Breaking even?

Well, I certainly think you should take into effect the "6x factor" but you should also consider the market and other factors. What price point are you shooting for in your game? What stuff do you get in it? Are you having someone else create them for you so you have to make a minimum order?

Also, you might want to factor in giving away games for free -- for promotional stuff and whatnot. Those factor into cost, and it seems that retailers really like to "try before they buy" often. Also, if you want reviews, be prepared to hand over a few more.

I'd advise making the minimum amount you can, and still be profitable. You can always do a second print run.

-- Scott S.

Well, only risk what you can afford to lose. I'm serious. You might invest in 1000 games, and nobody will buy a one. Not to be a pessimist, but it's within the realm of possibility.

A couple of prospects that I thought were "sure sales" have so far come up dry after I actually went to press. Then again, some prospects that I never expected came through. I've also sold fewer to people I know than I expected. Also, I had to really work to make convention sales, which was just a trickle. Fact is, you don't know what sales will be like until the day comes when you try to sell them. And I don't want anyone to lose their shirt or house on the dream. I get the feeling (from talking to others in my limited circle of small game company peers) that many people in this business have trouble making back what they invested.

Also, I think it's difficult to know what people want in a game. I know that sounds overly basic, but it's more subtle than I at first realized. There is a balance that must be made (I think) between the cost of the product and the goodies you get in it. The more goodies (and the bigger the box to a certain extent), the better "perceived value" of the product. Take a product like one from Days of Wonder, for instance. Little gimmicks like a 10-cent tinkerbell in Mystery of the Abbey can seem really impressive, without adding much cost.

I'm kinda drifting from the subject here. Maybe I should make a new thread. ;-)

I don't want to sound like a pessimist. But if there's anything I can do to help, let me know.

Best wishes.
-- Scott S.