How to Publish Video Game Ideas by Kids

Publishing your child's video game idea

The first step in publishing a video game idea is to search for potential publishers. There is also the option of self-publishing your child's video game ideas. The Internet is a valuable resource for finding potential publishers and gaining more information to promote your child's game ideas. Game ideas are protected by the same copyright laws that pertain to all other original work.

Instructions

1. Using the Internet, search for potential publishers that specialize in video games. Acquire their addresses and then write the companies and request a release form. These are documents that contain all the legal information about how the company will use the information you send them regarding your child's video game. Read this legal information carefully and make sure you do not sign away your child's right to the game. You should never have to compensate a organization to look at your child's game. Beware of scams in which companies ask for a fee to review your video game.

2. Visit local game stores to compare your video game. Look for video games that are in the same category as yours. On the back of all games, you will find the name and address of the company that published the video game. Only contact companies that have published games that are like the one your child has designed. If you have a simulation game, look for companies that have published simulation video games.

3. Once you have found a potential publisher, you will need to write the company telling its owner about your child's video game and requesting a release form. Your submission should consist of well-written rules for your video game and all the required components to play it. Keep a copy of all materials you send to publishers. It takes companies anywhere from three to six months to review your child's game. If the company likes your submission, you will be contacted to discuss publication, changes, royalties, fees and distribution plans.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to make your child's game idea a reality, you will need to be persistent.

• Do not accept flat fees for your games if you wish to receive royalties.

References

• "Living Dice Magazine: Game Design and Self-Publishing; Resources for Aspiring Game Designers"