Game asset store

Dhondon

I've been thinking about creating an game assets store for some time now. And seen some posts the last day on the forum about just that.

I've been working as an freelancer for over 1 year now( forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=19674 ), but want to use more time on personal projects, and not commit to large projects with tight deadlines, so an asset store would be perfect for some extra income.

My question is: what do you think would be useful ( to more than just you)? Music, GUIs, characters, tiles, backgrounds, fonts? What styles ( realistic, semi or toon).

Shpint

AWESOME!!!!
I like toon style

Do Music, Charactors, and backgrounds

butterbean

Backgrounds like Woods, forest backgrounds etc., platforms, trees, plants, Simple Enemies with animations, elements like rocks, mushrooms, plants, I think would sell well since you can use them in a lot of different games

Looking forward to seeing your work!

FranzKeller

You could sell any, and all of the above... all could be useful

(gee, maybe I should get in on this market ha ha
or even a "content store" for us to sell right here on Gendai? as they do on DAZ 3d)
or would that be a swap meet? ;-)

"Realistic" seems less useful in the 2d / casual games we tend to be making here,
but some still go for it.

Photics

FranzKeller said:
(gee, maybe I should get in on this market ha ha
or even a "content store" for us to sell right here on Gendai? as they do on DAZ 3d)
or would that be a swap meet? ;-)

I don't think Gendai Games could create something like that... not so quickly. They seem to be pretty busy with what they're already doing.

I could probably set up a shop at Photics.com though. I already have some e-commerce practice with the Textbook. Maybe I should expand it as a place for GameSalad artists to sell content? Is this a good idea?

scitunes

Do you think it would cause a homogenization (is that a word?) of GS games if the same tank image shows up in 6 GS games for example?

Or if I buy an image does it come down off the site so it is "mine" exclusively?

quantumsheep

scitunes said:
Do you think it would cause a homogenization (is that a word?) of GS games if the same tank image shows up in 6 GS games for example?

Or if I buy an image does it come down off the site so it is "mine" exclusively?

There's the chief problem. If everyone starts using the same images, things will get stale and there'll be nothing to mark out your game from others.

So, under the terms of use licence, you would have to be allowed to modify that tank. Say it's top down, I should be allowed to put a sheepy face on the back if I wanted to to distinguish it from other people's tanks.

Colour is another thing. How many versions of the same image could you sell and for how much? If it's originally white, you can change its colour in GS. If it's not, changing its colour will have different effects in GS.

And then, is it good for one game, or can I use the same image across multiple games?

You would need hundreds of images too, covering a wide spectrum of genres and styles.

The way Daz does it is excellent. The models are generally very cheap, especially if they're part of the platinum club, and you can do what you want with them (in terms of images. I think you need to get a game licence from them if you want to include the actual 3D models in a 3D game).

I'm certainly not against the idea. It's a good way to protoype a game and give it a little polish - raise the bar on quality overnight if you will.

It might be better if there was no money aspect attached to this at all. Perhaps if Gendai made a bunch of graphics that you get to use in your games, royalty free, covering most popular genres as part of the express package, then that might be the way to go.

They kind of already do that with the demos I guess.

I just think there are enough artists here that are good and reasonably affordable to hire. I'm not sure it would really work, but like I said, not against the idea per se.

Cheers,

QS

Photics

scitunes said:
Or if I buy an image does it come down off the site so it is "mine" exclusively?

Well, there could be multiple licenses, one for exclusivity.

AfterBurnett

Personally, I prefer it if people make the effort to have something unique. It annoys me no end when I hear the basic GarageBand loops used in commercials and shows on TV etc... I know that's what they were designed for but I feel it's just a little "lazy".

Licensing actual music from bands etc is different as the market isn't likely to be flooded with the same tunes and recognisable soundtracks (if you can afford them) can obviously help (although as soon as I'd released Max Vector another game hit the app store with the same soundtrack by 8 Bit Weapon - I'm only using bespke music from now on, as I like to offer an experience that nobody else can).

EDIT: If money is the issue, in my experience I have found artists and musicians to be about the only people in the world willing to work for nothing (if not a profit share), because they do what they love. Seriously, it's not too difficult to find people to help you if you have a good idea... coders, on the other hand...

iDeveloper

I think having everything would do you do. I suggest prices from $5 ~ 15, depending on what asset it is. Simple art graphics = $5, complex music = $15 and so fourth. These prices would attract a lot of people, and those who don't even use GameSalad. Offer a free sample.

Just some pointers.

Dhondon

Good points QS and POLYGAMe. I'll put thid idea on ice. For a while. Focus on my own game:)