What the Election Means to Me.
by Robert Fritzen · 11/06/2012 (6:56 am) · 10 comments
As much as I hate talking about politics I need to get one last message out before I hang up my political book for four more years.
I know many of my friends are still riding the Obama fan train, and while I have nothing against anyone's opinion as the right to freedom of speech and opinion is strongly conserved in this country, I do need to make clear one strong point of my own.
About three and a half years ago to this date, I founded a small game development company named Phantom Games Development, I have worked hard over the past years with the Torque 3D game engine constructing security systems and other important aspects, and now that those are completed, I am finally into the point of development where it only comes down to my paper, and pencil, and some wonderful ideas that need to be crafted.
Now while you think this has absolutely nothing to do with politics, I can assure you, you would be very much wrong. When my hard work is complete, I would eventually need to distribute and release my games, all associated with either contacting a larger company who would distribute it, or trying to do so myself. Over the years, I have strived to my group to take the route of being a self sufficient group, only relying on the people who have given us a helping hand in developing our systems, and I still cannot thank you guys enough for all of the support you have given us. The only problem now lies with the essential costs I would apply to my projects, and I find the video game industry to date largely unfair in charging $50+ for new video games. But, after some research, I have found the reason they do so. Taxes and other fees related to corporate taxes and corporate "wishes". The current tax rates for sales of electronic media is quite ridiculous (you should look it up), and I honestly do not want to have any part of this what so ever.
So, with that I will push forward to my friends and all who may have their opinions, A small group like me cannot survive in this kind of a current economic situation, without having to put the burden down on my users, which I will NOT do in any circumstances. IF Obama wins today's election. I unfortunately will have but one choice, and a hard one for myself to make, but unfortunately, the only one. I will have to shut down my development group.
A very disappointing revelation for me by all means, but I cannot live my own American dream when I can't even get through having to put a heavy burden on someone else just to live by my own work. What happens today will happen either way, and there is nothing I can do about it but to hope and pray it comes out for the best, but I just want you all to be aware that this will be my only decision if it comes down to that.
To my friends at GarageGames, I would like to thank you guys for the long three year success story you have made for me, even if today turns out to be for the worst, you guys are still the best, and I will open source the last of my work to the community if it goes that way. Thank you, and I hope that you all at least make the best of today, and the future to come!
I know many of my friends are still riding the Obama fan train, and while I have nothing against anyone's opinion as the right to freedom of speech and opinion is strongly conserved in this country, I do need to make clear one strong point of my own.
About three and a half years ago to this date, I founded a small game development company named Phantom Games Development, I have worked hard over the past years with the Torque 3D game engine constructing security systems and other important aspects, and now that those are completed, I am finally into the point of development where it only comes down to my paper, and pencil, and some wonderful ideas that need to be crafted.
Now while you think this has absolutely nothing to do with politics, I can assure you, you would be very much wrong. When my hard work is complete, I would eventually need to distribute and release my games, all associated with either contacting a larger company who would distribute it, or trying to do so myself. Over the years, I have strived to my group to take the route of being a self sufficient group, only relying on the people who have given us a helping hand in developing our systems, and I still cannot thank you guys enough for all of the support you have given us. The only problem now lies with the essential costs I would apply to my projects, and I find the video game industry to date largely unfair in charging $50+ for new video games. But, after some research, I have found the reason they do so. Taxes and other fees related to corporate taxes and corporate "wishes". The current tax rates for sales of electronic media is quite ridiculous (you should look it up), and I honestly do not want to have any part of this what so ever.
So, with that I will push forward to my friends and all who may have their opinions, A small group like me cannot survive in this kind of a current economic situation, without having to put the burden down on my users, which I will NOT do in any circumstances. IF Obama wins today's election. I unfortunately will have but one choice, and a hard one for myself to make, but unfortunately, the only one. I will have to shut down my development group.
A very disappointing revelation for me by all means, but I cannot live my own American dream when I can't even get through having to put a heavy burden on someone else just to live by my own work. What happens today will happen either way, and there is nothing I can do about it but to hope and pray it comes out for the best, but I just want you all to be aware that this will be my only decision if it comes down to that.
To my friends at GarageGames, I would like to thank you guys for the long three year success story you have made for me, even if today turns out to be for the worst, you guys are still the best, and I will open source the last of my work to the community if it goes that way. Thank you, and I hope that you all at least make the best of today, and the future to come!
About the author
Illinois Grad. Retired T3D Developer / Pack Dev.
#2
Wait, what? Is there another election going on somewhere?
11/06/2012 (8:44 am)
The big important election, yeah but you never really get to find out exactly what happens. More is known about the participants wives than themselves and then you've got to try and decipher something from that. Is Li Keqiang really that sympathetic to western ideology because his wife Cheng Hong is an English and American literature professor who has specialised in the works of Henry David Thoreau, the American naturalist and writer? And if Xi Jinping, the presumed next president is elected, will his songstress wife Peng Liyuan still be appearing at the spring festival television gala?Wait, what? Is there another election going on somewhere?
#3
11/06/2012 (9:08 am)
Very thoughtful post Robert. I can't say that I agree with your assessment and do not see either candidate doing more or less in this regard for small businesses at the startup level. I'll watch this topic since political topics often get heated and out of hand on election days. 
#4
But why should anything stop you from your dream of success?
I read your post several times, and do not see how who wins the election should stop you
from any goal.
I hope you succeed in your projects and become very successful.
11/06/2012 (9:52 am)
Maybe i don't understand because im from the freezing tundra of Canada and live in an iglo.But why should anything stop you from your dream of success?
I read your post several times, and do not see how who wins the election should stop you
from any goal.
I hope you succeed in your projects and become very successful.
#5
Regardless who you vote for, be sure to vote. Your vote affects not only the USA but the entire world, so we're keeping an eye out for the results as well! ;)
11/06/2012 (9:53 am)
As an outsider, I got the impression that the Obama administration was the one responsible for SOPA not being put in effect - but I could be wrong. Something like that would really limit your freedom in producing and selling your game online. But I'm not a US citizen and don't generally follow politics as much as I probably should. It makes nice people crazy. :)Regardless who you vote for, be sure to vote. Your vote affects not only the USA but the entire world, so we're keeping an eye out for the results as well! ;)
#6
Very well thought out post however, I have to disagree with a couple of things. There is a vast difference between Politics and Economics, as a matter of fact the president, senate, and the house can do little to influence the economic side of things because in America we are actually under two distinct systems. The first is the political side. Democracy as we like to refer to it. The second is the Capitalist system. Or more commonly called the "free market". The sad truth is a true Democracy can not co-exist with the a capitalist system, because they are diametrically opposed. Just look at the child labor laws that needed to be implemented during the industrial revolution and you will see what I mean. In a nutshell, social responsibility and economic ethics do not always agree. (Nothing 'ethically' wrong with child labor, however we all know the social ills and implications this practice has.)
As the system stands, our government uses taxes to pay for things but, realistically it can not dictate the price of anything. There are many many laws that forbid government from messing with the economy in this country.
It all boils down to this... we pay 50+ dollars for a video game because the gaming market knows we will pay that amount. We don't pay this amount due to taxes. We don't pay this because of a particular political party is in power. Nope, we pay it because we think we can not live without the latest Call of Duty game. The games industry will try to look like victims in this by claiming it was taxes that raised the price, but alas..... it's usually just a public relations ploy to justify the price they set for the product. How else can games make literally BILLIONS of dollars in profit within weeks?
I too obviously, have a stake in the economic development of this country, and yes it is EXPENSIVE to start and maintain a business here. 3TD Studios is in fact my 3rd run at being my own boss. Even now (with all this experience) , I do not make a lot of money at it. Mostly because I like to think I am a responsible and respectful company and I owe this community a great deal of thanks. Companies like mine take longer to become 'successful' because I am not willing to 'f&^k' over my customers to make a quick buck. The point I am trying to make is this; your 'small' group can make it, it just may not be as quick as you like, and it will involve a level of sacrifice like nothing you have experienced.
Just know this.... I don't care what happens this election because I know where I want to be and NOTHING will stop me. I hope you feel the same. I know we as a community we need you around and appreciate all that you do.
Ron
11/06/2012 (1:39 pm)
Robert,Very well thought out post however, I have to disagree with a couple of things. There is a vast difference between Politics and Economics, as a matter of fact the president, senate, and the house can do little to influence the economic side of things because in America we are actually under two distinct systems. The first is the political side. Democracy as we like to refer to it. The second is the Capitalist system. Or more commonly called the "free market". The sad truth is a true Democracy can not co-exist with the a capitalist system, because they are diametrically opposed. Just look at the child labor laws that needed to be implemented during the industrial revolution and you will see what I mean. In a nutshell, social responsibility and economic ethics do not always agree. (Nothing 'ethically' wrong with child labor, however we all know the social ills and implications this practice has.)
As the system stands, our government uses taxes to pay for things but, realistically it can not dictate the price of anything. There are many many laws that forbid government from messing with the economy in this country.
It all boils down to this... we pay 50+ dollars for a video game because the gaming market knows we will pay that amount. We don't pay this amount due to taxes. We don't pay this because of a particular political party is in power. Nope, we pay it because we think we can not live without the latest Call of Duty game. The games industry will try to look like victims in this by claiming it was taxes that raised the price, but alas..... it's usually just a public relations ploy to justify the price they set for the product. How else can games make literally BILLIONS of dollars in profit within weeks?
I too obviously, have a stake in the economic development of this country, and yes it is EXPENSIVE to start and maintain a business here. 3TD Studios is in fact my 3rd run at being my own boss. Even now (with all this experience) , I do not make a lot of money at it. Mostly because I like to think I am a responsible and respectful company and I owe this community a great deal of thanks. Companies like mine take longer to become 'successful' because I am not willing to 'f&^k' over my customers to make a quick buck. The point I am trying to make is this; your 'small' group can make it, it just may not be as quick as you like, and it will involve a level of sacrifice like nothing you have experienced.
Just know this.... I don't care what happens this election because I know where I want to be and NOTHING will stop me. I hope you feel the same. I know we as a community we need you around and appreciate all that you do.
Ron
#7
I don't generally comment on politics, but I gotta say: It's people that say "I don't care what happens" that are allowing Obama and his ilk to ruin this country. Apathy is just as bad as actively voting for the wrong people! At least become informed, and get out there and vote!
11/06/2012 (3:25 pm)
Yeah, the economy is still weak, and the Democrats' policies aren't helping. But don't throw in the towel, Robert. There are still plenty of opportunities available, and it sounds like you've got plenty of groundwork in already with T3D; don't throw that away.I don't generally comment on politics, but I gotta say: It's people that say "I don't care what happens" that are allowing Obama and his ilk to ruin this country. Apathy is just as bad as actively voting for the wrong people! At least become informed, and get out there and vote!
#8
As to your assessment of the election:
It will be more important for you to continue to be an independent developer. 80% of the economy is driven by small business. Independent developers are even more important as they can influence the mind of people in a positive or negative direction. It is a powerful media, even more powerful than TV or Movies.
Back to the business side of things. An entrepreneur society historically has a great amount of freedom. This is because entrepreneurs typically are self governed, self motivated, and free thinkers. What this world needs is more entrepreneurs to sway the world economies to become free by being independent business owners. The economy is already moving that way anyway. It is best to have those skills being developed now.
What does this mean? Strive for your dreams, but make sure your dream includes serving people by helping them to better themselves. You create a win-win situation and people will want your product. One way games can do this is to help people manage their time. Put code in for alarm clocks so people know how long they are playing that MMO. Invite people to learn about historical figures that had an impact on the world good or bad.
This world needs more people making things of value, not finding ways to scam you out of your money. I think the independent gaming community can bring a positive flow of ideas and value into the world by striving for awesomeness. I see a time in the future when indies will be producing the content people want and studios will be playing catchup. In a very real sense indies can change the face of the world for good or evil. It is our choice if we dare take this challenge.
Thank you GG for sticking it out with your tech. We need more companies like yours in the world.
Sincerely,
Frank Carney
11/06/2012 (5:16 pm)
Check out the EFF. I don't always agree with their stance on things and they do have a more liberal stance, but they do stand up against legislation that affects internet distribution, freedom of speech, electronic media, and your ability to control your devices.As to your assessment of the election:
It will be more important for you to continue to be an independent developer. 80% of the economy is driven by small business. Independent developers are even more important as they can influence the mind of people in a positive or negative direction. It is a powerful media, even more powerful than TV or Movies.
Back to the business side of things. An entrepreneur society historically has a great amount of freedom. This is because entrepreneurs typically are self governed, self motivated, and free thinkers. What this world needs is more entrepreneurs to sway the world economies to become free by being independent business owners. The economy is already moving that way anyway. It is best to have those skills being developed now.
What does this mean? Strive for your dreams, but make sure your dream includes serving people by helping them to better themselves. You create a win-win situation and people will want your product. One way games can do this is to help people manage their time. Put code in for alarm clocks so people know how long they are playing that MMO. Invite people to learn about historical figures that had an impact on the world good or bad.
This world needs more people making things of value, not finding ways to scam you out of your money. I think the independent gaming community can bring a positive flow of ideas and value into the world by striving for awesomeness. I see a time in the future when indies will be producing the content people want and studios will be playing catchup. In a very real sense indies can change the face of the world for good or evil. It is our choice if we dare take this challenge.
Thank you GG for sticking it out with your tech. We need more companies like yours in the world.
Sincerely,
Frank Carney
Quote:I approve of this message.
#9
Yes America is the "land of the free", a field of dreams, but when others put their wants and desires above God's wants and desires it becomes and has been a land of poisioned fields and illusioned truths.
I love video games and the enjoyment they bring to me, often lately though I wonder how much longer things can last at the rate they're going.
And if any of this means any good in the greater picture.
11/07/2012 (5:23 pm)
As I sit here,read, and contemplate over your blog, I feel as though your current wisdom exceeds your age.Yes America is the "land of the free", a field of dreams, but when others put their wants and desires above God's wants and desires it becomes and has been a land of poisioned fields and illusioned truths.
I love video games and the enjoyment they bring to me, often lately though I wonder how much longer things can last at the rate they're going.
And if any of this means any good in the greater picture.
#10
That's why tools like Torque are important, they give indie devs a chance to survive without publishers and lower the bar to entry.
11/12/2012 (9:28 am)
Most of the profit goes to the publishers, which trickle down enough money to the developers to get by. The world outside indie game development seems kind of dark, publishers fund your project, and have final say in what you can and can't do. Sometimes they might even hire multiple studios to work on your project.That's why tools like Torque are important, they give indie devs a chance to survive without publishers and lower the bar to entry.
Torque 3D Owner Novack
CyberianSoftware
This.