http://cgi.ebay.com/Video-Game-Development-Team_W0QQitemZ8278223283QQcategoryZ62053QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Same town as Garage Games, wonder if they are affiliated.
Same town as Garage Games, wonder if they are affiliated.
Game development team for auction on ebay
Miscellaneous Forums/General Discussion/Game development team for auction on ebay I have painful thoughts of them being acquired as a birthday present for a spoiled 8-year-old CS:S Hax0r.
This will be interesting...
This will be interesting...
Strange! $150,000 for 3 months? I guess that's decent seems kinda steep considering they probably won't finish anything major on that kind of time scale. Best you could do is some sort of casual game in which case you're better off doing it yourself!
after 8 of ten days zero bids - maybe they should have start with 99$. 27 published titles, but you have to "ask the seller a question" trough ebay if you want to see even a sceenshot. I don't think anybody will buy such a "cat in a bag"
Doesn't seem economical to me. In three months, all you can hope to make is a budget game. Even if published, you'll be lucky to make $60K off it, nevermind $150K.
The team is just too large, and has too many uneccessary members. Game designer, writer, producer, even concept artist... All unneccessary for a budget game. Having those peple on a big game might save you time and money in the long run, but on a small team they'll be relatively useless considering the extra cost.
That said, assuming there are two programemrs there, that's 9 people, at a cost of around 16,500 per person for three months of their time. That's around $5500 per person per month. Which equates to a $66,000 per year income. Hardly a bargain. I'll code for a month for less than half that.
The team is just too large, and has too many uneccessary members. Game designer, writer, producer, even concept artist... All unneccessary for a budget game. Having those peple on a big game might save you time and money in the long run, but on a small team they'll be relatively useless considering the extra cost.
That said, assuming there are two programemrs there, that's 9 people, at a cost of around 16,500 per person for three months of their time. That's around $5500 per person per month. Which equates to a $66,000 per year income. Hardly a bargain. I'll code for a month for less than half that.
Hmm...guess I'll just start the bid to get the ball rolling....
it probably evens out to the going rate for here in CA. Looks like they only expect to create a prototype anyway. And a experienced team can expect to get a $200,000 contract to make a prototype, if a publisher is really interested.
your probably looking at $38,000 to $100,000 per team member if they were being hired full time sallary depending on their position and experience.
your probably looking at $38,000 to $100,000 per team member if they were being hired full time sallary depending on their position and experience.
Meh, they could make Plasmorg a better game, but for their rates, I may pass, knowing the local economy here in Cleveland, OH, hardly anyone can afford them with the income levels around here, myself included...
How on earth do you find this stuff???? :-)
a development team with over 60 combined years of experience, and 27 published titles.
Ask yourself: what do these numbers really mean? Nothing is the correct answer. 60 combined years? I could have a staff of 120 developers with only half a year's worth of experience each and have 60 combined years. 27 published titles without any information on the success of the titles?
They're using numbers for the sake of using numbers, not to lend to the actual credibility of their product (in this case, the development team). I'm not sure why, but using numbers somehow makes stuff look more credible even if it's not.
Noel:
They don't mean nothing. The total amount of experience does matter. Some people know things other people do not, and they might fill in those gaps in knowledge when needed. That said, it doesn't equate to individual experience.
But even among individual experience one could have six years experience as a level designer, but all of it was working on Duke Nukem Forever and you have no knowledge of any tools outside those you used while at the company, while someone else might have six years and have worked for six different companies and have a wide range of experience with different software products.
Also, what counts as experience? I've been working for years on my own stuff, does that count as game development experience, or only what you worked on while at a company?
Anyway, you can get one bit of useful info from that 60 years. If you assume they have 9 team members, (two programmers) then that means on average each of them has 6 1/2 years of experience. Though what that experience is, as I pointed out, is questionable.
What's really surprising is that they didn't list the name of the company, any titles they've worked on, or post any screenshots of their work. Do they really expect someone to bid $150,000 with no information about who they are? Perhaps they will provide this info upon inquiry, but won't post it on the auction because they're embarrassed at having to resort to this and don't want to be laughingstocks?
Hm...
They don't mean nothing. The total amount of experience does matter. Some people know things other people do not, and they might fill in those gaps in knowledge when needed. That said, it doesn't equate to individual experience.
But even among individual experience one could have six years experience as a level designer, but all of it was working on Duke Nukem Forever and you have no knowledge of any tools outside those you used while at the company, while someone else might have six years and have worked for six different companies and have a wide range of experience with different software products.
Also, what counts as experience? I've been working for years on my own stuff, does that count as game development experience, or only what you worked on while at a company?
Anyway, you can get one bit of useful info from that 60 years. If you assume they have 9 team members, (two programmers) then that means on average each of them has 6 1/2 years of experience. Though what that experience is, as I pointed out, is questionable.
What's really surprising is that they didn't list the name of the company, any titles they've worked on, or post any screenshots of their work. Do they really expect someone to bid $150,000 with no information about who they are? Perhaps they will provide this info upon inquiry, but won't post it on the auction because they're embarrassed at having to resort to this and don't want to be laughingstocks?
Hm...
Wouldn't mind betting it's someone from here ;)
Doesn't seem economical to me. In three months, all you can hope to make is a budget game.
Yup, especially if you're starting from scratch... if you have an idea and some design done you might get something finished within 3 moths but that won't be much.
And what about game engine and such, they are not included in the deal I guess... so what you might get at best in the end is some models, textures, sfx, music but codewise I don't see you getting squat. Seems to me like a expensive way to use $150.000...
I cost less than $150,000 and can do all of those. Should contract me instead. It's like child labor, but it's legal!
sswift: The experience is questionable because, if you take them out of their 'element', for example if you gave those programmers Blitz3D to work with, a good chunk of their experience is going to be pretty useless.
If the artists are experienced in working with high resolution stuff (e.g., cinematics, normal maps, etc.) they might have a hard time adjusting to realistic quality for a 3-month timeframe. Not to if you give them tools that they aren't used to they're going to have to learn those as well, which makes a good chunk of experience with other tools useless (e.g., how to efficiently navigate the UI, various bits specific to a tool, etc.).
Basically, there's a lot of ways to make that experience close to worthless in this case.
sswift: The experience is questionable because, if you take them out of their 'element', for example if you gave those programmers Blitz3D to work with, a good chunk of their experience is going to be pretty useless.
If the artists are experienced in working with high resolution stuff (e.g., cinematics, normal maps, etc.) they might have a hard time adjusting to realistic quality for a 3-month timeframe. Not to if you give them tools that they aren't used to they're going to have to learn those as well, which makes a good chunk of experience with other tools useless (e.g., how to efficiently navigate the UI, various bits specific to a tool, etc.).
Basically, there's a lot of ways to make that experience close to worthless in this case.
Questions and answers from their auction:
Q: Why are you listing this on Ebay U.K if based in Oregon?
Apr-26-06
A: We are based in Oregon, but we are willing to work with anyone in any country. Since we are 'shipping' to many countries, including the U.K., we are listed on those corresponding eBay websites as well.
Q: If you had to bet, what would be a realistic outcome to expect in 90 days if the buyer walked into your studio with a polished design doc?
Apr-25-06
A: It would be impossible to bet without seeing the design doc. Your design may be complete but also 700 pages long. If you would like a guestimation, then send us your contact information and we can get the process started.
Q: How far would you go in terms of nudity and voilance if that was the type of game I would spit out of my mind?
Apr-25-06
A: We don't do pr0n and we reserve the right to refuse a project. If you think your project might be outside the envelope, send us some contact information so we can sign NDA's and verify your ability to execute a successful bid. We can then review your idea and let you know if there are any issues.
Q: Do you have any Gamecube experience and would you be interested in/capable of developing a Revolution title? Where are you based? Can you tell us about your previous titles to give an indication of the quality of your work?
Apr-24-06
A: See the previous question regarding the Revolution; remember that the development work will be done on PC. We are based in Eugene, Oregon. Please see one of the first couple of questions and the auction details itself, titles and experience are in there.
Q: Hey we could make a game for Nintendo Revolution?
Apr-24-06
A: You could begin a concept targeted at the Revolution. Creating a full game for the Revolution would take considerably longer than 90 days.
Q: Hi. Will you be able to make a mod for a game, or just a full game? Because I think a mod would have a much higher chance of being completed in the 90 days, and I assume it would cost a lot less.
Apr-24-06
A: While we hadn't considered working on a mod as a possible useage for this auction, it is a possibility. We will be able to get more done working with technologies we already know, but learning the modding tools and api isn't out of the question.
Q: Instead of attempting to develop a game, would it be possible to have the team work on building a new engine?
Apr-24-06
A: The team can be tasked to whatever project you like (pretty much). I'm not sure what you would have the artists doing while working on a rendering engine...
Q: Dear Sir or Madam, Is your team familiar with any 65816 Assembly Programming with extensions to SPU1+SPU2 sound engineering? Thank-you for your time and consideration.
Apr-24-06
A: We don't do work on the SNES systems. As for the PS2 Sound Processors, there are no 65816 extensions for them. Someone is pulling your leg.
Q: hi, Can you please send me all teh CVs of your team including refrences and previous work done. Please could you also send me some show reals or work done by the team. Are there any prospects to work longer then teh 90 days for an agreed price? Thanks Mark Bassett
Apr-24-06
A: Upon validation of your ability to execute on a successful bid and the receipt of your private contact information, we can sign NDA's and provide you with the information you are asking for. An extension to the 90 days is possible, but would be a different discussion.
Q: would i be able to make a game and then play it on xbox 360? what im trying to say is what platform do this games get put on?
Apr-24-06
A: We have several engines available to us, two of which are cross platform compatible with the 360, one with the PS3.
Q: Would it be possible to have a strictly multiplayer first person shooter developed to a playable degree for the xbox 360 in the development period?
Apr-24-06
A: A playable alpha version being completed in this amount of time would depend largely on the scope of the design. All work is done within a PC environment and would not be playable on a consumer level 360 without additional time and cost.
Q: Can we make a NES or Virtual Boy game?
Apr-24-06
A: No.
Q: After the winning bid is determined, does that winning bid finalize all the expenses in the 90 day period or will there be other costs? Also, after the 90 day period is up will the development team decided if they keep working on the project or will the entire thing be over? If the the owner of this auction wanted to continue production would this be discussed after the 90 days? What do you do with an unfinished project?
Apr-24-06
A: The winning bid does not cover any engine licenses, ip rights licensing, travel costs for an entourage, etc. Continued development on a project will be at the discretion of the bidder and the producer and will require an extended or additional agreement to be negotiated before the end of the 90 days. The project, complete or incomplete belongs to the bidder and it will be their decision what to do with it.
Q: Could we make a new Dreamcast game? I really think the dreamcast is in need of a new decent game and i have some ideas for one.
Apr-24-06
A: No.
Q: How are you going to ship the team to me? BTW, can you make me like this game where I can like fly 'n shit? THX LOL @ U
Apr-24-06
A: Please see the earlier question about working location. As for flying...looks like you have that covered.
Q: SHould one bid on the auction and win is that person limited to the 90 days or would they be able to arrange with the team the opportunity to retain them until completion if the price is right?
Apr-24-06
A: The option for completing a game or continuing beyond the 90 days is available.
Q: Would this include adding Gameplay to an existing platform (built on it's own engine??
Apr-24-06
A: We would need more information to answer this properly. If you own the intellectual property and at minimum have a license to the engine, then we could likely do it.
Q: Can you help me finish Duke Nukem Forever? I just need a little help.
Apr-24-06
A: Thanks for your inquiry, no.
Q: I have very little knowledge of how fast things move in a company under a game production, as opposed to how slow it takes for a gang of programmer/animators/designer to to a game on their spare time. If i sent a detailed outline of a game design, would it be possible to get an estimation on how near completion the game would come in 90 days? And where would i send it to?
Apr-24-06
A: We can give you an estimate based on your submitted design. We need to execute an NDA and verify your ability to pay if you are the winning bidder. The NDA is to protect us and to protect your intellectual property. Send a contact phone number or physical address and we can begin the process.
Q: Can you name some of your published work?
Apr-24-06
A: Please see the earlier question about experience - we mention some of the titles our members have worked on that have been published there.
I think some of the questions are hilarious.
Q: Why are you listing this on Ebay U.K if based in Oregon?
Apr-26-06
A: We are based in Oregon, but we are willing to work with anyone in any country. Since we are 'shipping' to many countries, including the U.K., we are listed on those corresponding eBay websites as well.
Q: If you had to bet, what would be a realistic outcome to expect in 90 days if the buyer walked into your studio with a polished design doc?
Apr-25-06
A: It would be impossible to bet without seeing the design doc. Your design may be complete but also 700 pages long. If you would like a guestimation, then send us your contact information and we can get the process started.
Q: How far would you go in terms of nudity and voilance if that was the type of game I would spit out of my mind?
Apr-25-06
A: We don't do pr0n and we reserve the right to refuse a project. If you think your project might be outside the envelope, send us some contact information so we can sign NDA's and verify your ability to execute a successful bid. We can then review your idea and let you know if there are any issues.
Q: Do you have any Gamecube experience and would you be interested in/capable of developing a Revolution title? Where are you based? Can you tell us about your previous titles to give an indication of the quality of your work?
Apr-24-06
A: See the previous question regarding the Revolution; remember that the development work will be done on PC. We are based in Eugene, Oregon. Please see one of the first couple of questions and the auction details itself, titles and experience are in there.
Q: Hey we could make a game for Nintendo Revolution?
Apr-24-06
A: You could begin a concept targeted at the Revolution. Creating a full game for the Revolution would take considerably longer than 90 days.
Q: Hi. Will you be able to make a mod for a game, or just a full game? Because I think a mod would have a much higher chance of being completed in the 90 days, and I assume it would cost a lot less.
Apr-24-06
A: While we hadn't considered working on a mod as a possible useage for this auction, it is a possibility. We will be able to get more done working with technologies we already know, but learning the modding tools and api isn't out of the question.
Q: Instead of attempting to develop a game, would it be possible to have the team work on building a new engine?
Apr-24-06
A: The team can be tasked to whatever project you like (pretty much). I'm not sure what you would have the artists doing while working on a rendering engine...
Q: Dear Sir or Madam, Is your team familiar with any 65816 Assembly Programming with extensions to SPU1+SPU2 sound engineering? Thank-you for your time and consideration.
Apr-24-06
A: We don't do work on the SNES systems. As for the PS2 Sound Processors, there are no 65816 extensions for them. Someone is pulling your leg.
Q: hi, Can you please send me all teh CVs of your team including refrences and previous work done. Please could you also send me some show reals or work done by the team. Are there any prospects to work longer then teh 90 days for an agreed price? Thanks Mark Bassett
Apr-24-06
A: Upon validation of your ability to execute on a successful bid and the receipt of your private contact information, we can sign NDA's and provide you with the information you are asking for. An extension to the 90 days is possible, but would be a different discussion.
Q: would i be able to make a game and then play it on xbox 360? what im trying to say is what platform do this games get put on?
Apr-24-06
A: We have several engines available to us, two of which are cross platform compatible with the 360, one with the PS3.
Q: Would it be possible to have a strictly multiplayer first person shooter developed to a playable degree for the xbox 360 in the development period?
Apr-24-06
A: A playable alpha version being completed in this amount of time would depend largely on the scope of the design. All work is done within a PC environment and would not be playable on a consumer level 360 without additional time and cost.
Q: Can we make a NES or Virtual Boy game?
Apr-24-06
A: No.
Q: After the winning bid is determined, does that winning bid finalize all the expenses in the 90 day period or will there be other costs? Also, after the 90 day period is up will the development team decided if they keep working on the project or will the entire thing be over? If the the owner of this auction wanted to continue production would this be discussed after the 90 days? What do you do with an unfinished project?
Apr-24-06
A: The winning bid does not cover any engine licenses, ip rights licensing, travel costs for an entourage, etc. Continued development on a project will be at the discretion of the bidder and the producer and will require an extended or additional agreement to be negotiated before the end of the 90 days. The project, complete or incomplete belongs to the bidder and it will be their decision what to do with it.
Q: Could we make a new Dreamcast game? I really think the dreamcast is in need of a new decent game and i have some ideas for one.
Apr-24-06
A: No.
Q: How are you going to ship the team to me? BTW, can you make me like this game where I can like fly 'n shit? THX LOL @ U
Apr-24-06
A: Please see the earlier question about working location. As for flying...looks like you have that covered.
Q: SHould one bid on the auction and win is that person limited to the 90 days or would they be able to arrange with the team the opportunity to retain them until completion if the price is right?
Apr-24-06
A: The option for completing a game or continuing beyond the 90 days is available.
Q: Would this include adding Gameplay to an existing platform (built on it's own engine??
Apr-24-06
A: We would need more information to answer this properly. If you own the intellectual property and at minimum have a license to the engine, then we could likely do it.
Q: Can you help me finish Duke Nukem Forever? I just need a little help.
Apr-24-06
A: Thanks for your inquiry, no.
Q: I have very little knowledge of how fast things move in a company under a game production, as opposed to how slow it takes for a gang of programmer/animators/designer to to a game on their spare time. If i sent a detailed outline of a game design, would it be possible to get an estimation on how near completion the game would come in 90 days? And where would i send it to?
Apr-24-06
A: We can give you an estimate based on your submitted design. We need to execute an NDA and verify your ability to pay if you are the winning bidder. The NDA is to protect us and to protect your intellectual property. Send a contact phone number or physical address and we can begin the process.
Q: Can you name some of your published work?
Apr-24-06
A: Please see the earlier question about experience - we mention some of the titles our members have worked on that have been published there.
I think some of the questions are hilarious.
Q: Can you help me finish Duke Nukem Forever? I just need a little help.
Apr-24-06
A: Thanks for your inquiry, no.
Hehe! :-)
Better talk to Joe Siegler or George Broussard about that one, that's probably the only way that 3D Realms would ever allow that team to work for them. I better hope that 3D Realms can afford to have some extra hands...
Rumour at Garage Games is that it's these guys:
http://www.tesseractiongames.com/homepage.html
Many of them are ex Dynamix employees, just like Garage Games, and are established in the same town, so it probably is them.
http://www.tesseractiongames.com/homepage.html
Many of them are ex Dynamix employees, just like Garage Games, and are established in the same town, so it probably is them.