Leaving job and becoming a self employed game developer

[NickK]

You weren't at UMIST per chance?

Nope Sorry - bad english, he went to work for Psygnosis. Also missed the 'is' rather than 'i' before published.

 

[NathanE]

Start doing shareware. I.e. small iPhone games and stuff. Then see what happens.

Starting up what is essentially a software development company as a Micro-ISV (plenty of books on this subject) is easy to do. Takes time and dedication (i.e. a few hours each day after work and most of your weekends). But it can be done.

After a year or so, hopefully, you'll reach a cross over point where your income from this business can start exceeding your day job's income. When this happens you have a choice. Quit your day job and dedicate full time to your business. Or maintain things how they are and earn a respectable salary backed up by your 'on the side' earnings.

 

[Zogger]

Nope, it was someone else.
But like I said, I'm not going to say who it is, as I'm not at liberty to be name dropping.

I'd definatly say to the OP that your best bet is to start working on small things in your spare time, that way you can building up some time doing it to see how you like it and whether you have a chance of being successful.

Chris?

 

[Psypher5]

You need to buy licenses btw. Unless you use free alternative software?

 

[Yamahahahahaha]

As already mentioned by the sensible people in this thread;

Do it as a hobby.

If you become popular enough to live off it, by all means quit your day job.