Accepting Game Submissions

I’m glad to directly answer all questions. Nothing mentioned is offensive. These are legitimate concerns. This is a new venture. A sales force is not currently in place awaiting independent games. Phase 1 establishes the game line followed by Phase 2, developing the distribution network. Reversing this sequence isn’t possible. Distributor commitments require tangibles.

Although a new venture in regards to independent games, our business model is common in other industries. Enhancements have been included, tailored to independent games and specific marketing objectives. Personally, I have 25 years of experience. The first 14 years were working for large corporations. International Paper is one example. For 11 years and currently, I am the managing partner of a consulting and development firm. On several occasions, I have implemented projects for companies in which I was previously employed. Business is about building relationships. Understandably, this venture is an unknown quantity to this community.

The core elements of Gigglebox Games(SM) are structured similar to a client in another industry processing approximately $350,000 per month in sales. Having recently celebrated their first anniversary and now branching into other countries, they are experiencing tremendous growth. Half of our business day is devoted to assisting this one client. All other clients combined consume the remainder. At the moment, my evenings and weekends are dedicated to Gigglebox. Our goals are realistic. This is very much a long-term commitment. We have already received several submissions.

One misconception may be that Gigglebox is a general resource for all self-publishers. I wish this were possible. Because our target audience is the general public, the game line must be and remain limited. Principles of marketing apply. The objective is for players to become intimately familiar with the entire line, returning to purchase other games and eventually desiring multiple copies for gifting. Too many options dilute focus. Designer bios are especially important. Similar to book authors, players will relate to the faces behind the games. Many self-publishers and hobby publishers already do this well. For those who watch Food Network, the chefs have become stars. There are many marketing principles that are frequently and inexplicably neglected.

Independent games designed for hobby followers should pursue hobby market distribution channels. Any other approach would be inappropriate and ineffective. The hobby market is highly competitive. There are thousands of games and numerous niches. Hobby community expertise would be imperative. We are seeking great independent games that are appealing to the general public. Submission information is confidential. I can say in general, excellent games do exist but haven’t found their audience. Some are on store shelves experiencing dismal sales because hobby distribution does not reach their optimal audience. Those available online are often discounted. When cost is high, profit is nominal. Designers even sell at a loss in hopes of gaining popularity over time. By signing with us when we extend offers in April, our mission is to transform prior disappointments into positive realities starting mid-year.

Game selection will be strategically diverse to cover a full range of demographics and marketing objectives. Game submission is merely a declaration of interest without commitment or obligation. A decision not to participate is certainly a personal choice. Receiving a licensing agreement from a large publisher would be far superior in comparison. Four generalized groups define ages: child, teen, hipster (20 to 39), and adult. Of course, some games cross two or more age groups. Not every young adult can be categorized as a hipster. Sex is a factor in addition to personality type. Selection complexity exceeds the evaluation of each game individually. Once individually determined solid and desirable, the game line objectives must align well. Tough decisions will be necessary should multiple games ranked as desirable fall into the same demographic objective.

These distributors frequent Market in Dallas and attend general business tradeshows. Toys and novelties are common. In regards to games, imported knock-offs and gimmicks tend to default due to limited availability of better options. Not barring exceptions, inferior game lines have been attempted. Done properly with great independent games spotlighting their designers, we have no fear of failure. Can we guarantee astronomical success with absolute certainty? No. Again, our model works well in another industry. A slow to moderate start is a realistic expectation. Like with any new business or venture, success is the result of concerted effort and time. At the moment, we are pooling the talent without risk to anyone expressing an interest. Something equally important to us is having no fine print or surprises in our contracts. We would rather have a self-publisher decline agreement if not completely comfortable with the terms. The information on our website is intentionally forthcoming. Answers to specific questions are available simply upon asking.

Thank you, Sam!

I agree with your assessment of our website. Improvements will be implemented before the end of the month. The left menu is disjointed, especially on larger desktops. A new design will be finalized soon.

Hobby game publishers are categorized as self-publishers. Submissions have been received from established and widely recognized names. We have answered questions and mutual interest is ongoing. Throughout March and April, our door is open to all self-publishers. Designers with no desire to self-publish could team up with publishers they know to explore joint ventures. Production is beyond the scope of what we offer. Suggestions and advice we provide may be helpful. Self-publishers must be established or have a solid business plan before a contract can be offered. Understandably, designers do express frustration that this opportunity is limited to self-publishers.

Sam, great observation. The left menu no longer floats. A client’s staff designer created this template a few years ago. She had set the width to 908px. To quickly have an initial website, alternate images and other adjustments were applied. It now matches the designer’s specification, very close to precisely matching the width that you identified. The new website design will correspond with Phase 2.

For many years, I have implemented processes such as these for clients. The one most similar is described in post #5. Although a different industry, distribution is a perfect model for Gigglebox. I have partnering relationships with several marketing experts spanning many clients and industries.

Traz, there are multiple options. No obligation exists to submit a game. It merely indicates that you would like to be considered and provides enough basic information for us to review the game.

The Game Crafter is a great company and makes self-publishing a reality for many designers. Cost and shipping are key factors. Keep in mind that this is a generic example. If the suggested retail price of a game were $40, the wholesale price would be approximately half. The self-publisher would receive $20 per game plus reasonable shipping. If production cost were $10, gross profit would be $10 equating to 50% of wholesale price and 25% of retail price. The average licensing royalty is only 5%. By self-publishing and having good distribution, a game designer could create a profitable business. In a similar scenario where production cost is $15, gross profit is 25% of wholesale price and 12.5% of retail price. For The Game Crafter to be a viable option, cost would need to fall into an acceptable range. Also, timely production and prompt drop shipping are necessary as well.

Several well-known publishers have submitted games. Teaming up with a publisher as a joint venture may be possible. You would first need to submit your game and affirm by email your permission to share the information. Mention in the comments field that you desire assistance coordinating production. We’ll send an email formatted to affirm your permission. Whether or not selected, I’ll be glad to provide suggestions and advice. If you know a publisher or self-publisher, ask questions and benefit from their expertise.

We have developed a list of not-so-common resources. More detail about your game is necessary to know which referrals are appropriate.