Turning from a solo developer to a studio ?

So I am extremely new to game dev mainly working through UE5, Blender & Draw.IO(free and easy to plan top down maps !)

I have been working on developing more of a proof of concept than a full game as I feel the game I want to create is beyond my expertise. However seeing the concept in action triggers new ideas and allows people to see it is possible with a helping hand.

Now I am not too proud to say that others would far exceed anything I have created so far and probably in less time.

So my question really is what is currently available to guide through the initial set up of a game studio, where could I find Unreal Engine game developers that would be willing to work on the project, what equipment would be expected to be provided to do this, how can you raise funds to pay for everything etc ?

I’ve searched other places and responses are along the lines of “don’t make such an ambitious game” but even the basics of what I am looking to do would be best implemented by an experienced developer. Any pointers or advice is massively appreciated !

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Now not trying to discourage you of course.
So, if you’re extremely new and don’t have prior experience in game dev, I wouldn’t do this. I’d first learn everything there is to know and then work on it in your free time. Games aren’t built quickly (at least not good games.) Take your time on your project.


But if you still want to do this:

  • You’d have to talk to a lawyer and get your studio registered as a company.
  • You could theoretically raise the funds through kickstarter (though it is a mainly donation-based thing.)
  • I suggest you look for developers in your friend group and just try to build a game together though, since funding wages for employees is very expensive (at lowest 7.25$) per hour, however, Fiverr can be a great choice for getting game assets.
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Thank you for the feedback, definitely under no illusions how difficult it could be otherwise everyone on here much more experienced would be doing it.

However I genuinely believe in the idea I have and so far all the market research I’ve got backs up.

Problem is I think it could take a team of experienced developers years to put together. I’d hate to imagine how long it would take to learn C++ on my own.

Based in the UK so I’d imagine the first instance should be getting in touch with a business manager at a bank ?

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Sorry for the late reply. I’d suggest yes, find the way to both get finances and legal out of the way, those are the two biggest obstacles. I’m not sure how exactly it works in the UK however as I live in the U.S.

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If you don’t have funds to pay for everything already, then in reality, you’re not in a position to start a studio period. There are some good aspects though, you are already working on a prototype yourself. That’s essential… You’re also based in the UK where there’s no shortage of game devs, so that’s a plus. So fwiw the advice here is…

Go to game dev meetups and show off the prototype game and see who you meet and go from there. That’s as much as you can hope to achieve right now realistically. If you’re hoping funding will just land on your desk, sadly its not kickstarter 2010 anymore. So you will have to fight for everything and hope that you get noticed. As 80%-90% of indie games fail. Most games are really just passion projects (not a viable business). Overall, good luck / timing / relevance / providence is an essential part in all of this.

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Do you have any resources as to where to game dev meet ups are usually posted ? E.g is there a centralised official Game Dev meet up in the UK etc ? Would be class to meet people who actually know what they’re talking about :joy:

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Check PM / DM…

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What can you say about The Frontend Company ? I want to work for them as a frontend developer. Is it worth it? I found a lot of positive reviews about them, but unfortunately I could not personally communicate with anyone on this topic.

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As far as the legalities there are several platforms that offer services that automate the process of designing and registering a company, for a fee ofcourse. I looked into filing an LLC through tailor brands and it was about $150, a little more to TM the game name. All in all pretty easy process and worth the investment given the potential profit in the game marketplace

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