Choosing the system for a new setting

[Jason Anderson]

Hi everyone,

I'm posting this in several forums so I can get the most feedback. I apologize in advance if you've seen this message elsewhere.

I'm looking at releasing a new setting (sort of "cyberpunkish" in style, where civilization has reached a peak and is now in decline), and I'm wondering what rules system I should release it under?

I have to say right away that the material is still in the writing stage, not play test, so I have total freedom as far as choosing the system is concerned.

The three obvious options that I see I have are:

a) D20 Modern
b) Some other free to use system (Action!, EABA, Fudge, etc)
c) The system I use in my own group for whatever setting we happen to play (a melding of D6 Adventure and Over the Edge)

At first glance it would seem D20 Modern would be the way to go, as I would be tapping into an existing market. And the ePublishers Guide suggests that D20 Modern products tend to sell twice as many copies as products using other systems.

(I realize settings sell a lot less than generic products)

But many publishers are saying that all D20 sales are slowing down. Plus there will always be a group of people who will refuse to buy it just because it has the D20 logo on the front.

I think I'd prefer to use an already existing system over my own home system, as I've never taken the effort to write out the home system properly. Plus that way I'm still tapping into an existing market.

Some final notes, if they help.

* The product will be released as PDF and print on demand
* After the main setting book is out, I intend releasing mini PDFs containing extra info for the setting (compiling them into a big PDF and POD products later on). Some of these extra PDFs could probably be used in other settings.

Any suggestions or advice people have would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Jason

 

[Warden]

There is always the option of publishing it using the d20 Modern rules, but include an Appendix or two for converting it to other systems. If the focus is truly on the setting itself, the rules shouldn't matter too much -- they're simply a means of putting this campaign to use. And even if they say d20 sales are sliding, it's still the most recognized and well-used generic rules system out there.

 

[Geoff]

Jason, if you don't mind would you please send me an email at the address in my signature below?

Thanks...

 

[Jason Anderson]

There is always the option of publishing it using the d20 Modern rules, but include an Appendix or two for converting it to other systems.

Yes, I've considered this option. Obviously it would take a lot more work, but it may be worth the effort. Definitely something I'll have to keep in mind anyway

If the focus is truly on the setting itself, the rules shouldn't matter too much -- they're simply a means of putting this campaign to use.

That's how I feel about most games. Personally, I'm not that interested in the rules - especially since I almost never run a game using the published rules I'm much more interested in what makes the setting unique.

Of course, I realise that some people value the rules much more highly than myself, so I have to keep that point in mind.

Thanks for your comments.

Cheers,
Jason

 

[DaveStebbins]

There may be some people who refuse to buy a product with the d20 logo on it, but those few are far outweighed by the number who buy d20 products. If not, the d20 logo and license would fall into disuse. If the rules are not terribly important to the system, I would use the d20 logo in order to reach the largest possible audience.

 

[Greatwyrm]

You also need to consider time and resources. If this is your first project, it would be a big help to you if you didn't have to dedicate time to creating and testing a system. It would allow you to focus on the actual setting and how you're making it unique. You can also get and use d20M for free.

 

[Jason Anderson]

You also need to consider time and resources. If this is your first project, it would be a big help to you if you didn't have to dedicate time to creating and testing a system. It would allow you to focus on the actual setting and how you're making it unique.

Exactly my thinking . That's why I'd prefer to use an existing system (d20 Modern, Action, Fuzion, etc) than try to write up the system I use.

Thanks to everyone for their input and ideas. After some thought, and the feedback I've received, I think I'll be going with d20 Modern for the system. It certainly has the largest market (even if that market is starting to stop buying), and an existing market is a good thing

Cheers,
Jason