So, when embarking on a new Doom3-based total conversion game, how long should one budget for developers? For instance, how many hours for a static ragdoll? How long for an animated character (human)? How long for a vehicle? How long for an apartment-sized room? I'm building a business plan and am trying to determine the best way to factor in the time costs in building out the environment and game.

I realized that this is a very undefined and open question, but I'm hoping that some of you whohave been through this can offer some sage advice from your experience, and let me know if you were to do it over again, how would you budget?

Thanks in advance.

start at 2 years development time and guestimate a little better as you get to know your team. The problem you will encounter is some of your mod members will leave you hanging. What you thought would take a week will now take a month. It's a common thing to have happen and you will have to not let it get you down

You need a strong mod leader... and a patient one too. hehe.

Good luck.

Thanks Foyleman. For two years, what would be the typical makeup of that team? How many positions and what roles?

I've seen mods built in 1.5 years by one person and other mods that go on for 3 or more years with a team that never make an initial release. It will all depend on how much time the team puts into the mod. Mods are generally based on people giving their free time. It's too difficult to say how much free time can be devoted by your specific team without knowing them personally.

Short version: there are too many variable to even venture a guess. Sorry.

If we looked at this as a well-funded startup, would you hazard a guess as to how many team members you would employ to build a total conversion in 1 year?

Maybe 16 dedicated people.