The game makes enough money to feed ME Games staff, modestly promote
the game and turn a modest (or immodest) profit for them right now
after paying the GSI/Tolkein take. I reckon GSI clear maybe $30,000 a
year after costs for doing very little. Under my scheme we get
$15,000 divided amongst us shareholders, a decent if unexciting, 5%
return whilst ME Games get $15k pa for programme developement. Add to
that the $75k initial investment and you can employ a graduate
programmer for three years in Wales.
My view is create a second edition which adds depth and variety to
the game without additional complexity. I think done right, this
should be superior to the first though my guess is that some players
will stick to first edition and extreme care would be needed. I agree
that any messing with the game should be done with extreme caution
with first edition changes done for balance purposes only (80% DS win
ratio would eventually destroy the game). At the same time adapt the
engine and provide a GM editing suite so that new, non ME games can
be designed on it, then add an automated e-mail order input system so
that the game can be run completely without human input, charge $1,2
or $3 a turn and watch the cash roll in (or not).
If this works, we could see a very good return on our investment. If
not then we get to see our hobby have a top class games engine and
hopefully recoup our expense over the next twenty years.
I am sure there are other possibilities, but this one has the virtue
of simplicity with clearly defined operation and goals, and until
someone proposes something else this is the best in town. $40,000 and
climbing.
Cheers
Chris Courtiour
--- In mepbmlist@y..., Benjamin Shushan <bshushan@e...> wrote:
Only problem here is realistic profitability. I have a hard time
seeing
enough cash flows to provide "equity returns" _and_ invest in the
primary
software, new software, marketing, etc. (not to mention some minor
profit to
Harly to feed the workers ... :).
$.02
b
arnheim@g... wrote:
> Clint,
>
> My suggestion was that a company be formed to purchase what GSI
owns
> with people recieving shares according to investment. This company
> would, as GSI do now, license ME Games to run it.
>
> The advantage to you is that you would have an open ended license,
> only subject to termination due to gross abuse or whatever rather
> than having to renegotiate every few years. This gives you the
> security and incentive to build for the future.
>
> Additionally, the shareholders would provide up to 50% of the post
> admin costs and Tolkein license cut back to you to develop the
game
> program along with a virtual carte blanche to develop it without
> undue interference from the players themselves. In other words, as
> long as you fulfill the terms of the license, you not the holding
> company will have control. In the case of very major decisions
such
> as developing a new engine or such the like then there would have
to
> be a vote but generally we will be out of your hair.
>
> The final advantage to you is that you get to invest in the
holding
> company as well. If you want 51% of that, then buy 51% of the
shares.
>
> This scheme gives you control over the engine and money to
develop it
> whilst offering the players a future for their game and a return
on
> their investment (We hope) which can be offered as a realistic
> business proposition to your whole player base and others. I
> seriously doubt you will raise thet kind of cash from players
without
> offering them something very secure and tangible in return.
> Effectively you want venture capital and you will not get better
> terms than those above.
>
> I am sure the accountants out their could come up with something
> better that uses all the tax advantages (EIS?)or suggest other
> financing options.
>
> What do you want to know about UK limited liability co's?
>
> Cheers
> Chris Courtiour.
>
>
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