Great video Adam. I think this should be the very first video anyone who gets that initial idea to design a game should watch. Most importantly, those who are purely designing for money rather than the joy of seeing an idea bought to life. I myself (as I guess many are) am somewhere in between. I wouldn't turn my nose up at any extra income, of course, but seeing people enjoy my game and having the ability to say 'I did that!' is a payment unto itself. I hope I get to that stage someday, and if so it's so useful to be made aware of all the intricacies of possible payments.
I've got some a game in the hands of a few publishers now, and hoping they'll be interested in licensing the game and making it a reality. This video series has been SUPER helpful in preparation for if that day comes. Thanks for all your work, Adam!
Wow...thanks so much for this. I think in Poland we have similar vision but each development make some different rules. Designer have not a simple life :-)
Wouldn't it be better to take a percentage of gross as royalty so fluctuating costs don't factor in? So that your royalty payment is just another cost from the publisher's perspective?
That’s certainly the most common arrangement. Sometimes you don’t get a choice though! Often the contracts are presented to you as “take it or leave it”.
Thanks very much for a super informative and helpful video! As a newbie I'm curious if you've tried to do it yourself with any luck instead of signing? Or is it better the majority of the time to forget that and rather go with a publisher? If one for example, has a novel game that one feels will be super popular, and signs with the right teams to bring it about and do a phenomenal kickstarter, that were to accrue a very large return, can it be better to just hold the reins and get it to market, with hopefully good experts along your side, possibly partners? And I imagine in a much quicker time than going the route of the publisher, though I am completely naiive I know.
It’s a choice every designer has to make for themself. Personally I have no interest in publishing - I don’t think I have the skills to do manufacturing, customer service, distribution, advertising etc. I would rather focus on design - that way I can hand off a project to a publisher, and quickly move on to the next one.
@@AdaminWales thanks so much for getting back to me and with your response. And yes I see it's a ton of work. One game board producer I know who finally passed on mine said there's always Pictionary as an example. But so rare I'm sure. Thanks looking forward to seeing more.
It’s a very good question and it’s not a position I’ve been in. I guess it would depend whether you are still under contract with the original publisher (in which case the original terms would apply) or whether the contract has terminated. In that event you’d be in a strong position to renegotiate better terms I would imagine, while remaining considerate of the publishers expenses etc.
Great advice. Thanks a lot.
Great video Adam. I think this should be the very first video anyone who gets that initial idea to design a game should watch. Most importantly, those who are purely designing for money rather than the joy of seeing an idea bought to life. I myself (as I guess many are) am somewhere in between. I wouldn't turn my nose up at any extra income, of course, but seeing people enjoy my game and having the ability to say 'I did that!' is a payment unto itself. I hope I get to that stage someday, and if so it's so useful to be made aware of all the intricacies of possible payments.
Extremely helpful again, cheers!!
Thanks Taylor, are you designing a trick taking game? :)
I've got some a game in the hands of a few publishers now, and hoping they'll be interested in licensing the game and making it a reality. This video series has been SUPER helpful in preparation for if that day comes. Thanks for all your work, Adam!
Keep at it Chris and I’m certain the day will come!
Good luck Chris!
Wow...thanks so much for this. I think in Poland we have similar vision but each development make some different rules. Designer have not a simple life :-)
Yes, every contract is different - these are just the ones I’ve seen!
Hey Adam! Very informative 2 part video. Clear and concise. Very much appreciated. I hope to use this knowledge at some point with my designs!
Wouldn't it be better to take a percentage of gross as royalty so fluctuating costs don't factor in? So that your royalty payment is just another cost from the publisher's perspective?
That’s certainly the most common arrangement. Sometimes you don’t get a choice though! Often the contracts are presented to you as “take it or leave it”.
Thanks very much for a super informative and helpful video!
As a newbie I'm curious if you've tried to do it yourself with any luck instead of signing? Or is it better the majority of the time to forget that and rather go with a publisher?
If one for example, has a novel game that one feels will be super popular, and signs with the right teams to bring it about and do a phenomenal kickstarter, that were to accrue a very large return, can it be better to just hold the reins and get it to market, with hopefully good experts along your side, possibly partners?
And I imagine in a much quicker time than going the route of the publisher, though I am completely naiive I know.
It’s a choice every designer has to make for themself. Personally I have no interest in publishing - I don’t think I have the skills to do manufacturing, customer service, distribution, advertising etc. I would rather focus on design - that way I can hand off a project to a publisher, and quickly move on to the next one.
@@AdaminWales thanks so much for getting back to me and with your response. And yes I see it's a ton of work. One game board producer I know who finally passed on mine said there's always Pictionary as an example. But so rare I'm sure. Thanks looking forward to seeing more.
Do you have a video on the pros and cons of licensing vs. making and selling the game yourself?
Here it is!
Crowdfunding Your Board Game: The Pros and Cons
th-cam.com/video/-ypL_B5S-sI/w-d-xo.html
@@AdaminWales Thanks!
Has it ever been proposed to you to make a second edition of the game? It would be interesting to know how it is negotiated. Thank you !
It’s a very good question and it’s not a position I’ve been in. I guess it would depend whether you are still under contract with the original publisher (in which case the original terms would apply) or whether the contract has terminated. In that event you’d be in a strong position to renegotiate better terms I would imagine, while remaining considerate of the publishers expenses etc.