[Pirateiam]

It amazes me that so many people think this is the way to make money. Large publishers don't pay great royalties. I designed and developed 5 games at retail with large publishers. Space Empires IV has earned the developer more in royalties than I made off 5 games through large publishers. Dominions II is on that same track. That is why I started Shrapnel Games - so developers could make money.

Remember that a big publisher also typically means an even smaller share per sold unit to the developers. Unless you can count on massively increased sales, going to a big publisher can actually end up costing you money despite increased market penetration. Oh so true. The truth is, to get Dominions II the numbers at retail to make even the kind of money we pay would require the game being 'dumbed down' - it's 'too' much of a strategy game.

Depends on whether the publisher is willing (unlikely as that is) to front the devs some money to improve their product(s) and/or to develop new products.

Most definitely they would. This is how they make sure they own the code and don't have to pay large royalties. Of course they would ask for less depth too.

Tim,

I do not think they need a big publisher (In fact I think your business model has great merit and have been watching and holding my breath that it will be succesful) but they do need development help (cash)to reach a larger market....but maybe the sad truth is that it would have to be "dumbed down" for a larger market. Since this is your business and you would know if anyone does is there larger market for games like this? Please please tell me that there is so I do not have nightmares of SIMs XXIV Miami Vice edition. Please tell me there is a future for intelligent strategy games so I can enjoy my hobby when I retire lol. It just seems that the pick lists for good strategy games gets smaller and smaller and if I see one more RTS (1.) gather wood, food and Iron 2.) Build big army 3.) click on enemy and send big army....wow strategy! ) I am going to S#$T!

By the way I think I played many of the games you developed. You wrote the code for Soldiers at War right? I still have that game today...hmmm I wonder if it will run on XP?? I really do hope that you are succesful and there is a future for this market and not just a bunch of old men trying to keep our hobby alive. Just wondering do you see young people (18-25) buying your games or are you just serving an established older market?

[ February 18, 2004, 03:41: Message edited by: Pirateiam ]