I know it sounds like an total noob, but i have to ask this stupid question: I and some friends have developed an 3D RPG and we want to distribute it now by commercial. so we need a publisher. can anyone explain me the easiest way to get one? isit the best way if we send some letters/email to publishers or is there a better way? My_game_is_cool ;-)

Moving to the business forum.

Read the FAQs on this site. Your chances, even with a completed game are near 0 just so you know (atleast with big guys like EA/Activision/etc).

Your ability to secure a publishing deal will depend on...
a) How good your game is
b) How good you are at negotiating
c) How much the publishers need product.

To find publishers...
1. Buy game magazines
2. Look through the magazine for names of publishers
3. Go to Google and search for these companies
4. Go to their web site and get their contact details
5. Phone them up and ask who handles product acquisition
6. Read this acquisitions article.

Alternatively get an agent to represent you.

Yes, your game has to be REALLY GOOD.

Most likely, an independant development team, such as you and your friends, will not be able to get published by a big name unless you form a business (eg get a license).

If you can manage it, and have a lot of money, you should attempt self-publishing, as you would not have to share profit, thus make more money.

For an independent title, your best bet might be selling it online. Unless it's really amazing, the cost of marketing and distributing the game will exceed any profit a publisher makes, and so they'll ignore it.

Here's one way to do it:
- Set up a website, where people can download the game
- Hook up with a payment gateway ( these guys come very highly recommended from us, but there are others). They'll handle softwrapping (anti-piracy), credit-card processing etc
- Wrap and upload your title; you're now ready to start receiving sales.
- Create a user-forum or a blog; use it to create an enthusiastic community for your game. Publicize the game any way you can.

Read the Dexterity articles. They're pure gold for shareware authors.

Even if you only get a few sales each day, it quickly adds up (the Introversion team were (Darwinia/Uplink) saying they needed just 15 sales/day to keep the team ticking along).

Good luck,

Allan

__ODIN__ is spot on. self publish is the way to go for us little guys 9.9 times out of 10

Don't you just love these guys who make a post, then run away never to be seen again? In this case, my_game_is_cool made the account for the day, made a single post, and has been absent since.

Makes me feel that our input is valued :)

The only ones that DO seem to keep comming back (and back, and back) are the ones that are looking for dubious legal advice on "but WHY can't I rip off Nintendo? It's free-ware, that means it's legit". The energizer bunnies of the biz forum.

Allan