Mobile App Creation and Distribution
Global Venture Fund - Games for Samsung
bada Phones
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Global Venture Fund?The Global Venture Fund was set up to encourage game developer companies to produce games for the next generation of Samsung mobile phones.
What is the target platform?The target platform is Samsung's new open mobile platform, bada. This new addition to Samsung’s mobile ecosystem enables developers to create applications for millions of new Samsung mobile phones, and consumers to enjoy a fun and diverse mobile experience.
Which programming language do I need to use for writing my game?All development should be in C++ language and using Samsung bada SDK.
How much of the fund is going to each developer?Each successful game idea will receive a development advance fee equivalent to 50% of the production cost and up to $250,000.
How many winners will be chosen?Samsung and Handmark will select multiple winners. The number of winners will be determined by the amount of funding required by the best applications.
How will the 'winners' be chosen?The companies and ideas will be selected based on their innovation and appeal. The fund will be split with the top ideas getting priority.
Will I 'own' the game after it's developed and be able to resell myself through my own channels?Yes, you will retain all rights for the game you developed. However, if your idea is a new concept, Samsung will require 6 months of exclusivity. After this period you can release your game on to other platforms and distribute it through Handmark but Samsung will be entitled to a 20% revenue share of the profits in all other platforms for your newly developed concept.
Is it OK to submit applications I've already developed for other platforms, but are not currently available for Samsung devices?Yes, you can submit applications already available for other platforms.
Is it OK to submit an idea similar to a game that already exists on the market from another developer that I think I can develop for Samsung devices?You will need to make sure you do not infringe copyright belonging to other companies.
Are free games with advertising acceptable for the fund?No, all games should be paid for games.
Is Try&Buy with in-app purchases an acceptable model?Yes.
Are the milestone dates defined, or will they stand on a project by project base?The milestones are defined by the developer but we are looking for:
- Feb. 02 2010 - Demonstration Beta
- Feb. 27 2010 - Release Candidate (Samsung will then QA the application to check that it is suitable for release, shall cooperate with Samsung Electronics to fix any error or defect as may be requested by Samsung Electronics.
- Mar. 27 2010 - Game complete and ready to launch.
If the development is delayed due to factors out of Samsung’s control, a penalty charge shall be paid for such delay to Samsung Venture at the rate of 2/1000(0.002 x initial fund payment) per day for such delayed period.
What happens if my game is selected but I can't complete the development?If the development cancelled due to factors out of Samsung’s control, the developer shall reimburse the amount invested by Samsung Venture in its totality.
What happens if we go over budget?Samsung will not provide further funding and the developer must source the extra funding elsewhere.
When submitting your proposal, please take into consideration all aspects to cost in your proposal (ie: concept, artwork, coding, license, etc).
The first selection round will be carried at the end of November, semi-finalists will be notified and an interview will be conducted. Developers selected for funding will be notified during the first week of December.
After receiving the funding, how long will I have to develop the application?All applications must be ready by the end of February; they will then be tested by Samsung with the goal of having the game ready to be released to market on the 31st of March 2010.
Will my game be pre-loaded on the phones?No, the games will be available through the Samsung Application Store.
Will I be given any revenue share for sales of the games?Yes, you will be entitled to 20% of the net sales of your game. If the sales of the game surpass the investment by Samsung, you will earn 80% of net sales thereafter.
Who determines the price point of the game? Is there a minimum price?The developer determines the price point of the application. The minimum price is $0.99
What things about the company and products are you taking in consideration and would like to fund?Samsung are looking for innovative, futuristic, fresh ideas that take full advantage of core device functionality.
What happens to revenue generated through other means beyond sales revenue (i.e. Advertising, in-app purchases)?In-app purchasing will be possible and must go through Samsung A-Store. Advertising will not be allowed. The revenue generated through in-app purchasing is subject to standard revenue share.
How would a publishing agreement with Handmark work?There are various options of how much you want Handmark to do as a publisher - whether you need additional Alpha, Beta, and QA testing. Handmark would carry out all marketing activities. The revenue share is negotiable depending on just how much you want Handmark to do.
Would Handmark be responsible for distribution? To what percentage of the revenue share (not already entitled to Samsung Ventures) would they be entitled?Handmark will be responsible for distribution through the A-Store. Net revenue for distributing through the A-Store is 70% of total, this will be split 80/20 in Samsung's favour until the initial investment is recouped. Then 20/80 in the developers favour after that.
Due to the way the fund works, if the game proposed is an original idea and the developer later develops it for a different platform, Samsung will be entitled to its revenue share on the other platform. Handmark will be involved with the distribution for the other platform (per respective distribution channels business terms) as to report sales appropriately back to Samsung.
What kind of support will be available during the development process?Samsung will provide Q&A in Developer Portal of bada and lease the target device in December.
Does each developer get a phone or does all development need to be tested on the simulator only?Prototype devices will be available in limited quantities.
Do you have a case study for porting a J2ME product to bada platform and can you share it?We don't have a case study that we can share with you at this time.
What are the advanced features referred to in the press release that Samsung wants to showcase in these apps?Samsung will incorporate touch screen, accelerometer control, location based services, and social features on their next generation devices.
Could you please provide us with a list of screen resolutions that our game must support?At least WVGA (800x480) resolution must be supported.
What are the device's connection capabilities?Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Dual-band HSPA 900/2100MHz
BT 3.0, USB 2.0 FS, WiFi, GPS
Yes, you will be able to release multiple updates.
What are the 3D capabilities of the upcoming bada device?1G pixels / sec , 89M polygons /sec
The target device supports 3D games well.
Samsung A-Store QA team tests device compatible test and reviews the content.
I have more questions, who can I contact?Contact us using the form to the right or email samsungfund@handmark.com. One of our team members will respond to you as soon as possible.
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