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leaving the independent games industry

Name:	Chris Labombard
Date Posted:	May 01, 2008
Rating:	5.0 out of 5
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I have shut down Spunky Games, my independent game business. I put a very large amount of time and effort into it and I just couldn't seem to make a profit off of the games I completed.

I am still planning to work in the games industry and am currently interviewing with several game development studios across Canada. If you know of any job openings that can be performed remotely or require relocation within Canada, please let me know about them :)

While Spunky Games is no longer running, I am still keeping myself busy with other projects. I recently launched a new website, Leisure Geek. It's a site with daily humor of a somewhat geekish nature. :) I'm sure a lot of you will greatly enjoy it, so please check it out and sign up for the newsletter if you enjoy the site.

Good luck to everyone in their endeavors,
Chris

Recent Blog Posts

List:	05/01/08 - leaving the independent games industry 03/02/06 - My first drawing ever. 02/15/06 - Unanswered posts 02/08/06 - A new partner, a new game 01/23/06 - I'm looking for a partner 01/17/06 - The Funk has finally hit Beta 11/08/05 - Plan for Chris Labombard 10/31/05 - Plan for Chris Labombard

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Brian Wilson (May 01, 2008 at 20:55 GMT)

If you are still interviewing for jobs in the industry, then why shut down your site? It would seem that the URL would go nicely in your resume...

Chris Labombard (May 01, 2008 at 20:56 GMT)

The site is still piggy backing on the Leisure Geek site ... and it's hosting my portfolio etc.

BrokeAss Games (May 01, 2008 at 23:04 GMT) Resource Rating: 5

Sry to hear that Chris, we'll still tell stories about the "one man dev team" here at BAG.
Thanks for all your help and input and for the noobs guide to being an indie.
I learned alot from you.
I feel you though, indie can test the very fabric of a dev.
I'm still chugging along (4 years or so now) on Ruin and it's starting to look like I might actually finish a title. =D
If you ever feel like dropping us a line, visit us at BrokeAss Games (maybe a video or 2 will inspire you for a 20th wind?).
Your efforts will always be remembered man.
Take care of yourself.
Edited on May 01, 2008 23:10 GMT

Andy Hawkins (May 01, 2008 at 23:45 GMT)

Stay in there Chris!!! Even most of the commercial games companies fail to turn a profit. Out of all the inde game co's about 15% make any money, and about 1% of commercial game co's make enough money to do the next project - you do it for the love of it, and hope that you make that 1 hit wonder that sets you up for life.

Good luck in your job hunt.

Mark Dynna (May 02, 2008 at 03:43 GMT)

So there are some other Canadians out there! It's too bad I didn't spot you sooner or we could've collaborated on some projects. I'm not in a position to offer anything paid but I've bookmarked your portfolio page.

Leroy Frederick (May 02, 2008 at 15:33 GMT) Resource Rating: 5

Always sad to hear when a fellow dev leaves the fold so to speak, but hey, hopefully the experience should aid you well in your job hunt and maybe the job experience will increase your knowledge and capability as well finance security. This in turn will aid you in future should you decide to give it another go! So good wishes for the future and keep the fire! :-)

Jonathon Stevens (May 02, 2008 at 16:17 GMT)

@Chris - How many games have you released, I could only find one on your website? Typically, it takes several games with mediocre to no success to pay off. Once you get enough of them under your belt, the 'slowly but surely' starts to kick in and the earnings will start to be worth it.

Between that and taking on dev contract work, you should be able to make a living off it.

John E. Nelson (May 02, 2008 at 16:31 GMT)

Good luck to you Chris! I know it is so hard to be an indie full time. Maybe you can still keep a foot in the indie pond while working another job.

Anton Bursch (May 03, 2008 at 01:39 GMT)

Good luck with finding longer term work with a game studio.
Edited on May 03, 2008 07:45 GMT

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