[gameprogrammer] Re: Virtools first impressions (licensing only)

I think the third option is better one considering virtools terms.

On 7/29/05, Kevin Jenkins <gameprogrammer@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> So far I've been in negotiation with Virtools to license their
> technology.  Judging by the webpage http://www.virtools.com/ it's quite
> powerful, and the reviews are mostly positive.
> 
> In my course of trying to license the API, I was given these terms:
> 
> I get:
> 1. The ability to make a web-based game, which I can support via
> advertsing or sales.
> 2. 3 days of training
> 3. 3 months of access to the API.
> 
> In exchange:
> 1. Pay $5000 upfront
> 2. 10% of gross on release, no cap.
> 3. If I want 2 additional months of access it is $1500 extra.
> 
> For additional fees I can get:
> 1. The multiplayer server - 4 player support - $35,000
> 2. The ability to load external C++ code - price unknown.
> 
> The problems I have with this are:
> 
> 1. Personal risk and lock-in.  I have to pay $5000 before I have had a
> chance to evaulate the product.  What if I decide I don't like it,
> decide to go for something else, or just don't finish the game?
> 
> 2. Forced 3 month development.  This is to get me to rush through a
> game, in order to start another game and buy another license.  What if I
> decide to polish my existing game, or want to take longer?
> 
> 3. 10% of gross, with no cap.  What if I make more than the license is
> worth?
> 
> 4. Propretary work - All work is done through GUI and proprietary
> scripts.  If I decide some months down the road to change engines, all
> the work I did is lost.
> 
> 5. Additional fee for external code, with unknown capabilities - I want
> to use my own network engine.  Can I?  How much would it cost?  Is it
> compatible with Virtools?  I don't know.
> 
> According to the representative I'm getting a good deal since the
> commercial license, which lets me make sales on the game, is a large
> amount that he didn't specify.  I would have to pay for any additional
> components I use on project completion.
> 
> I plan to offer the following counter-terms:
> 1. Unlimited use
> 2. No money due until release
> 3. 10% of gross
> 4. $5000 due on release
> 5. No additional charge to use external code.
> 
> In the likely case this is not accepted, I will fall-back on Wild
> Tangent (though it has its own problems).  If that doesn't work I will
> write my own ActiveX control.
> 
> 
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