Cactus Game Design Message Boards
Other Gaming => Game Design => Topic started by: Blisstake on February 08, 2014, 02:47:16 PM
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I had made a card game that i feel is somewhat advanced (needs 2 calculators per person), but i feel will run great. How do i get the copyright registered for it so no one can steal it? I looked up for books that copyright is put on it the moment it is created, but registering it is another thing. I don't know how to register copyright for card games. My best guess is to go on the copyright website, but i do not see anything that would apply to games. Do i call them up?
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Not sure this board is the best place to start with that. You may want to review the guidelines and protections for copyrighting games (http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl108.html). I would especially start with that because it will show you that even if you copyright a game, most of it is not protected unfortunately (that is, someone could make a similar game legally even if you passed through the process).
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ok, so just find a publisher for the game, understood.
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2 calculators? why 2?
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One for math, and another for keeping your "currency". Do you think its possible that i would be able to present this to someone like Capcom? I don't want Wizards, but i want someone big. This card game can be equals to Duelmasters. I want to be able to see this in Wal-mart. I feel this game has every reason to be popular: it will contain nothing from the occult, and no monsters. Also, the only support cards are not truly support cards. Its very unique. I'm looking for a big name publisher, and have a lot of the game sorted out. I just need the numbers in...
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One for math, and another for keeping your "currency". Do you think its possible that i would be able to present this to someone like Capcom? I don't want Wizards, but i want someone big. This card game can be equals to Duelmasters. I want to be able to see this in Wal-mart. I feel this game has every reason to be popular: it will contain nothing from the occult, and no monsters. Also, the only support cards are not truly support cards. Its very unique. I'm looking for a big name publisher, and have a lot of the game sorted out. I just need the numbers in...
Just curious on how much you've beta tested it. You might want to hammer out all the bugs before looking for a publisher. Also Timmeirez (SP?) has a history of game design he might be able to help.
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(needs 2 calculators per person)
You're DEFINITELY going to need to change that.
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(needs 2 calculators per person)
You're DEFINITELY going to need to change that.
You can use paper and pencil if you perfer. Just its easier with 2 calculators. My idea was to have a 2 setting calculator, or one you can use to read previous numbers.
One for math, and another for keeping your "currency". Do you think its possible that i would be able to present this to someone like Capcom? I don't want Wizards, but i want someone big. This card game can be equals to Duelmasters. I want to be able to see this in Wal-mart. I feel this game has every reason to be popular: it will contain nothing from the occult, and no monsters. Also, the only support cards are not truly support cards. Its very unique. I'm looking for a big name publisher, and have a lot of the game sorted out. I just need the numbers in...
Just curious on how much you've beta tested it. You might want to hammer out all the bugs before looking for a publisher. Also Timmeirez (SP?) has a history of game design he might be able to help.
I have the ideas, i just need to test for a number range per stage. I have the idea on the card layouts put into picture. I cannot see any way to polish it further right now. Ill give him an email with the layout of the game
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If your game requires 2 calculators per player (or even 1 total) you've done something horribly wrong.
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If your game requires 2 calculators per player (or even 1 total) you've done something horribly wrong.
stay thirsty my friends ;) lol
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Hi Blisstake,
Before trying to submit this to a publisher, you have to make sure that you have something that will catch and keep their attention. Some things you will need:
Lots of play testing time, both with you playing and without you playing.
Clear, well-written rules. (They won't be able to play it otherwise!)
Good communication skills and patience.
I don't know where you stand on the above (it sounds at least like it needs more play testing time, if nothing else), but it tends to be difficult to get games to many of the big publishers. Many of the biggest companies don't normally accept outside submissions. (http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/933849/the-designers-resources-list has a list of, among other things, some companies that DO accept outside submissions.)
One route you could take, once you have a game that you're happy with, is self publishing. One site I particularly enjoy is The Game Crafter (http://www.thegamecrafter.com), which will allow you to get things in booster packs (last I checked). It won't get your game in WalMart, but you will be able to distribute it online to whomever is interested.
As others have said, the necessity for calculators in play is likely a red flag that you need to do something to streamline it, but maybe the game is good enough to overcome that.
In general, with board/card games, you don't have to worry about registering for copyrights, trademarks, patents, etc. There is virtually no "idea theft" in games, at least none that copyright can protect. If your game does get published, the publisher will take care of any necessary registrations for you.
Good luck on this project!
Tim
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If your game requires 2 calculators per player (or even 1 total) you've done something horribly wrong.
I would like to note the calculators are not required, its just helpful. I'm thinking of testing the max number range 50 or below, so the math can be done mentally
I am also considering the possibility of it being partially automated, so it can be played with someone via iphone, andriod, or computer. I had this one idea of using something similar, It was their megaman thing where you had these chips. My idea is have a device you can hook up to your computer, edit your deck there, be able to go to the store and buy "booster packs" there, put a chip in the device, recycle the chip at your game store, and be able to play against someone via this device. I might have it the size of a gameboy, because that feels like a reasonable size, and cheap (gameboys were big, so something similar might be better, but with today tech). Stores that want to sell "singles" would have a wireless signal device that hooks it up to their market either locally or they put it online. This allows a great trade feature, and a buy/sell feature. Also have the possibility of buying packs online. I will need to get a range for 16 different stats (4 per stage, and 4 stages). Also a bit of number change due to type (i have 7). Abilities will be a bit more necissary, and the ability to attack will be wanted, but then they either don't have a different ability or they are able to attack.
I will test this soon
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My advice:
Check out the video from some experts at The Dice Tower. The youtube video is called "Top Ten Tips for Game Designers."
If you don't want to listen to their experience, then you can fast forward to the 36:00 minute mark for the complete list.
From my observation (and I could be wrong), it sounds like you have given more thought to the marketing aspect than the game itself.
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I would only play if you replaced the calculator with an abacus.
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I would only play if you replaced the calculator with an abacus.
If you wanted to, you could for keeping track of your currency
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My advice:
Check out the video from some experts at The Dice Tower. The youtube video is called "Top Ten Tips for Game Designers."
If you don't want to listen to their experience, then you can fast forward to the 36:00 minute mark for the complete list.
From my observation (and I could be wrong), it sounds like you have given more thought to the marketing aspect than the game itself.
I love their rant about the top ten most overrated games. just some of the stuff they talk about is funny but what gets me about that top ten is one of the guys included the game "loopin' louie" and I'm like "Really?!" I enjoyed playing that game when I was a kid but I digress