Support NeoGAF

[polg]

I was talking to a friend of mine who started asking me all this questions about licensed dev studios. How to become one, How much dev kits cost, what's the process like, etc.
And to be honest, I have no idea.

direct answers to those questions (any platform) plus anecdotes, facts, links, who u slept with to get a game published are welcomed.

 

[polg]

bump?

 

[littlewig]

Like all fields, you have to pass a test to get a license. I believe down in Washington they have a bureau of Video Games were you can take your exam.

Anyway, if your friend really wants to become a developer, better just to apply for a company, get some experience, and then retire. Trying to start a compnay this late in the game is suicide.

 

[element]

well normally the relationship with a console provider is mostly done at the publisher level, who provides the development kits while you make a game. Unless you're some super power who has previous relationships with a console provider.

MS still has the incubator problem I think.

Best way to get something going is produce a demo or proof of concept, get a nice presentation together, and a pitch sheet (2 to 5 page doc explaining your game, studio, staff), go to things like ECTS, and GDC and buy lots of drinks for publishers.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I work for a company that started in my bosses apartment like 2 years ago. So It's still possible. You need an idea, investment capital, and a good team...also an interested publisher wont hurt

Also try and get some friends together and work on a pc mod or something, cool way to get started.

 

[Marty Chinn]

I remember at GDC, Sony was giving out PSP development applications to become a licensed developer. They wanted to see a concept, information on the company, and at least 6 months operating costs in the bank to show that you were serious. Dev kit costs is a drop in the bucket compared to what you really need to get going.