[games_access] First time videogame designer needs help?

[Thomas Westin]

Hi again Rob,

Sorry for slow feedback, been too busy 

It is impossible to say how much money you need based on this brief information; try to find out what is the maximum amount you can apply for and go for slightly less. 

Further, I would suggest that you consider three things, which I learned long ago in a project course, and applied when making games. The basic thing is flexibility, at least one of these points should be flexible/scalable:

1. The game design - should be scalable i.e. possible to make a finished game even though you are not able to include all parts of the original design. (See also point 3 below). 

2. The level of competence needed. Do you need people who are working professionally or can you do with students in need of extra money while studying? As  a rule of thumb; if your game design is possible to implement with existing solutions in a ready-made engine, such as Unity, for e.g. physics, networking, rendering etc, all you need is basically someone who is skilled scripting in Unity, or fairly skilled programmer who can quickly learn Unity scripting. The choice of engine is of course crucial and today I would not recommend anything but Unity for small-scale dev.

3. Resources in time and money. Since you are applying for a fixed sum (I guess), try to have time scalable to some extent. In case you run out of money to pay programmers and animators, you may get help from students willing to help out for free just to get a portfolio for their studies; they may take more time to do the same job, so that’s why flexible time is good.

For hiring the animator or programmer; have some typical things in your game and let them show you live that they are able to do it in practice, while you are watching. That is the only way to know for sure, and you can easily compare different applicants. If that is not possible, ask for work they have done and references. If they are students, they should have some portfolio already.

Finally, look out for the fine print in any agreement you do; make sure you are not personally liable in the event that you are not able to finish the game, on time or according to plan (or at all). It may jeopardize your personal economy.

Hope this helps,

Best regards
Thomas W.

8Jan 2014 kl. 20:54 skrev Rob Florio <mouthartcomic at gmail.com>:

> Hello my old friends. Not old, but I've known you for a while. I've got a opportunity coming up to create my very own accessible game. However, I need a lot of advice. If you're interested in joining my project for higher or consultation, please email me back.
> Mouthartcomic at Gmail.com
> 
> I'm in the process of submitting my idea proposal and my deadline is February 28. I need to hire and get advice from programmers and animators. And possibly more down the road. But to get me started on the right track. If you can advise me. Anyone that can give me advice on the hiring process and the right programmers animators or I can find them. I have to put together a budget and I'm not sure exactly how much I will need to put aside or request. These three things I need pretty soon.
> 
> 1. Advice on how much money to ask for my project.
> 2. Advice from an hiring the right animator.
> 3. Advice from an hiring the right programmer.
> 
> In addition to that I need some professional referrals. People I worked with in the past who can speak on my behalf on my eligibility in my ability to complete and be worth awarded the money for my project.
> 
> If Michelle Hinn can send me a private email. Please with your availability and contact information. If you can help me out. I would really appreciate that to be one of my references.
> I have also asked David Perry. Who I have worked with in the past on a volunteer game he invited me to design called project top-secret. Look it up. I was one of the 22 finalists.
> Also, Eric Walker. I helped him with reviews and advice on his strange attractor videogame.
> 
> If you can please contact me or have any advice or guidance for me the right direction to go. Please let me know. My background is a bachelor's degree in video game art and design in 2007. Since then I've done finally started my art career with the Association of foot and mouth painting artists 2013. I started my standup comedy career three years ago. I have a spinal cord injury when I was 14 and I'm now 31 going on 32 in March.
> 
> It's my dream to create my own game can turn my original comic book concept that I have been working on since 2009 into an accessible videogame. If you're interested in applying to help me out please contact me and send me a personal email and visit my website.
> 
> My deadline for my proposal is February 28. Really appreciate if someone could help me out for them.
> 
> Rob Florio
> Mouthartcomic at Gmail.com
> www.RobertFlorio.com
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