How to Sell Gaming Ideas to a Gaming Company

Playing video games is a popular hobby.

If you are passionate about video gaming and have your own idea for a game that you want created, you may be in for a challenging journey especially if you are not already in the gaming industry or studying to join the industry. It is not impossible to get your idea heard, but it will require a lot of work, planning and proof that you are committed.

Instructions

1. Put your idea in writing. Include synopsis, platform and any relevant information to the production of the game.

2. Create a portfolio of previous work. This will help show your credibility in the gaming industry. The most common form of portfolio for game developers is to create a website portfolio and upload demos of games they have helped to create. Include information about what you specifically did in each game and what your role was in the team. Include your contact information and resume as well. Another option is to create a demo reel, which is a video or audio presentation, of your game videos showing game play. This option is less popular because the viewer will not be able to test the game mechanics.

3. Get a copyright lawyer. This will help you protect your intellectual property before you show it to any gaming companies. When searching for a lawyer ask about her credentials and whether she has handled any game design cases before. Do some research and find out what her track record is and ask around for other clients' opinions. If you are not satisfied with a general copyright lawyer, you could look for an entertainment lawyer who specializes in trademark and copyright law, focusing on digital and emerging media or similar areas. Once you have selected your lawyer, she can help you submit a formal application of copyright to the American government if you are a permanent resident or citizen.

4. Choose the publishers you wish to approach with your idea. Choose publishers that have published similar games. Make sure you conform with the publisher's submission process before you approach the company. See the Resources section for one list of publishers.

5. Submit your application package or make your live pitch to the publishing company. Each publishing company will have different preferences of how you do this. Either by mail or delivering in person are popular options to submit your application package. E-mail is usually not a good choice because you need to provide a lot of information. Ensure that you have marked your submission package with a notice of copyright, with which your attorney will help you. Make sure you know a lot of background information about the publishing company before you go in. Officials will take notice if you show you are interested in the company.

6. Follow up with the company. After the specified wait time you are given by officials, if they still have not contacted you follow up with them by phone. If you get rejected, do not ask for your submission package to be returned. It should not be your only copy of it. If your idea is accepted, your attorney will handle the contracts and royalty rates. If the company passes on your idea and later you see your idea has been released, you are protected if you have obtained a lawyer and submitted a formal application of copyright. The company would be in violation and therefore you would be owed financial compensation.

Tips & Warnings

• Educate yourself, either formally or informally, on the video gaming industry. Know what goes into creating and marketing a video game; also know what software will be needed to program your game. If you can build a prototype of the game, it will show publishers that you know what you are doing. If you have knowledge about video game design and your idea is manageable enough to handle yourself, try self-publishing an application game for Blackberries or iPhones or on social networking sites such as Facebook.

• Be prepared to let someone else take over creative control of your game. If you are not already working for the publishing company, you will probably lose creative control over your game because the company officials will have their own ideas for the game. This can be a very long and difficult process, and you will have to remain dedicated and optimistic in your search if you really believe in your game.

References

• Game Dev: So, You Have Cool Game Ideas?
• Sloperama: Lesson 11
• Sloperama: Lesson 1
• Sloperama: Lesson 21
• Artists House Music: Video Games and Copyright Law

Resources

• Fast Company: Gaming is Serious Business (even at IBM)
• Giant Bomb: List of Video Game Publishers and Developers