   Experienced Programmer Needed for Serial RPG Project in Mid-Development (Semi-Paid)
  We are working on an Xbox Live downloadable game that has hit a snag in mid-development.  Our full time programmer has had to quit the project due to health reasons and the entire project rests on finding a replacement.  We need someone to take over where he left off, a game that is far along in prototype stages of development.This RPG is comparable to Grandia for PSN in technical complexity. Like Grandia or Xenogears, it uses 2D sprites on a 3D background.  The combat system, while different, is also about as technically complex.  What is it?The game is a “serial RPG” that will be created using XNA and delivered over Xbox Live, and PC.  A serial RPG is made up of short, downloadable episodes (1 to 3 hours of gameplay) that make up a larger, ongoing story.  Ideally, a new episode will be released each week and save data carries over to each new episode.  The programmer would finish creating the game tools that allow content producers to continually release new episodes.  The programmers work is temporary.  The game concept is not complex.  It uses 2D sprites with a 3D background.  The combat system is active time turn-based so hit detection is not an issue.    To see production art for this game, you can visit this directory or download the zip file within.http://www.limdallion.com/ProductionArtWhy should I want to help?There are two great assets regarding this project that would make it a worthwhile endeavor for any interested programmer.The first is our iron clad game design document.  By following game design blue prints that have been meticulously planned down to the finest detail, development has chugged along at an exciting pace until we hit this snag.  We strongly believe that every good project begins with a good plan.  Everything that can be planned should be planned in advanced - but of course, never chiseled in stone.  Because everything has been planned, all tasks and requirements have been clearly defined.  If you just want to be told what to do without a lot of back-and-forth and foggy ideas – this is the project for you.  If you want to pitch ideas then this is probably not the project for you.The other good thing about this project is that so much of it is already finished.  The level building tools are finished, the combat and menu systems are prototyped.  It’s a downhill progression at this point.Does this gig pay?Yes, but not much.  I insist on paying all team members to keep things professional and consistent.  This is not enough money to compensate you for your time and skill.  You would have to find compensation in your interest in the project and your desire for experience.How long will this take?Because you are applying for the job of programming, your work is temporary.  The programmer creates the game engine and game builder tools so that content developers can continue to create episodes themselves.  The programmer will eventually be phased out of the project – but forever credited for their contribution.What should I do now?Please email me if you feel you have enough experience in game programming, C#, or XNA.  I will send you some Game Design Documents so you can take a closer look at what we are doing and see if you are interested in contributing.   