The games industry has exploded into a multibillion industry with blockbuster games that sell millions of copies. This phenomenal success has established a huge market and created the opportunity for independent developers to create and sell their own games. Do you have an innovative game idea you'd like to develop for this market, but aren't sure how to get started? If so, The Indie Game Development Survival Guide will show you how.

Beginning with insightful guidelines for developing a truly unique idea, you'll learn everything you need to consider when publishing a small-to-no-budget game. Details on how to design, plan, schedule, develop, and test your game are explored in depth. Choosing the best technology for the job is also covered, along with team management tips for setting up and managing a team, even if it's just you and one other person. Once you've worked through these important stages, you'll discover new and innovative ways to use the Internet to market, test, and deliver your game, including details on successful selling methods

Whether you are a programmer, artist, sound engineer, or game enthusiast, this is the one resource you'll need to get started as an independent developer.

Features

• Teaches independent game developers how to create a game on a shoestring budget
• Details the entire design and development process from idea to Internet delivery
• Helps both programmers and non-programmers bring their games to life
• Provides in-depth instruction on project and team management
• Showcases proven Internet marketing strategies selling your game

David "RM" Michael (Tulsa, OK) has been a successful software developer for over 10 years, working in a variety of industries. He is co-owner of Samu Games (www.samugames.com), which has been a maker of independent games since 1996. His articles about game design and development have appeared on www.gamedev.net and in the book Game Design Perspectives. He is also the owner of the independent software company DavidRM Software (www.davidrm.com).