Game Programming and Development Tools

Software Publication & Distribution – nfektious

nfektious
Member

Posts: 408
From:
Registered: 10-25-2002
What is involved in publishing and distribution? I mean specifically, what does it
take for someone to become a publisher and/or distributor of software products?
Are there certain organizations that one needs to contact and become
a member of, or is it really a matter of publishing abilities, warehouse space, shipping
contacts, outlet locations, etc?

I'm just curious about this if anyone should have an idea on the
specifics of doing this. Thanks.

God bless,
Matt

CobraA1

Member

Posts: 926
From: MN
Registered: 02-19-2001
I hear the word "publisher" a lot, so I suspect it's usually through a company that specializes in that. I hear that they're pretty controlling, though.

I plan on going the completely electronic route.

Shareware's also another option.

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There are only 10 types of people - those who understand binary, and those who don't.

AmazingJas

Member

Posts: 437
From: Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Registered: 04-03-2003
I think it's a good question. As to electronic vs storefront sales, it would depend on the product a bit I think. I have no aversion to buying application/utility type software off the net because it's normally small downloadable programs that you can be using in half an hour, and in Australia, you don't have the same variety of programs available in stores to choose from. Games on the other hand, are everywhere in stores and due to their size, electronic publishing is not practical (with a few exceptions).

As to marketing your product, I'd like to know, do you just rock up at a store and say, "Hi, would you like to sell some of my product?". Do they normally sell on consignment, or do they buy them up front?

GUMP

Member

Posts: 1335
From: Melbourne, FL USA
Registered: 11-09-2002
Electronic publishign is mainly beneficial to the game developer as it bypasses the publisher. Valve software developed the STEAM system just for this purpose. Of course they'll still release HL2 in september on store shelves.
nfektious
Member

Posts: 408
From:
Registered: 10-25-2002
Let me clarify:
I'm asking about this from the perspective of becoming a publisher and/or distributor, not from the perspective of getting a project published or distributed.
From a business sense, what is required to start a publlishing company and/or a distribution company? Equipment, services, etc? What are the minimum requirements for doing this and how much cost is associated with that?

I hope that makes sense as to what information I am after. I was hoping to hear from Soul Joy or others involved in this area. Thanks though for the comments; sorry my original question wasn't as clearly stated as it should have been.

God bless,
Matt

GUMP

Member

Posts: 1335
From: Melbourne, FL USA
Registered: 11-09-2002
I think the biggest question is how much financial backing can you get... it would be nice to have a Christian publisher for electronic media.
Klumsy

Administrator

Posts: 1061
From: Port Angeles, WA, USA
Registered: 10-25-2001
i don't have such experience as a publisher as such but know those who do..

the good thing about being a publisher/distributor is that you can start out small, with low capital investment.. (in america though you prob want to get some good liability insurance).. The biggest thing at first is getting networked.. its a time consuming thing. Finding contacts, making relationships etc etc... you can start with research.. and time is money.. but if you have time, then thats fine.. the other major cost, if you want customers is advertising (and time finding out where to advertise)..
As a publisher (of what?) you may offer other services.. it you are publishing hard copy things you will have to do certian things.. All fabrication processes can be outsourced.. if you are publishing books, well the outsourcing cost of fabrication would be quite high per unit, and make your service not the best one for people.. it's best for them to go directly to a publisher who has the equipt to print the books themselves, and in the christian world there are plenty..

But i take it you are thinking of publishing mostly Christian software.. in boxed form (or maybe cheaper ones in DVD cases), and online..
as far as online you have the bandwidth costs and all, something i don't need to go into..

there are many good places to frabricate CD's and even complete boxed packages with books for a reasonible price.. However to have a competitive product you'd likely have to fork out to order at least 500 units.. But this cost would normally be covered by your customer.. Unless you are really publishing for them, with the faith (in bussiness sense as well as in the God sense) that their product has worth, and that you will reap financial gain from its sale..

Often publishers do other things though.. Analysis of the product, and often you have the box professionally done.. etc etc..

But the key is networking.. you need to know what distributor networks you can get in.. have a clear business plan understanding all the costs..
but of course you can start with an online pressence shipping products electronically or from your garage..


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Karl /GODCENTRIC
Visionary Media
the creative submitted to the divine.
Husband of my amazing wife Aleshia
Klumsy@xtra.co.nz

graceworks
Member

Posts: 455
From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA
Registered: 03-03-2001
Matt,

You may want to contact some publishers (and pray they respond).

A list of publishers is at:
http://cgdc.org/publish.html

Tim

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Called by God. The passioned plea of a father. The journey awaits at Jarod's Journey.