Hi All,
It's been a while since I posted, and I'm looking for a little advice to get started down the publication path. I've got 2 game prototypes under my belt and I'm looking for next steps in getting off the ground.
Prototype 1 - working title Knight's Quest (KQ) has seen hundreds of hours of play-testing, including several blind play-test sessions where I had a team play 'fly on the wall' and take notes - while also having participants fill out questionnaires about the game. I've had several blind play-testers ask to return for future sessions, so I think that's a fair sign that the game is fun and desirable.
I also have 3 'expansions' or 'advanced scenarios' available for the game that have similarly tested well.
KQ has enjoyed several rounds of mechanic tune-up based on observation and suggestion from various rounds of play-testers, and now I believe it is in a state of readiness for publisher evaluation.
Now I'm actively searching Publisher Websites for those that best fit this game. It's a largish 4X game, could be re-themed or re-branded fairly easily, plays up to 6 people, 30-45 mins/player, involves euro-style 'everyone plays to the end' mechanics, along with exploration, resource gathering, building, character development and some innovative game mechanics.
Prototype 2 - working title Monster's Lunch (ML) is a lighter euro-style game that includes mechanics of tile-laying, secret goal pursuit, interactive player mechanics, and very light dice rolling. It plays up to 6 people, 15-20 mins/player.
Once this game goes through a similar play-testing period, I think it will 'quickly' be ready for publication too.
I've also been reading the game blog of Sen-Foong Lim and Jay Cormier of Belfort fame, and gathering wisdom from their experience and process.
I'm hoping for a little push in the right direction. Can anyone offer advice as to the best way to get started down the publication path?
