Hi everyone!
So, most of you know me. If not, here's a brief introduction. Since 2006, I've been developing commercial adventure games using (mostly) AGS and selling them under the banner of Wadjet Eye Games (http://www.wadjeteyegames.com). Two years ago I was joined by my wife Janet, who now helps out with programming. We do this full time. Working on these games is our sole source of income, so we're pretty serious about it.
In addition to the games that I've written myself, we've published two games from other developers. In 2010, we published Erin Robinson's Puzzle Bots (http://www.wadjeteyegames.com/puzzle-bots.html). Last February, we published Josh Nuernberger's Gemini Rue (http://www.wadjeteyegames.com/gemini-rue.html). Working with other developers and their games has been such a positive experience that we'd like to work with more of you.
So, consider this a call for submissions. If you've got a game that you think would fit within our current roster, we'd love to see it! Here are the services we'd offer:
* PR. Once the game is done, how do you get the word out? We'll handle all of that for you. Not only will press releases go out to adventure-friendly news outlets, but we will also follow up with them to make sure it gets the coverage it deserves. We've also got a mailing list of about 8000 customers who will hear about your game the instant it comes out.
* Sales/hosting. We'll host the game, deal with the customers, collect the orders, and handle tech support. We'll give you an itemized sales report every month along with your royalty payment. The royalty percentage will vary depending on the game and how much work/investment is required by us.
* Voice acting. We have casted, recorded, and directed the voice overs for eight games in the last five years. We've got a regular crew of professional actors, and add to that crew with every game. All of our games have voice acting, so we'd gladly do this for you as well.
* QA. We've got a revolving team of about 30-40 testers who will give your game a thorough thrashing.
* Production help. Not all of us can do everything. If there's one area of your game that's lacking, we can help bring it up to par.
Keep in mind, we are not interested in funding a game from scratch. We are mostly interested in finding some quality games, polishing them up, and helping to bring them the rest of the way to completion. If you've got something in-the-works and have been considering going commercial, drop us a line. (http://www.wadjeteyegames.com/email.html)
Oooh, that's got me thinking...maybe I should draw up a more in-depth plan for something I've had in mind.
Nice to know. :)
I'll be keeping this in mind for future reference...should that hallowed day I (somewhat) give up accounting ever come...
Quote from: Dave Gilbert on Wed 08/06/2011 01:04:21
Keep in mind, we are not interested in funding a game from scratch.
But.... the lack of speculation takes most of the fun out of the enterprise! Where's the adventure in the second-half of a roller coaster ride, I ask you?
So do you only accept games that have portrait talking, a serious story, and Gabriel Knight-esque backgrounds?
This is such a great opportunity, I wish I had stopped slacking on that adventure game I wanted to do. ;D
PRIMORDIA.
:=
Hopefully a Grundy game, too! Anyway, it's good to know you're happy to help - and in a way I assume this is really an expansion of your services, as for the past so many years you've had no problem approaching designers themselves. I'd be interested to know, are you keeping the family-friendly element in mind when you offer these services? Or will WEG be happy to publish some darker/more adult material. I know a few ex-developers who are interested in attatching their name to something new and commercial, and I've considered approaching you about this before - maybe I'll drop you an email sometime.
Hi M0ds. I dunno where I got the family-friendly label from, considering that my first game involved a rabbi punching out a thug and throwing him under a speeding subway train. 8) So, I guess my answer would be go ahead.
Awesome, time to sell-out on Princess Marian XII... := Kid-drawn ponycorns are in vogue!
I have a question, actually. I'm pretty decent at programming, but pretty terrible at art. I have a few friends (and my girlfriend) that are good in the art department. We've started something...but it really lacks direction. I have to ask out of curiosity: Is WEG interested in writing/designing games? Or is that too much in the "building a game from scratch" category?
Quote from: Domithan on Wed 08/06/2011 15:09:37
I have a question, actually. I'm pretty decent at programming, but pretty terrible at art. I have a few friends (and my girlfriend) that are good in the art department. We've started something...but it really lacks direction. I have to ask out of curiosity: Is WEG interested in writing/designing games? Or is that too much in the "building a game from scratch" category?
Hi Domithan. Yes, that would definitely fall under "building from scratch" category. Sorry.
-Dave
Quote from: SSH on Wed 08/06/2011 14:44:43
Awesome, time to sell-out on Princess Marian XII... := Kid-drawn ponycorns are in vogue!
Fountain of Ponycorns! It'll be a license to print money!
It's lovely of you to open this up more! It's always actually been my secret dream to release something with 'Executive Producer Dave Gilbert' written on it. Read it! It oozes credibility!
This should be all of your dream too, would-be self publishers! You should work with this man, it is a better way than any way you probably have planned!
Quote from: Dave Gilbert on Wed 08/06/2011 19:19:32
Quote from: Domithan on Wed 08/06/2011 15:09:37
I have a question, actually. I'm pretty decent at programming, but pretty terrible at art. I have a few friends (and my girlfriend) that are good in the art department. We've started something...but it really lacks direction. I have to ask out of curiosity: Is WEG interested in writing/designing games? Or is that too much in the "building a game from scratch" category?
Hi Domithan. Yes, that would definitely fall under "building from scratch" category. Sorry.
-Dave
No worries, just wondering. :)
You never answered my question... :-[
Dave, this sounds incredible. I will be keeping you in mind for the future if I ever decide to take this route.
Quote from: Ponch on Wed 08/06/2011 19:40:24
Quote from: SSH on Wed 08/06/2011 14:44:43
Awesome, time to sell-out on Princess Marian XII... := Kid-drawn ponycorns are in vogue!
Fountain of Ponycorns! It'll be a license to print money!
So, we can expect a goddamn OSD commercial adventure then :P
Dave - thanks for that. I'll be in touch. Once I've found some people to make it first, LOL.
If only SoG was near completion :P.
Quote from: Domithan on Wed 08/06/2011 15:09:37
I have a question, actually. I'm pretty decent at programming, but pretty terrible at art. I have a few friends (and my girlfriend) that are good in the art department. We've started something...but it really lacks direction. I have to ask out of curiosity: Is WEG interested in writing/designing games? Or is that too much in the "building a game from scratch" category?
Any chance you're looking for someone to help with the game design/story writing aspects?
Quote
So do you only accept games that have portrait talking, a serious story, and Gabriel Knight-esque backgrounds?
Nah. If I like the game, I'll consider taking it.
Quote
Any chance you're looking for someone to help with the game design/story writing aspects?
Unfortunately, not. Sorry.
That's great news although it doesn't really change my perspective on Wadjet Eye. I always felt you were very open to new talent. Always good to have confirmation though.
The title suggest that you only take AGS games (and perhaps only adventure?). Is this so?
Nope. Doesn't have to be AGS.
Quote from: Dave Gilbert on Thu 09/06/2011 13:25:51
Quote
Any chance you're looking for someone to help with the game design/story writing aspects?
Unfortunately, not. Sorry.
Actually my question was aimed at Domithan, my bad :)
Well, cool beans. I'm only working on a Mini-Adventure right now, that I don't plan to sell, but your most recent game is the one that inspired me to change how I did my own portraits.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=43497.0
In the future I will be making a longer one to sell however! Feel free to check the Synopsis for the idea here:
http://migoart.com/about/the-game/
I'd have released the first game already, but ran into some musical and time issues. It looks like I'll be getting past the music issue though, which is awesome! I'll link you the file just before completion, just so you can decide if it's the type of game you'd like to publish. :)
Sexy elves in space, eh? Sure, link me when it's ready. :)
Quote from: FamousAdventurer77 on Thu 09/06/2011 05:04:07
Quote from: Domithan on Wed 08/06/2011 15:09:37
I have a question, actually. I'm pretty decent at programming, but pretty terrible at art. I have a few friends (and my girlfriend) that are good in the art department. We've started something...but it really lacks direction. I have to ask out of curiosity: Is WEG interested in writing/designing games? Or is that too much in the "building a game from scratch" category?
Any chance you're looking for someone to help with the game design/story writing aspects?
I am, actually :)
I'll show you what I have if you're interested.
Quote from: Dave Gilbert on Tue 14/06/2011 18:48:47
Sexy elves in space, eh? Sure, link me when it's ready. :)
You make it sound so... so... Dirty!
...
Eh, perhaps you're right. xD
Out of curiosity, what kind of length of games would you approve, as a minimum? Are we talking 5 Days a Stranger. or Fate of Atlantis?
5 Days a stranger length is fine. As always, it depends on the game.
Hi everyone! Sorry for the bump. Just an update. Two games have already signed on the dotted line with us, with two more possibly doing the same. We are still looking for more, so if you've got anything, drop us a line.
Just wondering, if you published a game could the person that made it also try to get it on places like steam and desura?
Pushing to get on those services is part of the sales/distribution services that I'd be offering. I've hired a distribution consultant who handles that very thing. If you are asking if I'd let the developer sell and distribute the game on their own without the royalty split applying to both of us, then the answer would definitely be no. Sorry.
I'm trying to get into the wonderful world of voice acting, since it's something I really enjoy. Would you have any spots for new voice actors, or any advice for someone just starting out?
I usually prefer working with local actors for major roles, but I sometimes use remote actors for bit parts. If you have a decent mic and have a reel, send one my way.