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In all likelihood this has been addressed on the list before (I don't follow it religiously), but in light of the Blue Sky Thinking thread, I have been thinking about the GZG game development process, especially since Jon brought up that it's about selling miniatures.
Some basic facts as I see them:
1. There is a lot of cool stuff in various forms of completion in the pipeline: FMAS, DS3, FT3, BDS
2. Jon makes his money selling miniatures, not rules
3. Jon retains control of his games by doing the writing
4. Jon has zero time to write because he likes to make a living
I see these as incompatible. New GZG rule production is too slow to appear serious and viable to many customers (at least among the folks I try to draw into them). Right now, I honestly do not believe I will see FMAS released before the end of the decade. 2008 if I was incredibly optimistic. 12 years plus of development? And with SG3 we're talking about a company level game to promote more 15mm sales NOW. If it's developed twice as fast as an optimistic FMAS, it will not be released until 2012.
We're all closer to Jon and GZG than the average gamer thanks to this list. We're tolerant and when the question comes up "when will XXXX be released" we all know to shout "WHEN IT'S DONE!". IMHO, that works when your business is a hobby, but it's not going to help GZG grow to the next business level. That's not going to get GZG big enough to help sustain Jon through the next economic downturn. To do that, something has got to give.
A proposal:
A. It's time to get a ghost writer(s). Jon should retain editing for quality and style, but someone else needs to do the heavy lifting. I realize their are financial constraints. Perhaps a volunteer network could cover a significant percentage. I'll donate 5 hours a week of typing and buy a compatible word processor to whatever Jon uses if that will help.
B. Focus on one, maybe 2 games/supplements at a time so that something gets finished
C. Develop a well defined revision schedule
D. Electronically publish for PAY. I apreciate the altruism of free downloads at GZG, but my impression is electronic publishing is working. I have bought many of Two Hour Games and Rattrap Production rules as .pdfs. I don't see it as any bigger threat to piracy than photocopying.
These actions get new games into folks hands faster. It helps GZG look more vital and dynamic. It helps attract new blood. It helps sell miniatures.
So in closing:
- Sorry to let the real world intrude
- Sorry to let my job (project management) intrude
- Sorry to let my frustration on the list
- I really DO want to help.
Regards,
Martin Connell
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