Think Small
In 1855 a man sat down to write some poetry. Not a book, not a film and most definitely not a video game. The poems came from his ability to string words together. Cost-wise the outlay to write them was minimal. How much does it cost to feed a man for six months?
The man was Walt Whitman and it can’t be denied that he managed to make something of a name for himself.
By doing two things: using the tools he had to hand and having belief in his own ability.
He didn’t need to raise three million in start-up costs. His idea could be managed solo.
Hearing of game developers and filmmakers looking to raise capital in order to fund their great idea always makes me wonder at how great the idea must be and what part of it is actually the important bit.
Ideas don’t cost much to implement, even great, ideas. The way in which they are realised is what costs the money and if a newbie developer is relying on that part… well that’s where my doubts kick in.
Take the simple choice of platform. If a game can only be made for Playstation 3 then you have to ask yourself, why? Given the choice between then relying on major investment and all the associated risk accompanying it, and opting for a simpler platform, Facebook for example, then I’d choose the latter and use the paired down technology to hone my idea into something sharper and less reliant upon the big effects.
I’d think small.