Pathfinder 1E Paizo Publishing Makes Inc Magazine's Top 5000

[Zardnaar]

Good work Lisa and crew, and on track to be $15-20MM before Next even hits the shelves ...

Did the article give an accurate figure for their yearly sales? D&D used to be making around 25-30 million a year with a peak of 20 million in 83 which is 48 million adjusted for inflation.

 

[Warbringer]

Did the article give an accurate figure for their yearly sales?

Yeah... Inc 5000 is grow based with a min revenue. So, 11.2mm in 2012, up from 4.4 in 2009, so 30-40% cagr... So 15-20mm y/e 2014

 

[Zardnaar]

Yeah... Inc 5000 is grow based with a min revenue. So, 11.2mm in 2012, up from 4.4 in 2009, so 30-40% cagr... So 15-20mm y/e 2014

More or less half of the D&D player base in a good year. If they hit 20 million its more like 80%.

 

[Warbringer]

More or less half of the D&D player base in a good year. If they hit 20 million its more like 80%.

Well, then you get into a bunch of issues like distribution vs self sale, % revenue core products, % saturation of core products per customer.

Personally, I think they would be at 40% at that number (maybe a little less in a launch yeah as WoTC should hit at leats $40MM, which would be $50-55MM in Paizo's distribution model.

 

[Jester David]

I'm not convinced that's true. Certainly some, industry-aware, online people do, but I don't think it can be everyone by a long shot. Most RPG players simply buy things that look awesome in their game stores. They don't necessarily have the connection with the companies that those who delve into RPGs online do, and probably aren't aware of who's who beyond seeing a name on a book from time to time. And many wouldn't give two hoots about either company other than that they produce items they wish to buy.

I tend to look at the ENnies. Small sample audience yes, but every time the two go head-to-head Paizo comes out on top. The quality of the individual products is impeccable and it's the best content of the year. Yet Paizo wins. They have a dedicated fanbase.

 

[Morrus]

I tend to look at the ENnies. Small sample audience yes, but every time the two go head-to-head Paizo comes out on top. The quality of the individual products is impeccable and it's the best content of the year. Yet Paizo wins. They have a dedicated fanbase.

The portion of their customers who talk about RPGs online and vote in things are dedicated, yes. That's not really addressing the point we were discussing, though, which is what proportion of total customers that is.

 

[Warbringer]

The portion of their customers who talk about RPGs online and vote in things are dedicated, yes. That's not really addressing the point we were discussing, though, which is what proportion of total customers that is.

Its always small, period. Social media makes it easier, but those "real customers" is still small. Consulting in this space we build for less than 5% of the base of likes actually ever posting, and put on top of that, 50% of all posts come from less than 10% of those that post, and we are at 1/2% of those that "sign up" with a brand, which itself is probably less than 20% of the consumer base.

So, to Morrus' point, its tiny. Hell, even here, less than 2% of all views result in a post. Even in such a hypertargeted blog, there is really low engagement on a given topic (of course, uniques is an issue here )

My point, the people talking about the game online are a massive minority.

 

[Zardnaar]

RPG gamers are probably a lot like console gamers. Fickle and dominated by the casual types. Lose them and you are in trouble. I'm probably a hard core D&D player but I am under no illusions I am in the minority.

 

[Roland55]

They do run the risk of their customers leaving if WoTC ever make a decent version of D&D again. Apart from that lol.

Perhaps not.

I, for one, will happily play both games. And maybe several others, as well.

Meantime, congratulations to a fine group of over-achievers.

 

[Jester David]

The portion of their customers who talk about RPGs online and vote in things are dedicated, yes. That's not really addressing the point we were discussing, though, which is what proportion of total customers that is.

People tend to pick up perceptions of a company, attitudes other players have, even if no one says anything. It's like an attitudal meme. Things like "T$R". That's how the company was percieved, even by people who never had a bad experience with TSR.
WotC has developed a bit of a negative reputation.

Even though Paizo has the better selling game, WotC is still seen as "the big company". They're owned by Hasbro after all. Even though WotC is independently managed there's always this impression of looming Hasbro execs scowling at the game. Or the perpetual idea that WotC was going turn D&D into a card game.

Paizo doesn't have the same reputation. Maybe, the longer it exists, it will start to accumulate skeletons in its closet. But for now it's the success story, the underdog that won. The David or the Rocky. That draws people in.
The success of Paizo generates sales. People hear the positive buzz and buy the game, even of they have 3.5 rules.