so...how am i to make my games if i have no money? Is there a way to get 'sponsored'? i have some great ideas, but no way to start! i could make a simple prototype, but, would a publisher even look at something like that, or do i have to have a finished product?
no money!
Sat, 08/27/2011 - 16:24
Sat, 08/27/2011 - 18:26
#1
Publishers, in general, will
Publishers, in general, will look at almost anything (well I should clarify if you are talking board games). They are looking for a solid game, the art/graphics or "eye-candy" is something you should not worry about. Work on making the best, simple version you can. Playtest it with friends/family and when you think it works well, it should be good enough for most publishers to see the value.
Now, if you can find "fancy" or any clipart on the internet that helps depict your desired theme, use it! It will help with the feel of the playtesting and also refining your mechanics (should your game try to really simulate some aspect of the associated theme).
BUT DONT LET LACK OF MONEY, STOP YOU! You can always have your simplistic versions on hand and maybe it will all work out.
Sun, 08/28/2011 - 19:46
#3
a start
started making my prototype today! coming out very nicely so far. my 11 year old helped me, so it was a good fam activity also. made the base of my board, some of the needed cards, and some of the player pieces(card board and wire) thanks again for the inspiring words. :)
Tue, 08/30/2011 - 11:31
#4
Great to here new to the game
Great to here new to the game :)
Take a look on some really helpful stickies on the board game geek site about how to start with some good prototypes.
eg. an idea that I simply hadn't realised is: for cards, simply put a deck of playing cards into sleeves and slip in bits of paper that you have written on. This way it is easy to change minor details without having to remake cards etc.
Hope it goes well for you and your family as well!
Make sure you post up your ideas on here that we can have a look and help you out :)
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 06:11
#5
You might want to try The
You might want to try The Game Crafter.
You can design a game there, print some cards or boards, use some pawns, cubes, dice etc.
I don't know what exactly you need or want to do, but it's worth a shot.
And when you are sure it works (you have playtested it), got some feedback from others who may buy your game on TGC, you would send the prototype to publishers. What then, it's beyond me. :)
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 19:35
#6
my game
i have made the prototype, tested it, made some much needed changes, and now i ran through it again. each time i play it, i see many changes that i need to make. i have some serious thinking to do. the second run through was infinitely more fun! i have hope, and i think i have made quite a fun, new, and interesting game. the style is roughly 'monopoly' style, but you have more choice in game play, at least as far as player movement. i have a long way to go. my board is ready for a complete makeover, parts of it are a little confusing at the moment. i am anxious to get my design right, so that i can craft a somewhat final copy, and make it 'feel' better.
Thu, 09/01/2011 - 02:44
#7
That's great!
That's great news! You're definitely on the right track there.
I'd suggest testing it with different groups. There's never too much testing. Since you're going for a Monopoly feel, be aware there are close to a thousand different Monopoly flavored games out there, so make sure yours stands out. That is avoid "yet another Monopoly" ;)
Thu, 09/01/2011 - 14:14
#8
mine is far from anything i
mine is far from anything i have ever seen. geared towards older teens and adults, although, i have been playing with my 11 y.o with a few of the cards taken out. the only thing that i feel makes it a monopoly flavored game, is the roll and move aspect. i am trying to make there be more player control. i am going to redesign my board today, and try to get some of the flaws out. i hope to be ready to test it with others soon, but i want to get it close to right first. thanx for the advice :)
cool! ty for the advice. feeling less halted :)