So...I've got some questions.
I'm curious what kind of price range this stuff even starts at. Is $5-10k normal for puzzle games, or is the number more like $20k+? Being 3d its going to take more work, and a bit of assembly for the specific piece of hardware.
How does source code work, can I provide them with just a binary or is that unheard of? If they have my 3d code they could pump out other games without needing me, which worries me.
Do developers usually work on a milestone payment basis, or is it a big lump sum at the end?
What is a typical dev time for a cell phone sized puzzle game on one platform. I dont have to worry about hardware differences. I'm shooting for 2 months plus a QA/polish period.
What rights can I retain to the code after all is said and done? I'd like to bring the game to PDA market after I'm done with the contract, so I'm planning on negotiating the rights to the handheld market in the contract.
BTW, I've got nearly 7 years in the games industry. Programmed on a few XBOX/PS2/GameCube/Dreamcast/N64/PSX/PC titles over the years. Turok and southpark games being the ones that sold the most (dont blame me for the gameplay, I'm just an engine coder
) Since Acclaim, the company I used to work for, went bankrupt I'm excited to try and apply what I've learned to the cell/pda market...especially as it seems 3d is starting to really come to light now.
Jon