Quote:

---

I used a bootstrap method:
Year 1: Built a small prototype (0 USD).
Year 2: Used this to raise some funds for a larger prototype (a few hundred USD).
Year 3: Used this to raise some funds for an even larger prototype (a few thousand USD).
Year 4: Once the prototype was convincing enough, I used it to raise enough money to build a demo (a few ten thousand USD).
Year 5: I'm currenlty building the demo that will (ideally) attract the investors to actually build the game (a few million USD).

---

Sounds like a 'ship burning' strategy to me, but at least you can tell somewhere halfway if you're ever going to make it. If nobody likes your idea or game or whatever concept, you'd find that out in step 3 or 4 at least.

Quote:

---

who sought mob loans

---

Quote:

---

My problem then becomes that I don't know of any specific individuals to bring it in front of. [/quote}

Local gaming publishers may vary depending on where in Mich. you are. I don't know of any, but it's a possibility.

What is even more probable is that there is a Small Business Association branch or a SCORE meeting place. Here you would get tuned into the investment pipeline for your city. Note: you are not likely to get investors in a small town with a game. Try to sweep at least for a city or a state with support for IT and innovation. No small feat but ever state has it's own vision of how to innovate with technology and if you can align your project with there's, you should have a fighting chance at getting good start up funds.

Quote:

---

would it make more sense to round up and consult established mechanical engineers or go get a masters degree in mechanical engineering so that you could build it all yourself and answer all your own questions?

---

I'd get a master's degree. Why?

1. I need to know if my idea is realistic
2. I need to make realistic estimates of the costs that this will require
3. I need to start off with something, either money or skill to speak of, and without a degree I would have neither
4. I have no experience on how to go through with an idea, and how to deal with the experts. How do I know they have the experience to tackle the job? How do I know they're doing things right? How do I motivate them to work? How do I get them to work for me when they've been offered more prestigous jobs?
5. People want a steady project to stick to. Noone wants to get involved in a failure. Even with money people will hesitate to help you, because it just might not work out.
6. You might end up losing money (even with a good product) if you don't have the experience in business

Now, that's an analogy to game design. You can make the links yourself .

Quote:

---

ere's news... Bill Gates was a programmer. He did most of the work himself. Only after he succeeded did he start his now huge company, Microsoft. The truth is, if you go down the road your thinking of, your definitely not a game developer - you're a businessman, making investments and hoping you get the profit. And the reality of the situation is, you can only realisitically become a businessman if you have experience and a reasonable position to start off with.

---

Quote:

---

I'd get a master's degree.

---

Quote:

---

Sorry but Bill Gates is a bussinesman he didnt do anything he bought the software but yes you are right he knew what was needed.

---