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Publishing my game

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Lee
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Joined: 12/31/1969

New at this! What would be the best way for publishers to see my game and hopefully obtain a contract deal? There is a Toronto game fair in January and I was considering showing my game there. Do publisher's often sign deals with inventors at these shows or is it best to send your game directly to the publisher/game manufacturer individually and wait out a reply? Are these game conventions more for self publishers wishing to sell their game to retailer or are they also for new game inventors wishing to get a contract deal? Do you think with all the people attending these events that the chances are greater for someone to steal aspects of your game rather that dealing with the hastles of contracts?

Any info would be greatly appreciated

Thanks-----------Lee

Anonymous
Publishing my game

I have heard people use both methods youdescribe. If you're planning to go to a game fair then bring your prototype and see if anyone is interested in trying it out. I have heard that publishers who officially do not accept unsolicited games are sometimes willing to try out a prototype at a con.

You may also approach a publisher with a proposal for your game (never submit a prototype unless they specifically ask you for one).

The only caution I would send with you is never submit a proposal or prototype of a game to a publisher and then bring a prototype of that game to a con to show other publishers. Show another game or wait until you get an official decision (which can take a LONG time depending on the publisher) on your game before showing it to anyone else. The last thing you want is for two publishers to want it and then to have to tell one that you gave it to someone else.

As for other people stealing your ideas, a con is a very uncontrollable arena in which to demo your game. Unless you lock your playtesters away in a small room, you can't stop others from wandering by to watch, and there's no way to get them all to sign non-disclosure agreements. Not that there's a great threat of someone stealing your game or ideas. I'm not familiar with the convention scene so maybe someone else can chime in, but I will say that ideas are a dime a dozen (if not cheaper).

Best of luck to you with your game!

Lee
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Publishing my game

Do you then think that showing my game at the convention may turn publishers away, being everyone else would have already seen it including other publishers?
I am not sure which approach would be the best route to take. Unfortunately, I am already signed up for the toy fair in Jan. so I guess there is no turning back either way. After reading more into the show info., it seems as if the show is more for game inventors who wish to self publish and sell to retailers. The only reason that I wouldn't go this route is the cost$$ Is there a way to self publish without going into debt?

Lee

zaiga
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Publishing my game

SiskNY wrote:
The only caution I would send with you is never submit a proposal or prototype of a game to a publisher and then bring a prototype of that game to a con to show other publishers. Show another game or wait until you get an official decision (which can take a LONG time depending on the publisher) on your game before showing it to anyone else. The last thing you want is for two publishers to want it and then to have to tell one that you gave it to someone else.

I keep hearing this, and it's true for some publishers (Amigo comes to mind), but it is my experience that a lot of publishers really don't mind looking at a prototype which you sent to other publisher as well. In fact, I had one publisher tell that it was in fact a good thing that another publisher was looking at the same game at the same time, because that was an indication that the design had potential. In any case, check with the publisher what their policy is on this matter and act accordingly.

zaiga
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Publishing my game

Lee wrote:
I am not sure which approach would be the best route to take. Unfortunately, I am already signed up for the toy fair in Jan. so I guess there is no turning back either way. After reading more into the show info., it seems as if the show is more for game inventors who wish to self publish and sell to retailers. The only reason that I wouldn't go this route is the cost$$ Is there a way to self publish without going into debt?

Nothing in this world is for free. You have to ask yourself whether you are a designer, or a businessman. Do you design games simply for the love of it, or do you want to make money off of your designs? There's nothing wrong with either of them, and there are examples of people being successful at both at the same time, but simply thinking about it would answer your question.

Personally, I decided some time ago that I'm a designer, not a businessman, and that I don't want to pour my time and money into the business side of things. So, I simply submit my designs to publishers in the hope to get a contract, and earn my small percentage of royalties.

Anonymous
Publishing my game

zaiga wrote:
In fact, I had one publisher tell that it was in fact a good thing that another publisher was looking at the same game at the same time, because that was an indication that the design had potential.

I am encouraged by this, since the process of submitting to a publisher can take so long, that it would be great to be able to submit to more than one at a time.

Lee wrote:
Do you then think that showing my game at the convention may turn publishers away, being everyone else would have already seen it including other publishers?

I don't think this would be the case at all. If a publisher see something in your game, then he'll ask if he can have it to review in depth or make some other overtures to lock in the rights. I don't think it would hurt you to take your game to the con.

Lee
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Publishing my game

Don't get me wrong, I'd be extremely happy with a small check rolling in every now and again from a publishing co. In fact this is what I hope happens, but if they aren't interested in my game then what? Are there other ways of getting my game off of the dust covered book shelf that don't have to break the bank? I'm curious if a printing co. would ever strike up a deal with a game inventor to print a run of games for a royalty or is it pretty much just the game manufacturer/publishers that take on all costs?

Lee

Anonymous
Publishing my game

zaiga wrote:
Personally, I decided some time ago that I'm a designer, not a businessman, and that I don't want to pour my time and money into the business side of things.

Yeah, I went this same route quite a while ago. I keep thinking about managers that are promoted from their jobs and no longer do the things they love. In exchange they get to attend every meeting ever held on earth. I'd rather design games than do what it takes to be a successful publisher.

Quote:
So, I simply submit my designs to publishers in the hope to get a contract, and earn my small percentage of royalties.

Yeah, that's where I am, and I have only submitted one game so far. The whole process can take so frustratingly long that I go back to dreaming about publishing my own games, but I know how that story ends.

Lee wrote:
...but if they aren't interested in my game then what?

There are enough publishers out there that someone will publish your game. They will probably make some changes and will probably take a while to get your game out there, but stick to it. If one turns you down, ask for feedback to see if you could have done anything better. They may not give you any, but it shouldn't hurt to ask. Then submit to someone else. Keep submitting and designing.

Someday you may want to try self-publishing, and there are a variety of ways to go about it (several ways of publishing and distributing your game), just do your research and know what you're getting into before you start.

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