How Can I Propose A Video Game Idea To Video Game Developers?

Question

I have an awesome idea for a new video game...not sure where to go with it. But, I think everyone would not only buy it, but it'd be the hottest selling game of the year.

I can't program the game, or any game for that matter. My idea is more of the concept vs. plot ect. But, if I can get this idea to a developer, they'd run with it..and make a killing, I think, and my friends concur as well.

I'd like to share it, but then someone else would make $ off it it.

Answer 1

There are several ways to approach this...

The direct approach will require you to make a formal game document, mockups, and some promotional artwork for a pitch (be sure you've documented the process, and have everyone sign non-disclosure contracts to ensure your ideas in the pitch aren't stolen). It doesn't hurt to also provide demographic and market research that supports your game being a hit. You then take this presentation to game development studios (which can be REAL tough, unless you already know a few contacts within studios), directly to a publisher (ditto), or promote to venture capitalists to fund your project. If anyone is interested, you'll have to negotiate the sale of your idea, or being contracted to develop the game yourself. If you can't get funding at this stage, you might have to start developing a prototype yourself. Every time you build up more of your game, pitch it around again. Studios, publishers and investors may be more willing to play if they can see/hear the game in action. Worst-case, you'll wind up developing the entire game yourself (or with a garage team), and you might be able to then distribute it yourself over the internet or through less-restrictive distribution channels (like Valve's Steam or in bundle packs).

The indirect way is to start in the game industry... Entry-level positions (internships, reception, quality assurance, etc.) aren't too difficult to get, even without a degree, if you push hard enough. Any kind of degree or real-world experiences may allow you to start higher up in the development chain of command. Once you work your way up, you'll be in a position to promote your development ideas.

Unfortunately, there's no real easy way (unless you're rich, or are close friends with someone high-up in game development or production).

If you try to contact studios informally, they ABSOLUTELY will turn you down. As a rule, all studios ignore/destroy all suggestions from outside the industry channels, to avoid legal disputes over intellectual property. You also run the risk of individuals stealing parts of your idea, or ripping you off outright.

Answer 2

"I have an awesome idea for a new video game...not sure where to go with it."
Can you program or start programming it yourself? If you can program, maybe if you start it as an open source project, start writing some code yourself, and showcase your work, you may get additional help.

"But, I think everyone would not only buy it, but it'd be the hottest selling game of the year."
Here's the thing. You're not the only one with ideas. There's a whole army of people who think they have the next hottest idea, and many of them are programmers/wanna be programmers.

Many who do actually try to write a game and get something working find that making a game is a whole lot harder than it sounds. It's tough programming work. So you get a whole lot of spectacular, and not so spectacular failures.

Long story short, all ideas and talk will get sent to the trash can pretty fast. You might get more attention if you write a detailed specification for your game, detailing design, plot, and so on. Having it implemented is a bit more tricky, as it is your copyrighted work. Unless you have massive amounts of money to hire a programming studio, or are a programmer yourself, don't expect it to go anywhere.

Answer 3

I have such an idea myself. I think the way to go with it is to simply make a low-bit version of the game yourself. Find one of those video game design programs and make the game. It will be a lot of hard work but it will be fun work. Then allow people to download the game online (with a copyright of course.) If the game gets popular use the success of the game to intice the video game companies to buy the copyright.

Or you could just sell the game yourself online. With a little smarts you could make a fortune.

Answer 4

I'd suggest researching how to get an agent to help you do that! I have book publishing experience and in that arena nothing really ever gets the attention of a publisher unless it is thru a great agent or the person is one of celebrity. So, I would assume the game industry is similar.

Google for agents in your area and then go to the library and get a book on how to select an agent.

Good luck! This is an exciting field and I wish you success.