Quote from a Unity Forum post:
I look at it this way, if the game works and the players have 1 player on their server, it is a success. Remember the movie "Core", don't try to save the world, just save 3 people.
This should be inspiring to indie-game devs like us, it sure was to me!
I think if a 1-2 person team were able to get enough of a game created, even using Unity and free 3d models, etc., they may be able to get others with more specialized skills to take interest in their project and contribute. Even if someone can't "join" a team but helps design a "monster" or something, it's a start. Other than that if the game is fully realized on paper and a semi-working model then it's just a matter of getting a programmer/3d Designer/ Networking engineer/ etc.? Whoever... on board. I'm not saying that is going to be an easy task but if you have something to show someone it is far more likely that they will take you seriously and want to join. Hell, even if you just have something limping along, anything tangible is more likely to garner interest than a bunch of scribblings in a notebook.
I have a buddy that helped design/program a full mmo for kids
http://zoodlezone.com/ They had a lead developer, 2 programmers, 2 testers, and 1 network guy. Other than that 1 secretary. It's not the best game in the world but it's pretty good... point is THEY DID IT.
If you live near a University/College and have a in-depth plan and a working or semi-working model it may be possible to recruit students to do free work for their resumes and portfolios. I would have to imagine there are a few there with similar aspirations. Just saying you built an MMO with a small indie/hobby team has to help your chances getting a job vs. someone with no experience, even if it's a crappy game... it's a crappy game that works! Otherwise, use your crappy game to recruit quality people to "remake" your game into something more beautiful.
