next »

[The Janker]

I'm new to the forums here at TigSource but been a fan for a while. Getting towards the end of development on our Alpha for our first game. We've already got our business registered, but looking for any advice on finding an accountant, or government incentives that are available for us. Everything I've found so far has been great but is only applicable once we've released a product and are moved onto our second game. My background in school is in marketing, but I'm really bad at asking for advice and help. Thanks to everyone on here for the inspiration, and just reading your posts has kept me going while doing 14 hour days.

[xier]

Hey janker where in Ontario are you from? Thrive Games is in Hamilton :D

Government incentives - your research should begin here: http://www.ontario.ca/ontario-government

A quick google query of Ontario funding programs would be your best bet, and then start sifting through those pages looking for something that could apply to you. There are a lot of incentives you can find without a finished product, and if you dig hard enough you will get to them. I have already done all of this research and would be willing to share if absolutely necessary, but try to find it for yourself first. If lost I'll point you in the right direction.

Also from my experience, aligning yourself with an incubator or start up accelerator might be very beneficial dependent on your team size. They provide answers to a lot of these questions, and some even provide free office space. I can provide more info there if needed as well.

[The Janker]

Thanks Xier. I've done some looking on the government websites and I've found a lot of great stuff for once we have one game under our belt. Currently I'm still working elsewhere full time to pay the bills which is part of the problem. We're in Toronto and I've been to a few gaming events here that cover a lot of topics. Seems like not many people are having talks on financial advice though and as someone looking to work on their game design full time that's one of the biggest concerns.

I'm  sure I have nothing to worry about once our first game is out but I always like knowing what I can do to allow us for greater success. Thanks for the info again.

[xier]

What's your studio BTW? I am looking to start some kind of collective/alliance with gamedevs in the GTA area if you'd be interested.

[Paragonyx]

Are you looking for funding? One thing that my studio has been looking into is small business grants, specifically in the tech sector. I came across this good article not too long ago:

http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/NinaPark/20140519/217977/Indie_Business_Development_Finding_Funding__Part_1_Incubators_and_Grants.php

The article mentions Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. I'm not sure if it is applicable to Canada.

Good luck with your game! I definitely feel your pain on wanting to work on it full-time. I hope all goes well.

- Alexis

Paragonyx.com | Paragonyx's Facebook | Paragonyx's Twitter |

[BishopGames]

Hey there,

As a fellow canadian (not from Ontario though, from Quebec), there is always the CMF. Canada Media Fund
http://www.cmf-fmc.ca/

It is quite hard to be accepted but I've known some indies do it, Parabole and their game Kona come to mind (also from Quebec).

The application process is quite long though, alot of paperwork to do but it's worth it IMO even if you don't get picked. It's a good practice as you have to write down the whole project overview, budget, business plan, etc.

Good luck!

[The Janker]

Thanks Paragonyx and BishopGames. I'll look into those once we're done alpha.

As for Xeir I'd love to do some cross promotion. I'm not huge into free to play or mobile games but your game looks solid and really fun. I'm always happy to help promote games that are fantastic and deserve attention.

I'll make sure to post any progress, but likely I won't be able to apply until end of March or Early April.

While our site won't be up for another month or so I'd love to help cross promotion if the game is something I feel I can get behind (you know... integrity). Like wise I'd only like people to help promote anything I make if they actually enjoy it.

Please feel free to send any messages about Alliance's and cross promotion stuff to me.