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Qs for smaller publishers - where to start?
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<blockquote data-quote="Ghostwind" data-source="post: 5649810" data-attributes="member: 3060"><p>Honestly, if you plan to releases it as a pdf-only, then you probably won't have a lot of success releasing it in a series of betas and then getting folks to buy it. The gaming community is very fickle regarding what they are willing to buy. I suggest doing some research on possibly doing it as a Kickstarter-type project.</p><p></p><p>You also have to ask yourself, "What does your system do that Pathfinder, Trailblazer or even Goodman Games' upcoming DCC rules don't?" If what you are trying to accomplish can easily be done with another system, then you are probably setting yourself up for failure in terms of return on your investment. </p><p></p><p>Have you developed a budget for your project? How much are you willing to invest? Not only do you have development costs for writing, editing, artwork, and layout, but also advertising. Some artists are willing to be paid 30-90 days after publication. It all depends upon the contract you write up. Make certain you have contracts for everyone who works "for-hire" on the project. No contract can be huge legal hassles. I know you mentioned that you want to sell the pdfs for an inexpensive price. How many copies will you need to sell to break even? If you can't do it for a realistic number of copies, you may as well save your money and drop it.</p><p></p><p>How much playtesting are you going to do before you release the beta? You will need to do as much as possible beforehand and not just with your personal gaming group. A poorly playtested beta can turn off all kinds of potential buyers.</p><p></p><p>Regarding the OGL, if you directly used something that came from an open game content, that source MUST be included in your Section 15. Don't forget to include your own product title in the Section 15 at the very end. If you feel the need to trademark your game system (remember it is a variant of d20 to begin with), then you need to have a consult with an attorney who specializes in trademarks and copyrights.</p><p></p><p>You've got a huge uphill battle if you want to even become a blip on the radar of gamers, let alone a success. I don't mean to sound discouraging, but I do want you to be aware of some of the challenges of publishing. Put together a business plan and stick to it. I wish you success in your venture. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ghostwind, post: 5649810, member: 3060"] Honestly, if you plan to releases it as a pdf-only, then you probably won't have a lot of success releasing it in a series of betas and then getting folks to buy it. The gaming community is very fickle regarding what they are willing to buy. I suggest doing some research on possibly doing it as a Kickstarter-type project. You also have to ask yourself, "What does your system do that Pathfinder, Trailblazer or even Goodman Games' upcoming DCC rules don't?" If what you are trying to accomplish can easily be done with another system, then you are probably setting yourself up for failure in terms of return on your investment. Have you developed a budget for your project? How much are you willing to invest? Not only do you have development costs for writing, editing, artwork, and layout, but also advertising. Some artists are willing to be paid 30-90 days after publication. It all depends upon the contract you write up. Make certain you have contracts for everyone who works "for-hire" on the project. No contract can be huge legal hassles. I know you mentioned that you want to sell the pdfs for an inexpensive price. How many copies will you need to sell to break even? If you can't do it for a realistic number of copies, you may as well save your money and drop it. How much playtesting are you going to do before you release the beta? You will need to do as much as possible beforehand and not just with your personal gaming group. A poorly playtested beta can turn off all kinds of potential buyers. Regarding the OGL, if you directly used something that came from an open game content, that source MUST be included in your Section 15. Don't forget to include your own product title in the Section 15 at the very end. If you feel the need to trademark your game system (remember it is a variant of d20 to begin with), then you need to have a consult with an attorney who specializes in trademarks and copyrights. You've got a huge uphill battle if you want to even become a blip on the radar of gamers, let alone a success. I don't mean to sound discouraging, but I do want you to be aware of some of the challenges of publishing. Put together a business plan and stick to it. I wish you success in your venture. :) [/QUOTE]
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