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hello, I'm new to game development

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Thu, 07/10/2014 - 22:48
Damurack
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Joined: 03/01/2014

Hello,

My name is Steven. I have been gaming since the early 90's, although my serious interest began in 98. I have been following BGG and Dice Tower for some time, although not very vocally. I am wanting to change that.

I live in Wichita, KS currently, which is a good distance away from almost all big conventions. However, the interest in board games is growing. There is even a kickstarter trying to get us a convention currently (Tsunami-con). I have played at the local stores and board game meet UPS, and am known to my friends as a board game collector.

So I will admit that I love games. And now, with certain friends and gamers asking to have me help develop games with them. I also have at least three ideas in early development myself. I am hoping to find out what it takes to get into the board game industry. I am not only just interested in the development, but also what to do about things like licensing, manufacturing, and requirements for creating my own company vs seeking out publishers.

Any info could be helpful, thanks for reading.

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Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:50
#1
seo
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Hello Steve, welcome to the

Hello Steve, welcome to the BGDF!

This and BGG are two good places to get in touch with people in the industry. Many old-time BGDF members are published designers, both through publishers or by self-publishing, though most of those are not very active these days. Many designers and publishers are BGG members too.

I suppose game conventions (and game designer meetings) are another good place to start getting in touch with industry insiders.

But the most important thing, I guess, is to ask yourself the question: do you want to deal with all the business and marketing side of running a game publishing company, or would you rather just focus on creating and developing games? Those are two very different activities, and both require a lot of time. Find out which one you are passionate about, and go for it.

In any case, keep in mind that while it is reasonably achievable to become a published game designer, or to run a game publishing company, it is not so easy to turn that into a full time job. Which is why it is important that whatever path you choose, you want to enjoy the ride, more than to reach a destination. But from my personal experience (currently published game designer and game artist), it is quite an enjoyable ride. :)

Ariel

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Fri, 07/11/2014 - 23:41
#2
Damurack
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Thanks

Thanks for the info. I am planning on this to be a side project so it will not be my only income.

I am not sure if I would like to develop or if project management would be what I would like more.

I come up with different game ideas all of the time, but I do need to learn more into game mechanics and statistics so I can make games that people will enjoy and that will also be challenging and balanced.

I also want to learn how the business works so I can know where to go for licensing and where to go when I need to locate an artist or where to find out who will be able to create bits and materials.

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