I came up with a really cool idea for a game about a month ago. At first it was a basic concept, but I got so into the game that I started expanding upon it. I'm going to school for Game Development and have a couple years left, but my idea turned into a really awesome storyline I’ve never heard before. I've created a Pitch Document, Game Prototype and Design Document, and an in depth storyline. I wouldn't be wanted to actually pitch it and somehow get it made unless I thought it was unique and believable enough to get off the ground. The problems I’m running into are getting a meeting to pitch it in the first place. Every place I’ve tried doesn't take ideas from anyone except companies they work for, or if you pitch an idea to them they say that they can and will use it without your consent. I think it's worth putting effort into to get made, but I don't have the money to get a demo made but can compare how the overall look I want it to look like. Even had my cousin make a logo for me that looks really professional and a catchy title that is simple but says a lot. Anyone have suggestions? Ideas? Know someone in the business I could get in contact with?

You need to read this article and everything after it. Once you comprehend it then go and do it:

http://www.sloperama.com/advice/idea.htm

Quote:
or if you pitch an idea to them they say that they can and will use it without your consent.

Really? How many publishers have told you that? It surprises me that anyone would have such a policy, rather than the first that you mentioned.

Seriously, I'd attempt to do it yourself. That's the only way you would have full control over the final product. What kind of game is it?

I was looking at rockstar games, and reading through their policies it says that anything you say or tell them they can use without your consent. So if you pitch a game to them they can use or modify however they choose to without your consent. Some companies like Eidos have a section specifically for game submissions and are always looking for good games to make either professional or not, just when I try to email them through it I get a notice through hotmail that the address doesn't exist :(

It's not anything I can attempt myself without a team of programmers, artists, level designers, ect. I've been pretty secretive about it just because I don't want it getting out and someone else making it. If I had to compare it to a game out there it would be similar to Hitman: Blood Money. There would be the possibility to switch between 1st and 3rd person views, and you gain skills from how well you complete the missions. Some of the missions would be based on stealth and not getting caught while others would be a run and gun. I've gone though the storyline and made it believable and that everything fits and has some pretty juicy twists incorporated into it also. Only problem is getting an interview or a meeting just to talk about it with someone in the business.

Broadway,

I hope that you looked at the web site that I posted. There are no companies out there that I know of that will take a game design from someone they never heard of and make the game for them. Most companies will not even look at the design. I am not surprised that Eidos had a false link on their website. They just don't want it. Rockstar most likely is just trying to scare people from sending them designs they don't want.

I must agree with those that have said you should make it yourself. Not only is that the only way you'd have full control of the game, but it is also likely to be far easier than breaking into a big game company. So it's not something you can do without programmers and artists? Find them. GameDev has an excellent community of helpful people. However, you might find it hard to accomplish much if you don't either program or do artwork.

Alternatively, you could send the idea to a relatively small company - they're far more likely to look at it than someone like EA or Square-Enix (this is largely an assumption on my part, but it makes sense).

Hope that helps!

That was quite a nice link, ezacharyk.

A nice wake up call, though midly depressing at parts.