This job posting has already expired. However you can check our other
Remote Business & Analysis Jobs.
About Koza Games
Koza Games is new game studio currently knee deep in our first title, "Circuits and Shields", an objective-based Action MOBA. Circuits has a full vertical slice with 1 game mode and 5 completed champions. It is 100% playable via Steam and we've got received great marks all-around on the gameplay from our community. While our initial focus is solely on Circuits, we do have loose plans for an actual studio and a second title in the VERY long term.
To date, Koza has operated 100% via freelancers (paid for by personal funding only), working with over 140+ individuals to bring Circuits to life.
For posterity, I've invested what is essentially an infinite numbers of hours/sweat equity in this already and nearly $200,000 to date. This is not a "spur of the moment, pls help me build games" proposal.
What's the next step?
With the vertical slice completed, Koza is exploring funding options, namely VC's/Accelerators. Though the game itself is solid, our biggest risk in development is our lack of a "team" and my personal lack of experience in the industry. This risk was even highlighted by a large-scale publisher who played our game essentially saying that while the game is great, by far the biggest hurdle to get over is our lack of track record. Makes sense!
That said, we think this is a solvable problem. We are looking to supplement our small studio with a major partner to serve as Studio Director, beginning on a part-time basis, but ideally expanding in the future. This is our "star power" so to speak, so we're looking for an industry veteran with a solid track record to both prove and actually help us deliver the product we know we can.
How does this work?
This role would be created on funding. As we approach VCs, we'd love to be able to say "We have an agreement with John Smith, who has a ton of experience in development and will sign on after funding is received as our Studio Director to ensure we get this game across the finish line". You would receive a minor (sorry!) salary, along with vesting equity in Koza Games as a whole. Just to reiterate, our expectation is 20 hours per week to start, we absolutely do not expect you to quit your current job.
So what's my role?
Studio and business... things. But really, it's to fill my blinds spots, I don't know what I don't know. I have the game(s) covered and I'm extremely confident in our design. Over the last 5 years, I've built Circuits from the ground up, but it wasn't until the last 8 months we actually made serious progress, solely because of all the lessons I had to learn.
Our plan for development is to lean heavily on Outsource studios (I've already made all the connections). We will not be hiring a load of FTEs for you to manage (I would handle all FTEs since they're directly game related anyway). Your goal would be to ensure the contracts are what they should be, finances are tracked, our Venture partners are engaged, etc. This model of Studio Director + Game Director should ensure all our bases are covered and any potential roadblocks are identified given your experience in the industry.
Wrapping It Up
This is obviously a massive leap of faith. An unknown studio with no history (at least we have an amazing vertical slice though!). My goal is to forge a long-term partnership with an individual that shores up my weaknesses in hopes of building something great. I truly believe that given the right "star power", funding is a no brainer to complete Circuits and beyond. Our pitch deck is already complete and I'd love to just add your name to it.
If you have a proven track record of delivering in the games industry and are looking to make an entrepreneurial venture, let's at least have a conversation on how we can figure this out. The leg work is done here, it's time to put it all together.
You can reach out directly at:
cthomlison@gmail.com
cthomlison#2648 (Discord)
More about Circuits:
The next generation of MOBA, Circuits and Shields features dynamic gameplay, streamlined systems, and thrilling game modes to create a modernized gaming experience.
Circuits ditches the age old “Farm 10 minutes, fight 10 seconds” of classic MOBAs and introduces action-packed, objective-based arenas where you’ll always have a chance to make your mark through mechanical outplays OR precise team strategy.
