YC
Desining from Day One: Artists as Founders: Multiverse (S20) - YC Gaming Tech Talks 2020
@ Y Combinator
12/07/20
Takeaways
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
We're Multiverse, a startup that participated in Y Combinator's W20 program, focusing on creating next-generation tabletop RPGs that blend elements of Dungeons and Dragons and Roblox into a visual online experience.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
We aim to transform traditional tabletop RPGs into a visual experience that can be played online with friends, similar to a video game, while also building a marketplace for user-generated content.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Our founding team is unique, consisting of two MIT engineers and a world-class artist, which allows us to combine technical and creative skills in our startup.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
It's important to have someone on your team who excels at creating compelling content when developing a game, as entertainment products require a strong point of view and foundational decisions that can't be tested immediately.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Not every gaming startup is an entertainment company; platforms like Twitch focus on user-generated content rather than creating their own, highlighting the diversity in the gaming industry.
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Sarah
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Artists possess the same entrepreneurial skills expected of successful tech founders, especially illustrators who leverage social media to build their brands and generate significant revenue.
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Sarah
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Illustrators are increasingly becoming entrepreneurs, earning substantial income through conventions and crowdfunding platforms, demonstrating their ability to create recurring revenue streams similar to tech companies.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
When you introduce one illustrator to your team, you quickly gain access to a larger community of talent, which can create momentum for your project.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Artists who come from scrappier backgrounds, like those on Twitch or Instagram, often excel as entrepreneurs compared to those from established studios like Riot or Blizzard.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Transitioning from freelance to working with a startup involves understanding that timelines are fast and decision-making is crucial, especially in the early stages of product development.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Illustrators can produce high-quality illustrations and trailers quickly and affordably, allowing startups to test what resonates with audiences without significant investment.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
The tech industry offers higher budgets and better pay for artists, making it an appealing transition from independent work to startup environments.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
To find talented artists, go where they are building their audiences, such as Twitter, ArtStation, Twitch, or YouTube, rather than relying on platforms like LinkedIn.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
There is a growing movement in game development to highlight people of color, which has opened up access to a treasure trove of talent in the video game industry.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
12/07/20
@ Y Combinator
Illustrators possess skills similar to tech founders and are already doing much of the same work, understanding what people want and how to deliver it effectively.