starting a games company
polycount lvl 666
how much cash do you think you need to start a small games company
Would it a be a stupid idea in todays climate?
just looking for lots of opinions here.
Would it a be a stupid idea in todays climate?
just looking for lots of opinions here.
Replies
-What skills do you have in creating games - in a small game company the more you can do the less you'll have to pay others to do it for you.
-It's always a stupid idea to start a company games related or not in my opinion- stupid ideas can become some great inventions; you just have to be willing to take the risk.
-I'm sure the games market for indie companies hasn't changed much over the years, it's simply if your product is good, it will sell, no matter what's going on in the world (kids aren't effected by the economy, and people don't seem to be set back so far right now that they can't buy their kids video games).
-As far as how much you'll need, I have no clue on the answer, though one can assume: if you want quality be ready to dish out QUITE a big chunk of change.
I think starting a games company is both a fun but risky thing. I'd hate to shun anyone from trying, though you're a lot more likely with success if you have the proper background (you have skills of your own, you know what you're doing and have worked in the field). If you do take this road I wish you the best of luck though!
Edit: spelling
JKMakowka - Why the isle of man?
Then add however many months of running costs, salaries, sent, Coke & Redbull you'd need until you think you're going to get signed, then double it twice and you'll get close.
http://www.isleofman.com/finance/why_iom/
I would say you should plan to have enough cash to float your first three titles. This way you are not at the mercy of a publisher, well not as much anyway.
For what platform? Devkits
How many staff? Hardware and software licensing, social aspects like healthcare, pensions, tax contributions.
A company that I worked at at one point was pissing away just over a million quid a month on staff, premises etc. There were about 60 people there.
Rick, i think thats jumping the gun a bit. i think being a sensible tpye, if I were to start a company it would be very small scale, ie mobile/online games. this would require minimal investment at first and would act as a way of testing the water wihout actually getting your feet burnt
Figure out a few little ideas and develop them as best you can yourself. Get some solid designs on paper. Try and find a coder who is interested in developing one, and get a quick prototype done with stand in graphics. You can easily get a simple game up and running in a week or so - especially if you use an existing engine as a test bed/sandbox.
This will let you see if the game is fun. If so, continue.
i did hear somewhere that there is plenty of money to be made in this type of game( mobile games/online stuff)
Points of Interest:
1) It is MORE than a job, it is a lifestyle. Be prepared to make sacrifices, this is true for any business.
2) Every business is scalable. Determine your "wants" then let reality sink in and figure your "needs".
3) It takes money to make money. You need a strong business plan, tight budget, supportive friends/spouse/staff/family who you can maybe even ask for a small capital investment.
4) Timing is key. You need to position yourself and your company when costs are low and demand is high. In the games biz the demand usually occurs around Nov~Dec and June~July.
5) Research and ask questions. The best thing you can do is ask anyone and everyone questions and do alot of research on everything involved.
Ok I could go on forever, but you need to figure everything out for your self.
A GREAT resource is the IDGA www.idga.com as well as Gamasutra...Also you should look at the legal aspects of starting a business in your state.
Good luck ;-)
yeah...(dot)org god i feel dumb
hmm isle of man, aint that the place where they run around naked and burn people in giant wooden statues like that "wicker man" movie ?
[/ QUOTE ]
.....ahem.
I've just moved from TV animation to a games publisher/developer called IncaGold plc which has opened new offices here. I've been freelancing for them for about a year before that, and they're happy enough with the Govt incentives. Come on over, leave your clothes and bring plenty of straw.
If you decide to go Palm/Pocket PC, check out www.game-editor.com. They have some nice middleware for PPC that costs $15.
Marketing mobile games is a bitch. Actually, dealing with telcos is a bitch. Negotiate for inclusion in their stable for a few months, and the most exposure you get is a 'What's New' listing on their WAP sites. Every country is a brand new negotiation. Ever try dealing with non-English speakers on a monthly basis? Unless you're prepared to spend on your own publicity, online market places are your best bet (i.e. Handango, and another upcoming one I forget the name of that's dedicated to Symbian games)
Hey the best thing about mobile games is all the tools you need are free! Borland C++ Builder, GraphicsGale, etc. If you try to port your games to as many platforms as possible, you'll spend a lot trying to keep your handsets updated. Some companies like to focus on the game design, build for one platform, and farm out the porting.
Just some advice from a 'seasoned pro', heh. I've been in mobile games for 1 1/2 years, made it to senior artist, and I'm moving on to PC (finally!) Thought I'd share what I think I know.
[ QUOTE ]
hmm isle of man, aint that the place where they run around naked and burn people in giant wooden statues like that "wicker man" movie ?
[/ QUOTE ]
.....ahem.
I've just moved from TV animation to a games publisher/developer called IncaGold plc which has opened new offices here. I've been freelancing for them for about a year before that, and they're happy enough with the Govt incentives. Come on over, leave your clothes and bring plenty of straw.
[/ QUOTE ]
heheh
http://hawken.dadako.com/work.history.babel.php?page=incagold2
But I agree, I had a Pocket PC and I wished at the time that there were more games. Then again, I didn't want to pay for any of them
I suppose a certain level of creative freedom is attractive too.
I have head full of ideas , but rarely get the chance to explore them
I hope this is not a trick question., like I should have said its because I want to be millionaire or something.
Anyway, some great responses and interesting info coming out in this thread.
btw here are some cool websites:
http://indiegamer.com/
http://tigsource.com/
Might aswell do it for yourself rather than 'the man'.
Good luck Ruz in whatever you decide. A word of advice: don't go in with a bunch of mates just 'cos you like hanging out. I've seen that a lot especially in the days of 6 or 7 years ago when several small co.s started to offshoot from Bullfrog as it was being bought out by EA. Set up with people for their skills. People with talent, dedication and experience.
1) Be part of something successful.
If you are going to produce for consoles, you are going to need a publisher. You can avoid this step with PC games, but with consoles it's critical. These guys are going to be giving you money, to create a game for them. They are going to evaluate your company, your team and you personally before handing over any amount of money. If you have been part of just one successful project, convincing a publisher to back you will be easier than if you worked on a series of lackluster titles. Think about it this way, you have 10 million dollars to finance a developer to produce a game for you.
Company A is lead by two industry veterans who worked on the original EverQuest as the lead network programmer and lead quest designer.
Company B is lead by two industry veterans who worked on various budget RPG titles as environment artists.
Company A clearly has a shot at securing some funding based off of one title. Company B is going to have a tough time.
2) Decide on a project that has a market and the potential to sell.
Should be a no-brainer, but I've known tons of people who started companies based on a idea they've had for years. Unfortunately, the idea is usually so artsy and disconnected from anything that sells, no one bites. Usually companies lead by artists have this problem (on a side note, can you name some powerful developers lead artists?)
There is no shame in doing a game you think is going to sell but isn't your first choice, because if it does, it might buy you that chance to make the game you've always wanted to do.
If you don't see a title on the shelves that isn't like the project you are thinking about making - there is a reason for that. Publishers are not paying developers to make those games.
Good luck.