[Q] Sponsorship

[lashiens]

I've noticed a lot of discussion from the developers during threads that go along the lines of either a) We don't have enough funds to do x thing in the game or b) We dont' have the resources and/or manpower to do x thing in the game.

So my question is, I know that the game is being independently developed by EoE, but have you considered getting a corporate sponsor to assist in development of the game? From what I know, a lot of 'big' companies have been trying to get into the MMO market, but for the most part they don't because they, as a whole company, dont' have any experience with development of them (I point you towards Warner Bros and MxO, for example.).

I don't know the specifics of HOW to go about doing the kind of thing, or what it would entail, but I would only imagine that for a cut of profits (naturally, since they're helping to provide funds/resources/etc towards the making of the game), and recognition/namesake, a larger game company would be willing to do this. The benefits seems like they would outweigh the negatives, such as a slightly bigger staff, better tools to work with to develop the things cutting edge things that you guys have wanted to put into the game, not to mention an established company license to help get yourselves on your feet (I dont' know about you, but I had NEVER heard of BioWare until Knights of the Old Republic came out. :D ), faster development time (that is, getting the things done you want to get done, but just quicker). Is this something that has been considered at all?

And just a second quick question, have you thought about who a possible publisher for the game will be?

[Sykoi]

We have a few sponsors but I'm not at liberty to discuss them.
As for a publisher: No
More indepth answer: No

Publishers tend to take 60%+ of the profits, creative control, and many other things we're not ready to hand over... Its just not worth it.
We have thought about becoming a publicly trading corporation, but there are problems with loosing creative control as well as overall control of the company as well.

[Jin]

Yea I was about to say the same thing about publishers but Sykoi beat me to it.....so I will just concur.

[Kurosaki]

I'l sponsor you! *pulls out cookies*

But on a serious note, unfortunately coporate sponsors would hijack the game and probably change its design dramatically.

[Tenshin]

I'm CEO of an independant record label. Big companies tend to take things over as well as take most of your money in the end. An economic alternative are loans and grants. Many companies are dedicated to providing grants that don't need to be payed back to independant project organizations, such as yours. There are plenty in the music business, and I'm positive there are hundreds in the gaming industry. Even taking a loan can work. Provided you finish the project, there's no way you won't be able to pay it back. I'm sure you've looked into it, but a condition free grant is by far the best thing you can look into for your company