Making the Team: Your Business is more than a Financial Investment

With the rapid expansion of gaming, more and more people are looking to create their own gaming companies. These new businesses normally begin because of the need in their specific market. Though one of the biggest concerns in any start-up business venture is the need for financial investors, it is also important to have the right mix of people investing and working for your business.

Matthew Stibbe suggests that there are 3 channels to find funding.

•       Your own money, money from friends/family, or a loan/second mortgage.

•       Business angel funding or venture capital

•       A second job.

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When I review these choices, what seems to be a common theme is your network. Though you may not have the money now, your friends or family might be willing to help you. If you have a clear, understandable business case, and are connected to people who can get you to the right …

And finally, if you do not have the network necessary to fund your new business, you can save up working an additional job.

Greggman talks about game development companies pointing out the importance of starting small and building bigger in the next game. They also advise about funding, suggesting that you make a small demo to shop if you are unable to find funding for an entire game.

It is also important to have a realistic business plan. This is something that we have certainly been covering throughout the Full Sail program. The more you understand your business plan and set realistic your goals, the easier it will be to have investors believe in your plan and you. By hiring good people, you know that they will help your business grow to its full potential, When you have a team that wants to be number one, it makes it easier to hold each other accountable, getting rid of any people that might be weighing the team down. Finally, if you support your team and their growth, your business will also see growth.

In the past year, my role with Best Buy has changed three times. Our company values are very clear, but even more so, I believe, teach, and live them. 

•       Have Fun while Being the Best

•       Unleash the Power of our People

•       Show Respect, Humility, and Integrity

•       Learn from Challenge and Change

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As a leader in the company, I believe that if your team not only believes the company values, but also teaches them and lives them everyday, not only will you provide a better employee workplace environment, but also a great customer environment. You want to surround yourself with people who will bring out the best in you and you the best in them, which is why hiring the right people is very important. 

http://www.stibbe.net/Writing/Games_Industry/gamesco.htm

http://games.greggman.com/game/starting_your_own_game_company/