Independent Games Developers Consortium
by Giuseppe De Francesco · 03/28/2011 (4:47 pm) · 16 comments
Hey guys,
As you know I've been around this Indie Games world since 2009, trying to move into this amazing industry from my boring mortgage-paying day job (leading software R&D). I've been in the software industry for more than 30 years now, so I do have some experience, and I'm trying to take advantage of that to break in the games industry.
One thing I've learnt the hard way is that the "Indie Games Developers" are usually seen by engines producers and games publishers as a bunch of idealistic people to squeeze money from. Not really a nice picture, but this is exactly the real situation according to what I've seen till now. Even the different alleged Indie Games associations do that: they ask for money giving a bunch of nice nothingness back to you.
I'm honestly tired to be squeezed and really eager to break through this market, so here I come with an idea that can help us all. What I'm planning here is a real consortium, an organization "made by" Indies not just "made for" Indies. Our needs are quite straight forward, we basically need: a gaming server infrastructure, a serious and well tailored publishing platform, a marketing infrastructure and a strong asset exchange network. Am I wrong? I guess not, and I do know exactly how to make this happen. So, if enough people among the Indie community will positively answer to this call, I'm starting the very first and real Independent Games Developers Consortium, starting it within Torque X CEV but expanding it to any engine and platform. This will be a legal entity established in the Republic of Ireland and all the members will have active part and revenues shares.
Declaration of support/adhesion are open right away, so let's see how this turns out ;)
Here's a link to the very first and brief document of intent: igdc.org/ (on the website there is also a FAQ section building up).
Cheers,
Pino
As you know I've been around this Indie Games world since 2009, trying to move into this amazing industry from my boring mortgage-paying day job (leading software R&D). I've been in the software industry for more than 30 years now, so I do have some experience, and I'm trying to take advantage of that to break in the games industry.
One thing I've learnt the hard way is that the "Indie Games Developers" are usually seen by engines producers and games publishers as a bunch of idealistic people to squeeze money from. Not really a nice picture, but this is exactly the real situation according to what I've seen till now. Even the different alleged Indie Games associations do that: they ask for money giving a bunch of nice nothingness back to you.
I'm honestly tired to be squeezed and really eager to break through this market, so here I come with an idea that can help us all. What I'm planning here is a real consortium, an organization "made by" Indies not just "made for" Indies. Our needs are quite straight forward, we basically need: a gaming server infrastructure, a serious and well tailored publishing platform, a marketing infrastructure and a strong asset exchange network. Am I wrong? I guess not, and I do know exactly how to make this happen. So, if enough people among the Indie community will positively answer to this call, I'm starting the very first and real Independent Games Developers Consortium, starting it within Torque X CEV but expanding it to any engine and platform. This will be a legal entity established in the Republic of Ireland and all the members will have active part and revenues shares.
Declaration of support/adhesion are open right away, so let's see how this turns out ;)
Here's a link to the very first and brief document of intent: igdc.org/ (on the website there is also a FAQ section building up).
Cheers,
Pino
About the author
In the software eng. field since 1981, in charge of R&D during last 10 years. IEEE Senior Member (and volunteer).
#2
03/28/2011 (10:06 pm)
Cool. Good idea. :) 
#3
03/29/2011 (12:56 am)
Good Idea! 
#4
03/29/2011 (6:32 am)
Great idea. 
#5
I do contract programming for independent game studios, individuals trying to make games ,etc. Always indie companies.
I make over that limit. So I am not allowed to be a part of this despite all of my efforts being towards helping indies publish high quality games?
If one of my games does well and I manage to become an indie success I am no longer allowed to be a part of this?
Once I "make it" I'm excluded? Shouldn't I be encouraged even more to participate once I reach success as I can help others climb the mountain with me?
EDIT: The FAQ section has spelling errors (strength).
EDIT: I read the whole letter of intent... Let me get this straight, to become an associate I have to own a paid game engine license ($99 here at GG)... Then I get a share of everyone elses games that are on there when they sell? This lasts for 2 years then I have to publish a game of my own or be credited in a game published there or I lose my membership.
This doesn't seem right to me. I can basically get a revenue stream based on other peoples game sales for $99 (or possibly less).
03/29/2011 (7:53 am)
Quote:Another mandatory rule is that in the previous fiscal year the applicant cannot have a games related revenue in excess of 100,00USD
I do contract programming for independent game studios, individuals trying to make games ,etc. Always indie companies.
I make over that limit. So I am not allowed to be a part of this despite all of my efforts being towards helping indies publish high quality games?
If one of my games does well and I manage to become an indie success I am no longer allowed to be a part of this?
Once I "make it" I'm excluded? Shouldn't I be encouraged even more to participate once I reach success as I can help others climb the mountain with me?
EDIT: The FAQ section has spelling errors (strength).
EDIT: I read the whole letter of intent... Let me get this straight, to become an associate I have to own a paid game engine license ($99 here at GG)... Then I get a share of everyone elses games that are on there when they sell? This lasts for 2 years then I have to publish a game of my own or be credited in a game published there or I lose my membership.
This doesn't seem right to me. I can basically get a revenue stream based on other peoples game sales for $99 (or possibly less).
#6
03/29/2011 (9:14 am)
@Chris: actually during those 2 years you are compelled to showcase your work as well. It's a way to help and fund Indies. The $100,000 is just the figure that came to my mind, but that (as many other things) will be revised during the works of the Provisional Steering Group which is going in place right now. BTW, applications to be part of the Provisional Steering Group are open ;)
#7
I will sign up for the IGDC site. My time is very limited but this is the kind of thing I will MAKE time for.
03/29/2011 (9:18 am)
How do I apply? What is involved? I'd love to help represent the independent game contractors amongst us.I will sign up for the IGDC site. My time is very limited but this is the kind of thing I will MAKE time for.
#8
Only thing is I am kind of confused about how to apply for a "share certificate" and what is involved in applying.
Also I'm 17. (living in the US, so it's legal for me to work, though)
03/29/2011 (10:09 am)
This is a great idea!Only thing is I am kind of confused about how to apply for a "share certificate" and what is involved in applying.
Also I'm 17. (living in the US, so it's legal for me to work, though)
#9
1. Is IGDC Membership the same as being an Associate?
2. (potential stupid question inbound) Tried reading as closely as possible, couldn't find the answer. Is there any "catch" by becoming an IGDC member?
I assume it's legal for me to work as well, as 16 in Norway.
Anyways, nice idea Giuseppe, hope it'll become something awesome :)
03/29/2011 (11:20 am)
This sounds like a cool idea! Have a couple questions btw:1. Is IGDC Membership the same as being an Associate?
2. (potential stupid question inbound) Tried reading as closely as possible, couldn't find the answer. Is there any "catch" by becoming an IGDC member?
I assume it's legal for me to work as well, as 16 in Norway.
Anyways, nice idea Giuseppe, hope it'll become something awesome :)
#10
03/29/2011 (12:17 pm)
This sounds very interesting to me. 
#11
03/29/2011 (8:53 pm)
This sounds kinda like Game Beavers... 
#12
03/30/2011 (12:08 am)
Great Idea Giuseppe, I think you hit on something great here.
#13
@Jack and Marcus: In the US and EU a minor is entitled to sell what he creates. As there isn't any binding contract besides the simple fact to send your game to IGDC portal and get payd for the revenues any person over 13 can freely join IGDC (matching the membership requirements).
@Marcus: Associate and Members are the very sasme thing :) I don't see any catch and I strongly hope that all of you will point out any worry you have or bad phrasing in our documents to avoid misunderstandings!
03/30/2011 (5:18 am)
Thanks guys :)@Jack and Marcus: In the US and EU a minor is entitled to sell what he creates. As there isn't any binding contract besides the simple fact to send your game to IGDC portal and get payd for the revenues any person over 13 can freely join IGDC (matching the membership requirements).
@Marcus: Associate and Members are the very sasme thing :) I don't see any catch and I strongly hope that all of you will point out any worry you have or bad phrasing in our documents to avoid misunderstandings!
#14
Thanks,
Chris
03/31/2011 (7:18 am)
Pino - I am still interested in applying to take part in the Provisional Steering Group. I cannot find info about this on the website, how do I proceed?Thanks,
Chris
#15
go to the PSG page igdc.org/groups/provisional-steering-group/ and apply to join the group ;)
Thanks!
Pino
03/31/2011 (7:27 am)
Hey Chris,go to the PSG page igdc.org/groups/provisional-steering-group/ and apply to join the group ;)
Thanks!
Pino
#16
03/31/2011 (7:30 am)
Applied. Thanks. 
Torque 3D Owner Guimo
Please send me a mail to guimo at spritekin dot com to have an exchange of ideas.