Forgive me for asking again on a topic that I'm sure has been covered, but has answers scattered all over the forum. I have thought of and developed a strategy board game. I've created a homemade map-based board, homemade pieces, cards, etc. I have written the rules. I have played the game with others and have received positive feedback. I am probably not in a position to manufacture, publish, market and sell the game, as this appears to be like running a full time business. I am leaning towards the next steps in trying to license the game out to a game producer. I would be interested in any feedback, thoughts, links, leads, etc. on what I should do next. JT
Next steps for new game
Wed, 01/12/2011 - 14:54
Wed, 01/12/2011 - 18:03
#1
Build a second (and third) prototype
Check publishers. Find those that publish game of the same kind of yours and are willing to take unsolicited submitions. Write a good summary about the game with all the technical data. Write a sample gameplay. Have a second (and third) prototype ready to ship at your cost. Contact them one at a time. Give them a couple of weeks to give you a reply. Expect a 4-6 months delay if a publisher is willing to test your prototype. Be open to editor's critiques and expect many changes be made to your prototype. It's your game but it's their money at stake. Forget about money, because you won't be seeing any (unless you create the next Dominion). Create noise for your game. Upload a print and play version of it in a shared folder (dropbox). Get people to play and review it. Start with your non-blind testers. Add it to the BGG database, have users rate it, comment it, ask questions about it, post questions, sessions and reviews about it. This is the hard way.
If you are really that sure the game is solid. Enter a contest. This means less work but more money spent on prototypes. Translate rules and send it abroad if necessary.
Belive it or not. You have less than 10% of a published game at this stage. Good luck.
Keep thinking!
Wed, 01/12/2011 - 22:10
#4
published means on shelves,
published means on shelves, regardless of who did it. licensed means you didn't do it yourself, someone else payed you for the publication rights.
Thu, 01/13/2011 - 11:17
#7
Your prototype is fine for
Your prototype is fine for trying to get a publisher interested. If they do license the game from you they will foot the bill for all the art, rules layout and molds if plastic parts are required.
The only time i would recommend making a finished mockup is when you’re trying to self publish and are seeing investors.
Thanks pastor mora...I noticed a couple months back that there was a game contest that ended in Oct/Nov 2010 and that there would be another one in 2011 (maybe Reno). Do you know anything about that one or another one that might be worth the effort? What intrigued me most about it was the contest description said you didn't even have to have one manufactured yet (minimum of an idea that you could describe). I thought we would be well ahead of that with our home made version.