Video Game Development Processes that Generate Engagement in the Players: A Case Study of Don’t Starve

The digital distribution of video games presents more options than ever, where multiplatform accessibility means a change in philosophy. The aim of this article is to analyse the strategies that allow games to stand out in the market through different aesthetics, the appearance of new characters in a periodic way or the synergy of social media. We have analysed the case of the independent video game series Don’t Starve, developed by Klei Entertainment and available on Steam. In this context, reporting mechanisms allow us to extract information on the impact of the video game from the launch and during the use of the product. As a result, through the analysis of data from the Steam digital distribution platform, we have extracted quantitative information about players and gaming sessions, establishing correlations with other games and behaviours linked to the player experience. This has been combined with a qualitative study of the media synergy they have implemented to generate audience participation through their characters and multiplayer mode, narrative and aesthetics, resulting in players identifying with the content and taking an active role as producers and consumers.