Hi there!
I've had this idea for nearly a decade but I have (on many occasions) proven that I am not the developer for this project. Unfortunately, my practical networking abilities consistently fall short of the mark.
In terms of gameplay, this game is pretty simple. A 'sumo' style, fast-paced, competitive, PvP game. There is plenty of potential for other game modes, like a soccer-style mode.
The 'team':
Ideally, I need at least one developer with decent networking ability. The game will require a lobby system to allow players to queue into online games.
As I'm asking for a lead-developer for the project, the choice of engine is open to allow for working in an environment you are comfortable with. My engine of choice is Game Maker Studio, the engine I developed the prototype in.
I plan to fill the role of director and primary artist for the project, but I may be able to provide additional code where needed.
We will also need a backend developer who can handle the game's website and its integration with the game itself. This could probably be handled with WordPress and custom plugins, but your ideas would be much appreciated.
Compensation:
The project has zero budget, so I plan to offer a generous royalty cut. I'll be funding the project out of my own (often empty) pockets. Despite no compensation being agreed up-front, I am keen to reward the team for their efforts whenever I am able to, even before the project starts making money (or in the event that the project doesn't make money).
Monetisation:
Important to note, since this is where the royalty cut will come from.
I'd like the game to be free-to-play, in the interest of attracting a healthy player-base.
In order to generate revenue, I'd like to offer cosmetics that can either be earned or purchased.
In addition to 'micro-transactions', I'd like to offer rentable in-game ad space for sponsors. Eventually, I'd like businesses to be able to sponsor the game and have their uploaded banners show in designated spaces on the game's arenas, like in real-world sporting events.
If the game is successful, the royalty share has the potential to be incredibly lucrative for everyone involved. I have no plans to cap the royalty share in the event that the game suddenly makes millions.
In summary:
I'm hoping to build a small, passionate team to work on this project. It's important not to go into the project expecting to make huge amounts of money since the huge majority of indie games make nothing. If we all have fun and make something we're proud of, I'd consider that a win. In the somewhat unlikely event that all get rich, that'll be a cheeky bonus.
Needed:
- Lead developer
- Must be able to realise an online multiplayer game with lobby system.
- Must be able to create a game with reasonably basic physics.
- Backend developer
- Must be able to create a system for a website to integrate with the game for the purpose of displaying stats and facilitating sponsors adding ads into the game for a fee.