Thoughts on Browser game maker

[hallsofvallhalla]

So was thinking of completing QOC in web browser only form, no 3d, then making it like a web browser game maker. All stats, skills, encounters, creatures, recipes, ect.. could all be changed using a simple admin panel and maybe some simple to use programs. The game could be altered in many ways to make it your own. Sure the game play would be the same in many ways but one could change the layout, images, colors, ect...

Would that be something people would be interested in? Would it sell for $5, $10? $15? Then later add packs to it like a mafia game, Space game, ect?

Just some food for thought looking for regurgitation of comments.

[dave3460]

Halls you are a genius .

from my own game play i prefer games without the 3d .
and i am sure what ever price you set is a reasonable offer for the time and effort put in to create a unique world.

[Callan S.]

Markets don't try to be reasonable.

I dunno, Halls, why are you putting a price on it? In terms of money I'd probably use an auction like method - each time it sells at a price, the price goes up for the next sale. A certain period without sales makes it go down in price a bit. It might go up to hundreds per copy - depends on the market. And I'd host the game for play so someone can see exactly what it does. But you were probably going to host QOC anyway.

An amusing twist might be that the further they get in playing your hosted QOC, the cheaper they can buy the game code. Maybe even free at some point? So people who care about the game get a discount.

It depends on whether your objective is money, or whether you just want some for paying for hosting? (BTW, I'm watching my project wonderful ad account slowly, slowly creep up - I want to donate a few bucks here from money I partly made from learning here - but for me it's taking awhile)

[Ravinos]

While it would be a good way to make money the problem I see is that then all of the games will look and feel the same. Most that buy it won't change anything, slap a name on it and throw it up, thus causing a flooded market of games that are nearly identical. My prime example would be all of those Korean sweat shop games.

If you do it make it barely functional with no graphics. Just the core engine and an admin panel. Then you can sell bare bones modules for it that add slightly enhanced functionality and features.

[SpiritWebb]

While it would be a good way to make money the problem I see is that then all of the games will look and feel the same. Most that buy it won't change anything, slap a name on it and throw it up, thus causing a flooded market of games that are nearly identical. My prime example would be all of those Korean sweat shop games.

If you do it make it barely functional with no graphics. Just the core engine and an admin panel. Then you can sell bare bones modules for it that add slightly enhanced functionality and features.

This actually sounds like a great idea...

[kaos78414]

I actually think we could make a browser game CMS if we decided to devote enough time to it. Though it would be easier to just make free and open-source and maybe throw a repository on bitbucket or something. Accept donations to keep it hosted (assuming there would be a website for it), and maybe put up ads if that's not enough. I guarantee there is an audience for this, and it could be pretty fun!

I also like Ravinos's idea. But still I vote +1 for making it free and open-source vs. commercial. Making it commercial means that if it gets even moderately popular it'll start to consume your life after a while (with paying customers you are obligated to make changes, with free people will understand if it goes without updates for a while). With open-source we also have the benefit of being able to make some commits here and there for good user-made changes, along with opening it up to a larger audience.

[zolacat999]

I think it could be a good idea but I think half of the whole process is making your game, and i don't think just paying a few quid to get one done for you is a good idea

[kaos78414]

That's why I proposed more of a CMS of sorts. Granted as has been mentioned it would be easy to spot browser games made with this CMS, it would still have potential for all sorts of browser games, if done right.

[Baseball435]

The problem I see is if you do sell it how will you protect it from being copied and put elsewhere for free? :/