Question about Marketability of a Certain Type of PRG Supplement

Sage Emberwulf · 29th April 2008, 05:07 AM

Hi, I'm new to these forums and RPG development, and I had a question regarding the marketability of a certain type of product.

An uncle of mine has decided to open up an RPG company storefront on RPGnow and sell RPG supplements as PDFs, and he asked me if I had any product ideas. Over the past few months, I have created several cursed magic items for a home game of D&D that I am in that have humorous affects. For example, one weapon that I have created is the Hemataphobic (fear of blood) Sword. When the sword gets any blood on it, it begins to scream and flail uncontrollably in all directions, becoming useless.

I had an idea of writing an RPG supplement that contained a certain number of these humorous magical items (anywhere from 25 to 100) that could be compatible for any system. I have done some research, but have only found one or two products that are relatively similar to mine.

I was wondering, is my book of humorous magical items a good idea? Or, should I brainstorm something else?

pawsplay · 29th April 2008, 07:06 PM

Sounds doable for a $4.95 supplement, but you'll have to make it fat.

Sage Emberwulf · 29th April 2008, 08:00 PM

Thanks for feedback pawsplay!

Nellisir · 1st May 2008, 04:49 AM

I think 25 - 100 is overshooting a little bit. It might be good as a 10 page, $1-$2, April Fools type release, but it's too niche for a really good product. I don't have any objection to it, but I wouldn't buy it either.

You might get more life out of a broader "humor" supplement; one that could be used as the basis for a one-shot or short comedy campaign, with spells (exploding pie), monsters (pudding ooze...or ooze pudding), and feats (pratfall). Classes and races would really finish it off.

Pinotage · 6th May 2008, 09:01 PM

The only similar product I've found was 16 1/2 magical codpieces, which while interesting as a brief read, is not something that I actually would use. I think humor has it's place but I wouldn't expect something like that to sell terribly well. The best way to deal with is is to put you toe in the water, so to speak. Release a dozen or so as a $1.50 pdf or something like that, and see how well it sells. If it does well, release a second copy or similar things.

Pinotage

Sigurd · 6th May 2008, 09:21 PM

It sounds like a reasonable Idea.

I think word of mouth will depend on your originality and whether your items are strange or just stupid. If they suggest something different about a region or a setting they can be very well received. If they are a list of adjectives applied to a list of items they will likely be forgettable. Wand of Beef Jerky, Robe of Beef Jerky, ....... People aren't fooled by category items and they will likely count a whole category as one item in their mind.

Artwork also matters a lot.
Artwork also matters a lot!
Did I mention artwork?

A lot of players are magpies gravitating to pretty projects that make instant impressions. Doesn't mean they don't appreciate content, but if you're busy and mostly consumed with life issues, pretty pictures help you switch gears.

Someone with financial figures can probably tell you more but I'd say its a good idea.

Sigurd