Submitting game ideas

[jema]

Does anyone know what one should consider when submitting an idea/draft for a game? How to present it and stuff like that and prehaps even more important how one makes sure that the company cant steal ones idea?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Actually, game companies are NOT looking for ideas / drafts. Just like writers, directors, etc. companies usually have _plenty_ of ideas already, more than they'll ever have time and funds to make.

If you're interested in getting into the games industry, Computer Games magazine has had a few columns on it, they may be online a www.cgonline.com.

Creating mods/levels for existing games is the best way to be an amateur game designer if you're not interested in paying your dues / working your way up in a game company.

 

[jema]

One wouldnt think they have tons of ideas.

Never said I didnt want to working, and what would the long way consist of?

 

[DaveSimmons]

<< Never said I didnt want to working, and what would the long way consist of? >>

Companies don't hire "game designers" as such -- what you have to do is work as either a beta tester, programmer, artist, level designer, etc. and as you learn more about how games are actually built you might get promoted to being the lead developer on a project. (Beta tester would first need to move to a development position like programmer or level designer.)

Check out www.cgonline.com and www.gamasutra.com

The other way is to try to create your own shareware/freeware game or mod/levels, perhaps finding people to work with you over the net. The team-of-volunteers approach does work sometimes but is hard because people are all working in their spare time so they might not finish their work.