Pitching a Game-Based Vertical Series: A Guide for Indie Teams and Creators

Hook: Your game is great 6 but nobody is discovering it on phones. Heres how to change that.

Indie teams and creators face a familiar problem in 2026: brilliant games, limited discoverability, and fragmented reward systems that frustrate players. Short-form vertical episodic content is now a proven discovery and retention channel, and platforms like Holywater 6 which raised $22M in January 2026 to scale mobile-first AI-powered vertical streaming 6 are actively seeking serialized, data-driven IP. This guide shows you, step-by-step, how to concept, script, produce and pitch a game-based vertical series that converts viewers to players and partners.

Quick summary (inverted pyramid)

Short-form vertical episodic content combines microdrama, gameplay highlights and narrative hooks to attract mobile audiences. Your job as an indie studio: create a tightly serialized format (30 690 seconds per episode), leverage AI-assisted scale for efficient scripting and production, and package a pitch that proves retention and revenue potential. Below are practical recipes, workflows, pitch assets and legal safeguards tailored to platforms like Holywater.

Why vertical, short-form, episodic content matters in 2026

By late 2025 and into 2026 the media landscape pivoted further toward mobile-first, short serialized storytelling. Investors and platforms doubled down 6 Holywater's January 2026 funding round is one clear signal 6 because short, vertical episodes are optimized for discovery, completion rates and data-driven IP mining. For game creators, that means video-first funnels can drive installs, in-app purchases and community growth when done right.

Key platform trends to design for

• Completion and retention first: Platforms prioritize episodes that keep viewers watching to the end and returning for the next episode.
• Data-driven creative: Creators must design hooks and variants for A/B testing; platforms reward measurable uplift.
• AI-assisted scale: Generative tools speed scripting, storyboarding and even automated editing, letting small teams punch above their weight.
• Cross-product play: Successful series tie back into the game with codes, cosmetics drops, or narrative DLC to monetize the funnel.

What platforms like Holywater are looking for

When pitching a vertical series, understand the platform's priorities. This shapes how you script, what assets you produce, and how you package audience potential.

• Mobile-first storytelling: Vertical framing, strong visual hooks, and sound-forward production.
• Short episodic arcs: 30 690 seconds per episode with episodic cliffhangers or reveal beats.
• Data signals: Early retention and completion rates from pilot reels or test uploads.
• Scalable IP: Series that can extend into more episodes, seasonal events, or in-game content.
• Clear CTA to play: Install triggers, redeemable codes, or cross-promotions built into episodes.

Concepting a vertical game-based series: framework and checklist

Begin with a simple hypothesis: "If a viewer binge-watches 3 episodes, X% will install and Y% will convert to purchase." Concept everything to prove or disprove that hypothesis quickly.

1. Define your viewer persona and funnel

• Identify the audience: core players, lapsed players, or genre-curious casuals.
• Map the funnel: awareness > watch > CTA > install > first 7-day retention.
• Set realistic KPI targets: e.g., 40% completion on episode 1, 20% click-to-install.

2. Choose the right game/IP and narrative spine

Some games translate to vertical series better than others. Prioritize:

• Character-forward IP: Strong leads or archetypes that carry emotion in 60 seconds.
• Visual hooks: Distinctive art, effects, or mechanics that read well on a small screen.
• Expandable lore: Worlds that support micro-stories, side quests, and episodic reveals.

3. Pick a format that fits your team

• Microdrama: Short, scripted scenes inspired by game characters or lore.
• Gameplay shorts: Highlight moments with commentary or voiceover-driven tension.
• Hybrid narrations: Mix real actors, in-game cutscenes, and AI-generated animations.

Episode length and structure: beats that work

Design for the first 3 seconds, the next 12 620 seconds, and the cliffhanger or CTA.

1. Hook (0 63s): A visual or audio jolt 6 unique asset, a line of dialogue, or motion cue.
2. Setup (4 615s): Establish stakes quickly; a single clear question or conflict.
3. Complication (16 645s): Rise in tension or reveal that makes the next episode necessary.
4. Cliff/CTA (final 5 615s): Either a narrative cliff or a direct install incentive (redeemable skin, limited event).

AI-assisted scripting and production workflows

Generative AI in 2026 can cut writing time, produce rapid storyboards, and generate localized voice tracks. Treat AI as a productivity engine 6 not a replacement for creative judgment.

Practical workflow (fast MVP)

1. Seed with a narrative brief: one-sentence premise, target persona, episode length.
2. Use an LLM to generate 3 pilot concepts and 6 episode synopses. Iterate with humans.
3. Auto-generate shot lists and vertical storyboards using multimodal tools.
4. Create a 1-episode animatic or gameplay-assembled reel.
5. Record or synthesize voice where allowed; use human actors for key emotional beats and consider licensed voice options carefully.
6. Produce a sizzle reel and 2 63 full episodes of a short arc for testing.

Toolstack suggestions (2026-savvy)

• Multimodal LLMs for script drafts and localization prompts.
• Generative video and motion tools for storyboards and quick animations.
• AI-assisted editors for cuts and vertical reframe.
• Voice cloning and multilingual TTS for rapid dubs (with rights clearance).
• Analytics dashboards for retention, CTR and conversion tracking (make sure backend and infra are resilient).

Prompt recipe: generate a 60s pilot beat

Use an LLM prompt like this as a starting point:

Prompt: "Write a 60-second vertical episode for a microdrama tied to the game 'Nightfall: Warden's Run'. Hook in first 3s: a glowing rune. Setup: protagonist is betrayed. Complication: door closes with countdown. Cliff: reveal of an in-game redeem code. Keep sentences short, describe visuals for vertical framing, and include audio cues."

Iterate until the beats are tight. Then map visuals and in-game assets that can be repurposed for the reel.

Budgeting and production tiers

Not every studio needs a large budget. Here are realistic tiers for indie teams.

Micro-budget (DIY indie): $500 65,000

• One-person director/editor using AI tools for writing and editing.
• Gameplay capture, royalty-free music, synthetic voice with license.
• Deliverable: 1 sizzle (30 660s) + 1 pilot episode.

Mid-tier (small studio): $5,000 625,000

• Short shooting days or higher-quality motion capture; paid talent for key lines.
• AI-assisted localization, multiple episode pilots (3 65 episodes).
• Deliverable: Sizzle + 3 episodes + analytics test run.

Studio-grade: $25,000+

• Professional cast, bespoke animation, integrated marketing campaign.
• Deliverable: Full season demo, polished sizzle and A/B test variants.

Packaging the pitch for Holywater and similar platforms

Platforms want proof you can move metrics. Your pitch must be a business case, creative pitch, and technical package all in one.

Essential pitch assets

• Sizzle reel (15 645s): Mobile-optimized, hook-first, shows tone and what makes the series unique.
• Pilot episode (1 full episode): 30 690s, final or near-final polish to showcase retention potential.
• 3 65 episode arc outline: Loglines, cliffhangers and scalability notes.
• Audience and funnel data: persona, expected CTRs, retention targets, and early test metrics if available.
• Monetization plan: in-game cross-promos, drops, ad formats, and estimated ARPDAU uplift.
• Budget and timeline: realistic production milestones and post-launch support plan.
• Rights and license summary: who owns the series, what exclusivity you're offering, and duration.

Slide-by-slide pitch deck outline

1. Cover: Project name, studio, contact, one-line hook.
2. Problem: Why mobile viewers will care (data-backed).
3. Concept: Series logline + visual moodframe.
4. Episodes: Sample beats for 6 episodes and cliffhanger strategy.
5. Audience & Funnel: Target persona + KPI targets.
6. Creative Process: AI-assisted pipeline and team roles.
7. Proof: Sizzle + pilot performance metrics (or test plan).
8. Business: Budget, revenue model, rights, and timeline.
9. Ask: What you want from the platform and what you offer in return.

Legal and IP 6 what to lock down before pitching

Clearances stop deals from derailing. Before you pitch, confirm:

• IP ownership: Who owns characters, lore, and any adaptations?
• Music and voice rights: Licenses for any synthetic voice or stock music used in the pilot.
• Platform exclusivity: Define length and territory if offering exclusivity to a platform.
• Merch and in-game drops: Pre-approve any in-game reward mechanics used as CTAs.

Distribution and monetization strategies

Design episodes to feed installs and revenue.

• Direct CTA: Include redeemable codes and limited-time drops in episodes to measure direct attribution.
• Cross-promotion: Use the series to promote seasonal events and new content within the game.
• Ad-supported and sponsorship: Negotiate native brand tie-ins aligned with game lore.
• Community hooks: Social challenges, UGC prompts, and live finales to bring players together.

Real-world examples and quick wins

Platform signal: Holywater's funding in early 2026 increased buy-side interest in vertical microdramas tied to IP, meaning there are open windows for indie creators who can deliver proof of concept.

Mini case (hypothetical but practical): "Lumen Squad"

An indie 6-person studio with a roguelite mobile title created a 3-episode microdrama focused on one NPC. Using AI-assisted scripting and gameplay capture, they produced a 45s pilot for under $4,000. After A/B testing two hooks, they achieved 42% completion and a 7% CTR to install in test ads. That proof made it easier to negotiate a distribution and drop partnership with a vertical platform.

Quick wins you can do in 2 weeks

• Capture 30s of your most distinctive in-game moment and reframe vertical.
• Write a one-page series bible and use an LLM to expand to 3 episode synopses.
• Produce a single pilot and run a small paid traffic test to measure completion and CTR.

Measurement: what matters and what to report

Report numbers that platforms and partners care about:

• Episode completion rate: percent finishing episode 1 and returning for episode 2.
• Click-to-install rate: viewers who clicked from video to store page.
• Install-to-D7 retention: early retention uplift from viewers vs non-viewers.
• Cost per install (CPI) from video campaigns: critical for ad-supported deals.

Final checklist before you pitch

• Sizzle reel + 1 pilot episode optimized for vertical playback.
• 3 66 episode arc outline with cliffhangers.
• Audience persona, funnel KPIs and early test data or a clear test plan.
• Budget, timeline and rights summary.
• Legal clearances for voices, music and in-game reward mechanics.
• Distribution incentives: drops, codes and community hooks mapped to dates.

Closing: Why act now

Platforms are actively funding and licensing short-form IP in 2026. With higher fidelity AI tools and vertical-first streaming platforms scaling rapidly, indie teams can reach audiences at a fraction of traditional production cost 6 but only if they move with speed, data and discipline. The studios that build tight, testable pilots and package them with clear KPIs will win distribution and audience attention.

Takeaway: Start small, test fast, and package results. Use AI to accelerate, not replace, your creative judgment. Focus each episode on retention and a measurable CTA that ties back to your game.

Call to action

Ready to pitch? Download our free vertical pitch template, sizzle checklist and episode prompt pack designed for indie studios. Build a 1-episode pilot and test it in 14 days 6 then come back and pitch with data. Want personalized feedback on your pitch materials? Contact our editorial team for a free 30-minute review tailored to Holywater-style platforms.

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