Is it worth it?

[tmesis]

I don't know if a thread like this exists, and if it does, I apologize. ^_^;;

I was just wondering... I'm currently at work on a visual novel, and I'm in need of background art, character art (might be able to provide this myself, but...), music, layout art, animators, and, well... voices. However, I'm only 16, and I don't really have much money to spare. I won't be able to pay for any of these things.

I'm worried, because a) I won't be able to share the profit with others, since I want this game to be free, and b) if I can't pay anyone, I'll end up with a low-quality product.

So, tell me; is it worth investing your talents into a project, even if you don't receive monetary compensation?

I mean, I can see people offering their services to me for free as long as they don't have to work too hard... but I'm making a visual novel, and a lengthy one at that. There's a lot of dialogue, a sizable cast, and many different moods, situations, twists, etc. I'll need access to lots of resources. Are there talented people out there that would be willing to go to all that trouble to produce a free game and not get paid?

I don't need a reply to this specific situation. I'm interested in hearing your opinions in general.

[ProjectTrinity]

Well, as long as you don't look into certain threads putting a thumbs up to procrastination, you're good in terms of not getting unmotivated

A lot of us here work for free (Or we darn well wish we could ; _; ), and a lot of original and fan works alike have been completed and completed very well. I say go for gold. The biggest thing you'll have to worry about is finding a dedicated artist.

I've had all of mine except the lady behind my "Why" series kinda go the way of the artist. (bail) . /Mean generalizing But basically, go for gold; most here aren't asking for cash, just credit and a finished product.

[InuKai]

If they aren't getting paid, then tell the artist that if done well, it would look good in a portfolio. Recognition is always a good alternative to a paycheck.

[Astraeus]

Many people do things for free, because it's their hobby. Because they love to do this!
You are allowed to experience so much fun and happiness by following your hobbies.
So it's definitely worth it as long as you like what you're doing.

[silentcomposition]

If you build it. They will come.


Honestly though.
Talented people don't have a problem with working for free.

What they do have a problem with is
Working for someone who isn't also pulling there weight.


I promise you if you develop a
- full storyboard, and put a lot of effort into planning everything, each little action, and reaction from individual people, and
- Have a decently original story, with some interesting characters, or a new setting people aren't used to, and
- find out what exactly you need from people before you start hiring them. (Like make up some asset lists)

You will find people that will be interested.

Then once you have some good concept art, and a full storyboard, and everything planned out, then you probably wont have too much trouble finding a programmer by then. (If you are planning on having it be a game)

If you just start hiring people out of nowhere with no game-plan, then people are going to think you are lazy, and wont care.



Then you keep pulling your weight, till the project is over, and then you finish, and you get an awesome rush of completing a large, and awesome project.