Post
by KanedaFr » Thu Oct 13, 2016 12:03 pm
Hi,
I think there are 2 subjects on this thread ( apart the original one : a new homebrew game for Genny ).
1/SegaTim pointed how bad is Piko Interactive, with some personal opinion of Elusive.
2/Elusive and Sik pointed how could be the retro publishing.
I won't talk about subject 2 since I think it's really based on the game and developer himselft (what he wants, what he was looking for when making the game).
About subject 1, for anyone wanting to try publishing with Piko Interactive, I'd like to tell what I, with only the developer side in mind, was able to understand.
I contacted Piko Interactive about this case, which doesn't want to react on this matter (I may understand why), but gave me his view of the story.
I then mixed SegaTim and Piko Interactive' views on it.
And, clearly, there are some points not clear.
I personnaly think SegaTim overreacted (whatever happens between the time they contacted first and the estimated date of payment).
I understood he started to flame Piko Interactive ONE day after estimated date.
Are you sure it was a great thing to do ?
Again i don't know if a contract exists between them.
If not, SegaTim and Piko Interactive are at fault here.
Even if we talk about the niche retropublishing market (even if it's growing, but not the right way perhaps?), the two sides have RIGHTS and DUTIES, and it's exactly what a contract define. (and no, a contract is not a 'sign-to-sell-me-your-soul' paper)
First thing to learn from this story : nothing without a contract (whatever should be written in it is another subject).
Second thing : you're working with/for another individual who is not able to code like you but is able to publish your game (just looking at the price of the mould to make new cartdrige should stop you from complaining). For now, it's still a person like you, a human being not Nintendo nor Electronic Arts burning company. So, if you don't like what you sense while chating/mailing/taking with him, forget it. If you or him makes an error (like being late to reply), don't forget human sleep like you and may have problem like you.
Third thing : you WON'T earn lot of money with retro develop. You could earn some dollars but in regards of the time you'll spend developing, it doesn't worth it. Yes, I repeat, it DOESN'T worth it....if it's for money only.
I'm not saying here Piko Interactive is perfect and every thing said here is bullshit, it doesn't happen to me but to SegaTim.
Also what Piko Interactive seems to have done BEFORE becoming a publisher get back to public when problem arises.
Does it mean you should avoid Piko Interactive if you have a game to publish ?
My answer is clearly NO.
What you should do is to contact any retro publisher you want (one by one, not all at the same time, else you'll lose 'exclusivity' bonus) and sign with him ONLY if you feel it, not because of the sum on money he promise you.
I still think we develop game with heart and soul, and selling it...no...publish it on real cartridge like Sega did on these so good old days is "la cerise sur le gateau" (google for it!)
This bonus should NOT become the reason to stop making game, but the burst to start another one.
This is my personal opinion, I don't intent to hurt anyone nor 'select a side'.
I really hope this will help anyone wanting to try the publishing adventure, SegaTim included.