My New Video Game Startup

(The image above is from one of two presentations I gave at the 2017 Game Developer's Conference)

As many of you know, I've had an ambition to start my own video game studio for quite some time. I felt so strongly about this vision that I was willing to put the time and effort into earning an MBA for the sole purpose of being the best possible studio head I could be.

At the beginning of this year, I started laying the groundwork to turn that dream into a reality. And now, I've put my company into motion.

And that's where you come in, if you're willing.

For my first project, I'm starting with something small. I'm working to port my friend David Turkiewicz's game The Occupant from iPhone to PC.

What Is The Scope Of The Project?
The project will be a "straight port": moving the game from one platform (iPhone) to another (PC), with minimal changes. The project should take 8 weeks in total.

Why Am I Doing This Project?

As a fan of horror movies, books, and experiences, I want to make games that sit within that genre. The Occupant is like a great indie-horror movie: dark, relentless, and claustrophobic. (Check out the video below to see the current iPhone version in action)

On a logistical level, it's also a small game, so getting it ported from one platform to another is a straightforward endeavor with few unknowns.

In short, this project gives me a low-risk opportunity to build a company brand, gain practical experience working with external talent, and taking a game to market. I will release a game that not only sits within my target genre, but also is complete creatively. The game already exists, I'm just moving it from one platform to another. That way, I can focus entirely on logisitics for my first time at bat.

When Does The Project Start?
The project has already started in order to ensure it will be available for sale by Halloween (it being a horror game and all).

Why Do I Need Your Help?

Like many new start-ups, my company, Agency Principle, is currently 100% self-funded (or, "boot-strapped" in entrepreneur-speak). This first project is small enough that it would't break the bank for me, but your support would definitely ease the financial burden of getting a company off the ground and moving.

All money donated will go directly into funding this port and getting the game onto digital storefronts. If the project comes in under budget, any overages will be applied to future company ventures.

What Can I Offer You in Return?
I will put your name in the game's credits so that you will be immortalized as someone who supported me from day one.

Beyond that, you will have my eternal gratitude for facilitating my dreams, and as many hugs as you want.

Your friend/relative/colleague/fellow misfit,
Justin

www.agencyprinciple.com