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Team name: Madsen Studios: We can develop another name once the team is formed. Until that point, we'll work under my studio's name. Project name: Working title: MS DS Proposal Brief description: Basic idea: Single or multi-player Nintendo DS title. Fun and appropriate for all ages. The gameplay will be highly customizable by the player, content can be shared between players via Wi-Fi and extra content can be purchased online. The game's vibe is much like a Sims, Animal Crossing and the generic Lemon aid stand sims but with a twist. I'll not share anymore without an NDA. This project is in the very early stages, and I'm interested in what type of workers are out there on gamedev. Since my project is directly aimed at the DS, this will eliminate many on gamedev, but I'm interested to see who is qualified and willing to help out. Target aim: Retail Nintendo DS Compensation: Currently there is no funding. Perhaps I can pay some, or offer an exchange of services but I'm limited in what I can do without funding. Everyone will work under contract to project their creations, the project and each other. In the event that no funding ever occurs, each member will keep all rights to their created content and hopefully some fun and learning happened throughout the process. However, I intend on making a small demo and presentation first in the hopes of getting funding. My approach: I don't like having a crew work for free and don't believe in wasting people's time so here is how I hope to gain funding. We create a simple portfolio which includes: 1) At least 1 playable level 2) Various examples of concept art and screen shots 3) Various examples of music and sound effects 4) A breakdown of the features and gameplay possible (or hoped for) in our game once full funding happens. 5) An in-depth analysis of how this game fill a niche in the gaming market that is, for the most part, left out. 6) Document detailing game development planning: approaches, time-tables and various solutions to any possible hurdles that get thrown our way. The portfolio will include a power point presentation, short video of game play, and all of the features listed above in an attractive and professional format. I'll be producing much of the presentation, but would love (and encourage) the rest of the test to take part as well! Once this presentation is done, it will be shopped around to various publishers. By only setting out to make a demo, we can keep this pre-funding time period as short as possible. Everyone can work out of their own homes, which can keep the cost figures down as well. Technology: The programming would need to be something that can work in the DS specs. While it isn't necessary for the programmer(s) to have an official SDK, it would be very helpful if they at least have an unofficial one so the game will be easily ported. I can produce music and sound design without a dev kit and artists can create artwork without one as well. The main factor is testing: which would be easiest if the development crew is all local to each other. I'm local to both the Dallas-Ft Worth and Denver metroplex and would love for at least most of the crew to be local as well. Talent needed: The team can be relatively small and still make a great game. For example, I just finished a DS game with a total crew of eight people. Having a smaller team can help keep the vision of the game clear and helps everyone get a larger piece of the funding pie. Programmers: 1-3 programmers should be more than enough. Experience level should be very high as this project is aiming to be retail. My game idea isn't super complex, so I don't feel the need to stack up with a bunch of coders. Knowledge of the DS is a must. Samples of work are required. Artists: 1-3 artists who are very capable of making nice, attractive models and graphics while remaining in the constrictions of the DS technology. Experience level needs to be appropriate to a retail DS title. The artists need to be open to feedback and be able to match styles so the game has continuity. Samples of work are required. Team structure: Currently, just me. I've been a video game composer-sound designer for the past three years. I've worked on over 100 projects on the PSP, DS, web based games, anime commercials, DVDs and websites. For this project I'd be directly over all of the audio content as well as the game's producer. Since the team will (hopefully) be small, the structure will end up something like so: Game Producer: Nathan Madsen Lead Programmer: open Programmer(s): open (optional depending on skill level and workload of lead) Lead Artist: open Artist(s); open (I'd like to have at least two artists so the visual content can be developed somewhat quickly) Composer-Sound Designer: Nathan Madsen Tester(s): open (the crew can also double as testers if they wish) Website: www.madsenstudios.com Contacts: Email: nate@madsenstudios.com AIM: nsmadsen Previous Work by Team: I've worked on over 130 projects and have a great deal of experience working with crews of all sizes and on projects in all kinds of budgets. I'm very driven and have a proven track record. My credits break down like so: Video Games: 29 projects involving sound design and music on the Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, Internet and PC platforms. Current full time gig is working on LEGO Universe in the lead audio role. Movies-TV Shows: 105 projects involving sound design and music for the TV, film, DVD industry. Websites: 2 projects involving sound design and music. Choir Productions: 2 Projects involving original composition, arrangement and production for choir productions. Additional Info: I wish I had more to show off, like concept art and such but I'm an audio guy. :) I understand and acknowledge that working on this game will be somewhat of a risk, after all it might never get funding or published. This is a risk all projects take on, but it is my goal to keep the team, project and goals as professional and realistic as possible. This will, hopefully, strengthen our chances of success. Also, since the risks are higher, I'll ensure that the rewards are that much higher if funding does happen. With my experience and contacts in the industry, I feel like we have a good chance. I hope that you'll join me! Feedback: ANY- as long as it has some point and isn't just flaming. [Edited by - nsmadsen on April 11, 2008 9:12:04 PM]
