Game development for the art-impaired lone wolf

[Pseudopod]

I'm new here, and definately want to develop a game. I've been involved in the game development community in the past, and I know from personal experience that looking for artists to do your art for you rarely works out well, at least not unless you can demonstrate your project isn't going to drop dead. I've been guilty of doing that.

So what I want to do is develop a game on my own. Which leads to the daunting idea of doing my own art. What I'm wondering is whether a game made using free sprites from here and my own cheesy spaceship backgrounds is even worth bothering with. I've got a story idea for a short game, but I'm wondering if anyone would download it when the graphics are unprofessional to the point of patheticness.

Opinions?

[Radiant]

There are a couple of possibilities.

One, there are a bunch of free graphics around these sites precisely for that purpose, and if you add a good story then people won't mind at all.

Second. You can join Reality-On-The-Norm. It's a pre-made world with oodles of graphics available, and you can easily fit your own story in there.

Third. If you're not scrupulous, you can rip old Sierra or Lucas games for the graphics you need. Some well-known games were made that way.

Fourth. Draw it yourself anyway even if it's crummy. Again, some well-known games were made that way. If people like your storyline, you can always get an artist later and release an "improved" version of the game.


People here have played Larry Vales, Stickman and META, none of which are particularly known for their good graphics. Don't worry, be creative.

[Helm]

Pseudopod, make an interactive fiction game.

[DeviantGent]

Reality on the Norm would be your best bet.  8)

[Trumgottist]

Sixth. You can learn to draw. I believe that anyone can learn to make decent graphics, with enough practise.

[lo_res_man]

Seventh. A combo of 6th and 4th. Write your story, make "place holder" graphics. (can be uber crummy) FINISH THE GAME. then slowly but surly learn to draw, then make NEW, BETTER  graphics. gives you the satisfaction of a finishing a game, while allowing your self an easy schedule for  the all-finished game. ( note this won't work as easy in 256 colours)

[Desmond]

Seventh. A combo of 6th and 4th. Write your story, make "place holder" graphics. (can be uber crummy) FINISH THE GAME. then slowly but surly learn to draw, then make NEW, BETTER  graphics. gives you the satisfaction of a finishing a game, while allowing your self an easy schedule for  the all-finished game. ( note this won't work as easy in 256 colours)

This strikes me as a good idea even if you want to "hire" artist help as well.

Completing the game with placeholder graphics, meaning that the story, puzzles, and scripting is all done, would be a great way to recruit artists who like the idea of the project enough to help out.  It also inspires confidence; the artists know that the only thing that will keep the game from being released is... well, themselves!   

Good luck!