This post is meant to be the start of a discussion about feasible work-for-future-profits business models/working structures.

Everyone's input is welcome. If you think the general idea is not feasible-- fire away; however, I think what really would add value to the conversation is solutions and perspective from anyone with experience in such projects. (lessons learned etc.0

I think we're all well sick of the years and years of posts (in almost every game dev forum) that go something like: "I have a great idea for a game; I just need 4 programmers, 4 artists, some musicians etc.. I will in turn do all the fun stuff while everyone gets themselves in deep in engine-specific code and complex art paths. We'll work for the glory of my idea, and if there is any money I'll give you some of it. Trust me."

Please if you have a great idea, go for it. Write your game design docs and see if folks will join. I think ideas are important, game designers are important, producers/project leads are important; however, your chances are about 0, if your post rings of the previous sample.

I think, an opportunity is missed by most folks who want to start a project on a shoestring or no budget.

If you aren't an artist or coder-- make sure that you do your homework and have something to offer i.e. a well thought out design doc and scedule with all assets needed planned for... a business plan-- a feasible marketing plan that includes an affiliate program-- at least all that. If you can write, you can do that.

Now on to the working structure. Wouldn't a more feasible structure for setting up a "for future profit model" include first NDA, and partnership agreements. In this partnership agreement, you could specify that say...paypal be setup as a merchant account for the game-- that all developers would have access to it and could see any profits-- that those profits would be distributed monthly based on sales by the leader of the group-- that no other distribution or income stream would be allowed-- and all manor of details concerning distribution of profits/other elements.

Now this would require still a lot of trust, and I seriously doubt it would work with people spread over the world as any one person could raid the merchant account and have little fear that his co-developers will seek any retribution via courts or torched auto etc..; however, isn't this better and more feasible than the very simple "if they're are any profits we'll split them up" situation that is ever-present. A reputable game designer, artist or coder is not likely going to raid an account.

Thoughts...remember please let's try and get this idea to evolve not devolve if possible. More working projects means possibly a project that you could be a part of.