Somber Echoes Console Launch Case Study

The Challenge

Somber Echoes launched on Steam to very positive user reviews, but the game largely flew under the radar in a saturated metroidvania market. Reverb saw untapped potential in the title’s console debut, recognizing that the game’s stylistic appeal and tight gameplay could find broader success with the right positioning. The challenge was to make the console release feel fresh with a high-impact moment that reintroduced the game to players, press, and console players.

The Strategy:

The strategy to accomplish this was to have well-researched, targeted pitching, advertising, and influencer campaigns that would expose this game to console gamers, media outlets, and metroidvania influencers who might not have given this game the closer look it needed. To do this, we created a plan that seamlessly combined all of Reverb’s core services.

Public Relations

By focusing on the new game mode and unique approach the development team used to combine story telling with fluid platform combat, we led an aggressive PR push, securing placement in top-tier outlets such as, IGN, MSN, and Terra collectively reaching an audience of over 333 million monthly readers. The earned media coverage helped drive early awareness heading into launch. The team worked closely with editorial contacts to frame the console release as an exciting new chapter for the title, not just a rehash of the PC launch.

First Party Relations

From early planning through post-launch, we worked hand-in-hand with both first party partners to maximize exposure. We leveraged our console social and dashboard knowledge and contacts to ensure Somber Echoes had the greatest visibility at launch. Through clear communication and early asset delivery we were able to gain far more support than an average indie game launch.Highlights include:

• Date announcement YouTube support via This Week on Xbox (TWOX)
• Social channel support 
• Console Launch discount
• Xbox Wire article placement 
• Launch trailer YouTube support 
• Inclusion in Xbox Summer Spotlight
• Coordination of post post-launch sale lifecycle

Influencer Relations

Reverb identified and secured sponsorships with targeted high-impact creators, including The Backlogs, RadBrad, and DanGheesling, generating nearly 300,000 views across sponsored content. These videos delivered gameplay impressions, authentic reactions, and recommendations that resonated with console audiences. 

Beyond paid efforts, organic creator support from channels like NRS NEO and CGD Games extended the campaign’s reach even further. Additionally, Somber Echoes was featured during Games Done Quick, tying the launch to a marquee moment in the gaming calendar.

Paid Marketing

Using the data we learned from early A/B testing, we executed multiple streams of advertising placements for a broader audience scope. With YouTube influencers being so receptive to the game, we amplified those views through trailer amplification targeting key words associated with our sponsored targets. This resulted in one of the lowest Cost Per Views we’ve achieved on YouTube coming under $0.01 per view.

However, we also knew diehard metroidvania players are a passionate niche audience and always on the lookout for new content. We employed a portion of our budget into Reddit advertisements for console gamers to ensure they knew a high quality, story driven title was widely available at console launch.

The Results:

300 Influencer Videos Secured

3.1M advertising impressions with a $0.01 CPV

If your game is nearly there but your trailer isn’t? It’s time to call in the pros. Whether it’s shot composition, editing, voice, or audio design—quality matters. And your game deserves nothing less.

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