Well, this is my first post. I didn't really know where to post this topic because it's kind of a general question, but I decided on this forum because it has to do with the creative side of things. Anyway, I have a lot of ideas for games. I think a lot about them. I know what the gameplay, the story, and the characters will be like. I know what the art will look like (though I'm not the best at technical drawing) and have a strong sense for the feel of the game. And I have like five game ideas like this. Rather developed, in my head. And I feel that they are all very innovative and interesting in an artistic sense. There are a few questions I would like to ask. How do I go about getting one of these projects closer to getting made? At the moment, it's just me and my friend saying, "One day we will be great game developers. I will do the ideas and art, and you learn C#, and we will start small, and build up." Which is kind of wishful thinking. Should I just post in the forums? One thing I'm a little wary about, is I've heard stuff like, "Never put your game ideas on the internet or submit them to big companies, bigwigs will steal them if they're good." Basically what I want to know at this point is, how do I get a kind of casual, not especially serious project started and finished, so I can get into game development? There is another detail, and I'm afraid the answer may be, "wait until you can focus on it or go to school for it." I'm just in high school and have a bit of a schedule. So that's why I want kind of a casual project at this point. Finally,with my second paragraph up there (this is getting to be a loooong post) exactly what kind of position in the making of a game does this describe? I kind of have all these ideas, and want to put them into game form - but somehow I feel like I'm asking for a little much creative control, especially since I've never worked on an independent game before. I guess it's kind of a huge thing to ask for, being in charge of all this stuff. But to get closest to this, do I want to be game director, or what? I hope this post made sense. I kind of started with a strong idea of what I wanted to say and it got a little muddy. But can anybody give me some advice with what to do with my ideas?

I'll be quite honest in saying that ideas are worth absolutely nothing, and that implementation is everything. Everybody working in the industry has a thousand and one ideas but just doesn't have the time or resources to get them implemented and put into play. There is no 'idea man' in games, realistically you have to either be a developer or an artist/level designer and have some talent in building the product. So on that note I would definately say that learning art and development with your friend would be your best bet by far.

Alright. Thank you for the reply. So a couple more questions, sort of related. The main idea for the premise of a game must come from somewhere. And likewise with things such as figuring out gameplay mechanics. Where/who comes up with these generally?

And then what exactly does the director do in games?

Just trying to learn a little better how this whole business works, so I can get involved in an indie project someday.

Quote:

Original post by Saruman I'll be quite honest in saying that ideas are worth absolutely nothing, and that implementation is everything. Everybody working in the industry has a thousand and one ideas but just doesn't have the time or resources to get them implemented and put into play. There is no 'idea man' in games, realistically you have to either be a developer or an artist/level designer and have some talent in building the product. So on that note I would definately say that learning art and development with your friend would be your best bet by far.

Not exactly true. Ideas are worth their weight in gold if initiative is also afforded.

Also, as can be shown Tiger's follow up questions, these ideas have to come from somewhere, hence, there is an 'idea man' in games; it is, however, a long way to the top.

To lay to rest some of your inquisitiveness, Tigers, game designers come up with the ideas. Have you heard of Sid Meier, Will Wright, or Yu Suzuki? These are game designers and they are the idea people. Getting there takes brilliant, innovative ideas, hard work, and skill.

Saruman does make a good point though. Realistically, you have to be involved as a skilled artist, programmer, or other team member to even get a shot as a game designer.

With regards to your initial concern: the first step to getting your ideas even recognized is proper documentation. If your idea is extremely good -- and do not mistake my presentation of possibilites as a venue to get your hopes up -- then documenting it well can get a development studio to pick it up.

It is far too much detail into which to go in one post -- or even in one thread -- but here are the basic documents you should make and their basic contents:

Concept Document: concept art, character art style, backgruond art style, style of game play, premise, team mission statement, game concept overview, character descriptions (complete with pictures), scheduled completion date, estimated production team size, and product flowchart.

Design Document: The game interface, special hardware, target platform, hardware requirements, game play flowchart, and engine overview. (possibly add sections of code commented and/or described to portray their importance).

Pitch Document: competitive products (a short list of competative products and your advantages over them), target age group, target rating and more concept art.

If you need specifics, contact me.

[Edited by - Ikinsey on February 25, 2007 2:37:02 AM]

The structure of an indie game design team is not anything like that of a commercial game design team. In an indie team the motto is sort of, "If you want it done free, learn to do it yourself; if you want someone else to do it, get a job so you can pay them." Ideally the game designer is also a skilled writer, programmer, concept artist, and musician. In reality most people are skilled in 2 areas and need help for the rest. Also, motivation is a huge factor - indie games only actually get made if someone with massive amounts of motivation puts a lot of effort behind them. Which is why like 95% of indie game projects never result in a game.

Thanks everybody. Exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know!