A
amallama
Guest
The Steam platform developed by Valve (Half-Life, Counter-Strike) provides an electronic distribution platform for both private and independent games and related content and information. Valve founder, president and guitarist;-) Gabe Newell says, "One of our goals for Steam and Source is to provide a viable platform for independent developers who would rather be working on original IP."
The Steam electronic distribution platform is a compelling value-add for Valve's powerful game engine Source. Steam is particularly attractive for independent game developers who may not have established shelf-space with Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc. Since the Source engine is also extremely developer friendly, a boat load of creative independent IP is on tap within the Steam network of users.
An opportunity appears to exist for Valve to use the Steam network and Source to accelerate the commercialization of independent gaming innovations by incorporating a licensing channel element in Steam and Source. New levels, models, sound designs, motion captures, episodes, plots, texture, etc. could all be submitted by independent developers for licensing consideration. The developer is afforded some IP protections as well as legal advice and other related licensing services.
Key selling points:
1) Valve benefits by having access to market-driven R&D of new game innovations built around the Source engine.
2) Valve can purchase the IP from the independent developer for incorporation into existing and new Valve game releases.
3) Valve can broker independent IP licensing to other Source-based game development companies. This is a double win for Valve: brokered IP as well as increased licensing of the Source engine.
4) The independent developers can make a buck by licensing their IP.
5) The ability to play games, create new IP and maybe make a buck or find a career in the process is an attractive selling point for end-users and parents who sometimes make the purchase.
Comments, ideas, that's all just crazy talk?
The Steam electronic distribution platform is a compelling value-add for Valve's powerful game engine Source. Steam is particularly attractive for independent game developers who may not have established shelf-space with Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc. Since the Source engine is also extremely developer friendly, a boat load of creative independent IP is on tap within the Steam network of users.
An opportunity appears to exist for Valve to use the Steam network and Source to accelerate the commercialization of independent gaming innovations by incorporating a licensing channel element in Steam and Source. New levels, models, sound designs, motion captures, episodes, plots, texture, etc. could all be submitted by independent developers for licensing consideration. The developer is afforded some IP protections as well as legal advice and other related licensing services.
Key selling points:
1) Valve benefits by having access to market-driven R&D of new game innovations built around the Source engine.
2) Valve can purchase the IP from the independent developer for incorporation into existing and new Valve game releases.
3) Valve can broker independent IP licensing to other Source-based game development companies. This is a double win for Valve: brokered IP as well as increased licensing of the Source engine.
4) The independent developers can make a buck by licensing their IP.
5) The ability to play games, create new IP and maybe make a buck or find a career in the process is an attractive selling point for end-users and parents who sometimes make the purchase.
Comments, ideas, that's all just crazy talk?