Hello,
I'm looking into starting a commercial project using AGS. The game will use mainly cartoon style graphics (something like money island) and a MIDI soundtrack. I would be using 640x400 resolution (with background at 640x280, because of a static menu bar).
I like to think that I have reasonable ability in both art and music composition, however it is not to a commerical quality that is needed for shareware games these days. I have written several shareware computer games, so I know the level that would be needed.
Basically I would like to find out if anyone on this board would be willing to either draw backgrounds, animate characters or compose MIDIs. I will be paying for each piece on completion to my satifaction. If possible please let me know how much you would charge and how long it would take you for each of these things. And also examples of your previous work would be good.
One static 640x280 Background, 16bit
One animated 640x280 Background, 16 bit, about 4 frames (running river, flickering lights etc)
One 3 minute midi track
One fully animated player character. This would include walking (4 directions), talking (3 directions), idle (4 directions) plus 10 misc animations, of about 10 frames each (throwing a ball, climbing a ladder etc). The character would be roughly 50x120.
One static NPC, with talking and idle animation, and maybe 1 misc animation of about 10 frames.
One moving NPC, with walking, talking, idle and maybe 1 misc animation.
Thanks!
Well, that's nice and all, but before asking people to commit themselves you might want to show something of the project, e.g. what is it about, how much of it has been planned yet, does it have a webpage, etc. Also what exactly is going to be your role in the whole project, other than organizing it? Finally, realize that your revenue may well be zero, so you may end up paying people out of your own pocket. I've seen competent artists or musicians asking $50 per piece or per minute, so that may be a lot of money.
Also IMO you should have developed some freeware AGS games before working on a commercial game made with AGS.
I would like to point out I am not a newbie in this area. I have made and released 5 games commerically, and I make enough to support myself. I know the shareware games market well, and I know my abilities. This game will be released, it will be good, and it will make money. I know what I'm doing.
Obviously I am fully prepared to pay, even if the game doesn't make enough to cover costs. As I said you will be payed on delivery, no matter how well the game performs.
Please take a look at http://www.jaggedbladesoft.com
My role with be everything except the areas which I mentioned. IE.
Story, Design, Scripting, GUI Art, Website, Marketing.
If I cannot find anyone here, I will go to a a professional artist. However I would rather employ someone who has knowlage of AGS. And because I wan't to involve this community in this project.
Just as an example I payed $400 for the soundtrack to Xeno Assault 2, which can be found at the link I posted. I do know that its not going to be cheap.
Well, if you pay on delivery, that's all people need to know really. Whether it's gonna be a success or not isn't really relevant.
Afternoon! You should really use the ACR thread for this kind of request, Nexic. However, I've taken a look at your website. Do you have a downloadable version of the soundtrack for XA2, especially if it's in MIDI form, I'd like to hear. My music skills certainly aren't professional but I've got over 8 years experience of writing music for adventure games, including background, to-cue & cut-scene music; though it's only lately that it's gotten better :P I can compose in a range of styles to suit your needs... my own style and orchestral are my favourite to work with!!
I wrote the 40 MIDI track (2 omitted) soundtrack for The Adventures Of Fatman - the first commercial AGS adventure, for $250. That was a perfect amount for the workload. You can download that soundtrack here (http://screen7.adventuredevelopers.com/download/fatman_score.zip). This soundtrack also WON a DIY-Games award. :)
But, if you're more interested in how my music sounds nowadays, you might want to check this page (http://screen7.adventuredevelopers.com/soundtracks.htm) :) And here (http://screen7.adventuredevelopers.com/5days.mid)Ã, is another tune that doesn't feature on that page cos I don't know if it's going to be used or not..!
I really suggest you listen to some of the Poom soundtrack, which I can send you more of. It's the most recent. I'm trying to out-do the Fatman score with this one ;) I'm happy to write music for free for free games but when it becomes commercial I will usually charge. I only compose in MIDI at the moment. Google for reviews on the soundtrack for Fatman and see what everyone said, including fourfatchicks.com :)
PM me if you want to take this further! Regards,
Mark
I'll PM later tonight. I really liked the midi music in the adventures of fatman, and $250 seems a very reasonable amount.
Xeno Assault 2's soundtrack was not in MIDI format, it was MP3/OGG. I only want midi for this game because I like its retro feel, and its small file size.
Quote from: Nexic on Thu 17/02/2005 15:24:12
I would like to point out I am not a newbie in this area. I have made and released 5 games commerically, and I make enough to support myself. I know the shareware games market well, and I know my abilities. This game will be released, it will be good, and it will make money. I know what I'm doing.
What are the 5 games? I can only see 3 on your webpage. You REALLY make enough to support yourself? @_@ Pay rent and bills and buy food? Or do you mean that you make enough to make back the costs of production?
I'm not trying to be sarcastic or anything, I'm just really surprised because not many people can claim that.
Yes, I make enough to support myself entirely. The other two games are no longer sold on my site because they were my first games, and were not that good.
Speaks well of the market many of us are going in, even though the games one your site aren't quite adventure games. Also, just want to give props to m0ds's music. He's got some very memorable tunes to the AGS community.
I'd go for it myself, but I'm on a bit of a music block at the moment, and wouldn't have the time even if I was commited. Good luck in your adventure endeavor.
-MillsJROSS
Quote from: Radiant on Thu 17/02/2005 15:01:32
I've seen competent artists or musicians asking $50 per piece or per minute, so that may be a lot of money.
Yeah,
at least $50 per minute of song length, actually. That's about the starting rate for professional free-lance musicians.
I just wanted to vouch for m0ds as the best .midi man this side of the Mississippi. Well any side of the Mississippi actually.
It's times like this that make me want to be able to draw, at all