WolfQuest funding and the next episode
WolfQuest funding and the next episode
Computer games take a lot of time and effort to develop. Most of the commercial games released in the past few years cost anywhere from $5 million to $40 million to develop. WolfQuest is a much smaller game, and has a much smaller budget--about $500,000. So if you're wondering why WolfQuest doesn't have all the features of the other games you play, you can find the answer in the difference between those numbers.
We're pleased with what we've managed to produce on that budget. Our master plan has always been to build on it with more episodes featuring all new content and gameplay. Unfortunately, we haven't yet raised the money for that plan, so we are narrowing our focus somewhat. We know that everyone wants pups, so we're thinking about a Spring episode with pups in the den. We estimate that this episode would require a budget of $100,000 - $200,000. Why so much? Just creating and animating a single 3D animal can cost over $10,000. Programming its artificial intelligence (AI) so it behaves realistically in different situations can cost even more. $100,000 is a lot of money by most standards, but not much in the world of game development, where even casual games like you find on Shockwave.com or Real Arcade have budgets close to or in that range.
We've thought about funding the next episode by charging $10 or $20 for it, but we feel strongly that WolfQuest should remain a free game, to reach as many people as we can. So that means we need to find funding up front, to pay for game development. So we're currently seeking that funding from several sources. If you want to support the game, we encourage you to buy buy WolfQuest T-shirts, or even donate money directly to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, directed toward WolfQuest. We also encourage corporate sponsors to contact usabout supporting part or all of a game episode.
We'll update you on the plans for the next episode in September, when we hope to have enough funding in hand to begin development.
cheers,
Dave
We're pleased with what we've managed to produce on that budget. Our master plan has always been to build on it with more episodes featuring all new content and gameplay. Unfortunately, we haven't yet raised the money for that plan, so we are narrowing our focus somewhat. We know that everyone wants pups, so we're thinking about a Spring episode with pups in the den. We estimate that this episode would require a budget of $100,000 - $200,000. Why so much? Just creating and animating a single 3D animal can cost over $10,000. Programming its artificial intelligence (AI) so it behaves realistically in different situations can cost even more. $100,000 is a lot of money by most standards, but not much in the world of game development, where even casual games like you find on Shockwave.com or Real Arcade have budgets close to or in that range.
We've thought about funding the next episode by charging $10 or $20 for it, but we feel strongly that WolfQuest should remain a free game, to reach as many people as we can. So that means we need to find funding up front, to pay for game development. So we're currently seeking that funding from several sources. If you want to support the game, we encourage you to buy buy WolfQuest T-shirts, or even donate money directly to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, directed toward WolfQuest. We also encourage corporate sponsors to contact usabout supporting part or all of a game episode.
We'll update you on the plans for the next episode in September, when we hope to have enough funding in hand to begin development.
cheers,
Dave
Dave/loboLoco
WolfQuest Game Producer
WolfQuest Game Producer
- Midnight Snow
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
I know that the mentioned amount is not much money, but I do know that you would indeed lose several users simply because they, like me, cannot make online transactions regardless of if they want to do so or not. So I am really happy to hear that you (the team) still intend to make it a free game. Even though that means it will have less content and such.loboLoco wrote:We've thought about funding the next episode by charging $10 or $20 for it, but we feel strongly that WolfQuest should remain a free game, to reach as many people as we can.
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
its good that you tell everyone that you guys need money. I would donate if I could, but we have pretty little money right now ,, :/
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
Yeah I think Midnight snow is right, you could lose several users if you put a fee for it. One of the cool things about wolf quest is that it has always been a free game. Im pretty impressed with the budget you are working on, considering the animations and graphics in the game.Midnight Snow wrote:I know that the mentioned amount is not much money, but I do know that you would indeed lose several users simply because they, like me, cannot make online transactions regardless of if they want to do so or not. So I am really happy to hear that you (the team) still intend to make it a free game. Even though that means it will have less content and such.loboLoco wrote:We've thought about funding the next episode by charging $10 or $20 for it, but we feel strongly that WolfQuest should remain a free game, to reach as many people as we can.
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
even if it becomes necessary to pay for it because of funding, I will still gladly do so!
I hope you guys manage to get enough money to make this game as fun and free as possible.
I hope you guys manage to get enough money to make this game as fun and free as possible.
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
i agree with blindseer. i wouldn't want to have to pay but if we had to i would definitely do so. thanks so much for all of your hard workBlindseer wrote:even if it becomes necessary to pay for it because of funding, I will still gladly do so!
I hope you guys manage to get enough money to make this game as fun and free as possible.
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)........(\_
((...._/{ "-;
)).-' {{ ;'`
( ( .;._\\
)........(\_
((...._/{ "-;
)).-' {{ ;'`
( ( .;._\\
Delta female in the Untame Spirits pack
)........(\_
((...._/{ "-;
)).-' {{ ;'`
( ( .;._\\
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)).-' {{ ;'`
( ( .;._\\
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
I am only 12 though, And i LOVE the Wolf Quest. And I Probably will stop playing If i have to pay (only 'cause I am broke and without a credit card)
Last edited by WolfWoman on Wed Jul 16, 2008 4:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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But to Fight!
Fang
My Wolves:
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Mirage:Black with a White diamond on her forehead
Sango: Purple Eyes with a Pure Black coat
Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
Oh the joys of money limitations and getting enough funds...
I'm glad you guys are keeping the game free for the reasons you mentioned. We all appreciate it greatly!
And have fun on your break! XD
I'm glad you guys are keeping the game free for the reasons you mentioned. We all appreciate it greatly!
And have fun on your break! XD
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
if i may ask.
is wolfquest on the stock market?
(kinda stupid question though)
is wolfquest on the stock market?
(kinda stupid question though)
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
I doubt it >.>sora wrote:if i may ask.
is wolfquest on the stock market?
(kinda stupid question though)
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
Ive bought one of the wolfquest t-shirt a few months back, i could try to donate but i doubt it will be alot. If i win the lottery ill give lots!
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
anything for wolves man! anything! I`ll check out a few ideas for sponsers....
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
I figured this would be with in the 100,000 dollar range but wow! I had no clue it was so expensive! Anyways guys/gals keep donating and lets hope for the best!
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
What Kyuubi said. I didn't realise just how expensive it was to make a game . Enjoy your break and hopefully I'll be able to donate some money soon ^^
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Re: WolfQuest funding and the next episode
We've thought about funding the next episode by charging $10 or $20 for it, but we feel strongly that WolfQuest should remain a free game, to reach as many people as we can.
You guys rule!!:) I'll by a t-shirt and spread the word.
You guys rule!!:) I'll by a t-shirt and spread the word.
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[*][/color][*][/color][*][/color]
My wolves
momma- silver and white
[*][/color][*][/color][*][/color]