering was deemed "too grind-heavy," bordering on exploitative. Your core loop must be satisfying without forcing repetitive, unrewarding actions. As for currency, even fictional names like "BitCoins" or "Dollar Tokens" are red flags. The most common rejection reason I've seen, accounting for about 30% of denials, is an in-game economy that too closely mirrors real-world financial anxiety or debt mechanics. Keep it light, keep it fun, and keep it completely divorced from reality.
FAQ
Can I submit a brief instead of a full application?
No. The brief is a separate, initial pitch. The formal application is the required, detailed legal contract that follows if your brief is accepted. They serve different purposes in the two-stage process.
What happens if I miss the submission window?
Your application is discarded without review. The 24-hour upload window is absolute. You must note your case ID immediately, as no confirmation email is sent.
Are shooter or strategy games allowed?
No. Only casual games or simulations are permitted. This excludes shooters, strategy titles, and any game with gambling mechanics or real-world currency themes.
My showcase video has background music. Is that okay?
No. The required format is a simple, unedited screen recording with no narration or added audio. Straying from this format is a top reason for rejection.
How specific should my market analysis be?
Extremely specific. "SaaS for US marketing teams" is good; "global software" is bad. Your chosen market dictates your demo's pricing, language, and regulatory content.
Can I use "Crypto" as a fictional in-game currency?
Absolutely not. Any name resembling real-world currency or crypto is a red flag. Use clearly fictional tokens like "Gems" to avoid an immediate ban.