From:	jb3207 AT eclipse DOT co DOT uk (Jason Barstow)
Newsgroups:	comp.os.msdos.djgpp,rec.games.programmer,alt.comp.shareware.for-kids
Subject:	Publishing a game
Date:	Sat, 18 Jan 1997 14:51:47 GMT
Organization:	Jabber Interactive
Lines:	60
Message-ID:	<5bqo19$58@news.cableinet.net>
Reply-To:	jb3207 AT eclipse DOT co DOT uk
NNTP-Posting-Host:	195.188.32.83
To:	djgpp AT delorie DOT com
DJ-Gateway:	from newsgroup comp.os.msdos.djgpp

My partner and I are currently finishing a game.
We are at the stage of approaching publishers. We are also
checking out the shareware route as an alternative form of distribution.

This is our first game and we're desperately trying to form a
basis for discussion (with retail/shareware publishers). We're
finding it difficult to get real-life facts and figures. Without
these we can't really begin...

The game:
(This is from the blurb we're sending publishers....)

*Arcade style educational game for children and adults.
*Multiple puzzles/information pages.
*Written with DJGPP (DOS,32bit).
*Compatable with Win95 and OS2Warp(untested)
*Hi-res/Hi-colour full scrolling forced overhead 3D.
*Spatial 16channel sound (8 digital music/8 effects).
*Cut sequences.	
*Installation procedure - full or partial installation from CD.
*Setup - advanced options, plus an easy automatic option.
*Requires: DOS/Win95/OS2Warp 486DX66, 8MB.
*Recommended: Pentium, Soundblaster compatable.
	
FYI (if you care!) technical info:
Coded in C using excellent DJGPP.
The sound system is adapted from Mikmod.
We wrote the graphic system ourselves, it supports mode13h
plus any direct-pixel VESA1.2/VESA2.0 mode (including
16/24/32bit modes). The graphics are created in 24bit and
(pre)quantized for 8bit modes.
Pentium60 runs 640x480x8bit. Pentium120+ with fast gfx card
runs 640x480x16bit.
User can turn full-scrolling off and run hi-colour modes
'flip-screen' if their system is too slow - dirty rectangles
method gives good speed.



If *anyone* has *any* experience in this area please send us
information.

Particularly,

Can we expect support (resource/financial) to finish the game?
What percentage should we expect to receive for a retail product?
Can we expect an advance?
What sort of sales can we expect to make (presuming the product is 'average')?

Thankyou for any information.

NB. This is cross-posted to:
comp.os.msdos.djgpp, rec.games.programmer, alt.comp.shareware.for-kids

Jason Barstow
Jabber Interactive
jb3207 AT eclipse DOT co DOT uk

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