of slavery and finally to one of great magic and power.
This English major conceived Aveyond with the help of a musician and an artist. Circe had the opportunity to chat with her and ask her about her experiences:
Circe: What can I say to you Amanda except that you have designed one addictive game. It was utterly charming. CHARMING. Truly.
Circe: Tell me about you! Married? Single? Kids? What level of formal education have you gotten? What is your background? How long have you been interested in designing games? What career path have you had?
Amanda: I'm 30, single, no kids and I have an English BA. I've been designing games since I was eight. When I was young, I would make games with cardboard, glue, and markers. Later, I learned how to put my creations on a computer. I'm working to turn my career away from writing and towards game design.
Circe: Tell me about the birth of Amaranth Games: How did it come about? Who helped you along the way? What challenges did you face as a budding game company? As a woman? What are the next steps? Have you approached publishers? Have you considered VC money? Have you put together a business plan?Amanda: After I graduated from college, I became a technical writer and was bored. I needed something challenging to do. At the same time, I couldn't find any games that I wanted to play at the local game shop, so I decided to make my own.
Screenshot of Aveyond
Funding has been the most challenging problem for me. When your new, you have to prove that you can finish a game and that people will like it. It's very difficult trying to do this on a zero budget. There are two people who have helped me immensely this last year. Aaron Walz and Jim Moore. Aaron made the amazing music for Aveyond and Jim helped me with the advanced art.
I haven't had many challenges as a female game designer yet. Most of the guys I've met have been very supportive. I hope that other women will see what I've done and realize that they can make games too. I feel strongly that the industry needs our presence.
Screenshot of Aveyond
I do intend to approach publishers for future releases, but I want to take things slow and steadily. I want to make sure that the company is built on a solid ground and that I have a good understanding of the industry. I've also thought about VC money, but I'm not much of a sales person. If I find an investor who believes in the types of games I make I might consider it, but my focus is to slowly build a company that can sustain itself without being in debt from the beginning.
I have a small business plan the outlines the focus of the company and where I want it to be in three years. I would love to build a gaming empire and the plan is to do it one stone at a time... Even if it takes me 50 years!
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