6 replies to this topic

[bbaker]

I am a new Game Designer with a completed MSc in Game Design, and have a few ideas for a new game. However, I'm in desperate need for funding for this game, and or experienced and knowledgeable people interested in collaborating and helping with my idea.

My questions are: How can I get funding for this? And secondly, where can I find cheap labor to aid in my game?

Also, I have ample experience in Web Design, Print Design, Game Design among other Design areas, and would be grateful for freelance work on the side if anyone is interested in hiring. Perhaps this will help in employing a team for my game as well.

Any ideas are welcomed. My website is listed below for contact and in case anyone is interested in also hiring for freelance work.

http://www.masterminddesign.net/

Thanks, Ty - Mastermind Design, RT

[alphadog]

bbaker said:

How can I get funding for this?

Depends on how much...

I'm assuming you mean enough to cover development expenses for a few months. Without a pedigree or a prototype, you won't find any real investors. Actually, in this economy, without both you won't find any real sums of money.

You basically have two choices: a) knock up friends and relatives, and/or find a way to bootstrap a prototype. Bootstrapping is a combination of finding creative ways to reduce expenses and also finding other sources of revenue to fund your prototype.

One of the best threads here is this one.

bbaker said:

And secondly, where can I find cheap labor to aid in my game?

Define "cheap labor"? Paid employees or volunteers?

For the cheapest paid staff, you can go to Bangladesh, Philippines etc. Good luck with that approach, though. Either you aren't big enough for skilled outsourcees, or you end up with a butt-in-seats, third-tier outfit. And, it isn't as rosy as the Fortune 500s make it seem.

Volunteers? That comes with its own issues, but essentially you have to create a "recruitment campaign". Many of the principles in marketing apply. Get some buzz that appeals to potential volunteers.

Good luck.

PS: Don't ask for funding for a project and seek freelance work in the same breath. Most people won't see either as something to line up for...

[bbaker]

Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate the help. Do you happen to know of any upcoming conferences (world-wide) that I could present a prototype at once I have one set up? Perhaps this way it could generate some leads to investors?

[Reedbeta]

GDC is coming up in a few months and I'm told it's a good place for networking with potential partners.

[alphadog]

Or, if you are in a rush, the one in China is next month...

If you are a US-based dev, the top monster conferences are E3, Game Developer Conference (GDC) and the Independent Games Festival (IGF). You may want to see if there are any other regional ones near you. These may be better for networking than the huge ordeal that E3 is. For example, there's the New Game Conference for HTML5-based games next week in San Fransisco.

Also, check if you have a local IGDA chapter, and find their events and meetings.

BTW, one way of finding funding I thought of last night is Kickstarter and like. It's very "long tail" which means it requires a lot from you (ie. protorypes, materials, lots of guerilla marketing), but makes funding possible when you don't have a pedigree to wave in front of investors and publishers.

[Tekniko64]

You could also post an ad in the paper, on craigslist and on street lamps. Say something like "Avid Game Designer looking for funding! Meet this day at this place. Free coffee included"

Then brush up on your public speaking. Dont tell them how awesome your game is. Instead tell them how it will attract customers and in turn revenue. Bring financial projections. Even if its all bullshit. Just dont come off looking stupid.

[Siddhartha]

Hi Clark,

This is Siddhartha, the Director and Game Producer at 2Pi Interactive Pvt Ltd.I had gone through your site and i am impressed with your profile,must say.I have send a mail to your id ty@masterminddesign.net.Kindly check it and get back to me immediately.

Thank you.

bbaker, on 26 October 2011 - 04:29 PM, said:

I am a new Game Designer with a completed MSc in Game Design, and have a few ideas for a new game. However, I'm in desperate need for funding for this game, and or experienced and knowledgeable people interested in collaborating and helping with my idea.

My questions are: How can I get funding for this? And secondly, where can I find cheap labor to aid in my game?

Also, I have ample experience in Web Design, Print Design, Game Design among other Design areas, and would be grateful for freelance work on the side if anyone is interested in hiring. Perhaps this will help in employing a team for my game as well.

Any ideas are welcomed. My website is listed below for contact and in case anyone is interested in also hiring for freelance work.

http://www.masterminddesign.net/

Thanks, Ty - Mastermind Design, RT