Squeek
connoisseur of tidbits
It's kind of funny that we have two threads going on in this forum at the same time, both at opposite ends. In this one we're talking about indies and their biggest cost which is, naturally, the cost of employees.
The other is about an established studio that may have to close its doors, Big Huge Games. For some reason it's harder for a lot of folks to accept the idea that employee salaries are usually also their single-biggest cost.
Since indies are typically small privately-held companies, they're in a better position to offer employees equity in lieu of high salaries (or something else along the lines of what RC described). That might be a good idea for them.
The other is about an established studio that may have to close its doors, Big Huge Games. For some reason it's harder for a lot of folks to accept the idea that employee salaries are usually also their single-biggest cost.
Since indies are typically small privately-held companies, they're in a better position to offer employees equity in lieu of high salaries (or something else along the lines of what RC described). That might be a good idea for them.