leaving the independent games industry
by Chris Labombard · 05/01/2008 (8:47 pm) · 9 comments
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
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
About the author
#2
05/01/2008 (8:56 pm)
The site is still piggy backing on the Leisure Geek site ... and it's hosting my portfolio etc. 
#3
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.
05/01/2008 (11:04 pm)
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.
#4
Good luck in your job hunt.
05/01/2008 (11:45 pm)
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.
#5
05/02/2008 (3:43 am)
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. 
#6
05/02/2008 (3:33 pm)
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! :-)
#7
Between that and taking on dev contract work, you should be able to make a living off it.
05/02/2008 (4:17 pm)
@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.
#8
05/02/2008 (4:31 pm)
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.
#9
05/03/2008 (1:39 am)
Good luck with finding longer term work with a game studio.
Torque Owner Brian Wilson