I believe a study was done, and has been done. I do not think a company
would not have demographics of its customers.
http://www.gamingoutpost.com/content/000422-39-57.cfm
I do believe that may be something that you are looking for. As for other
peoples assumption, it is not just demographics, but common sense. The
average person does not like change. Having to learn 20 different systems
for 20 different games is not fun. However, if Shadowrun, Lord of the
Rings, RIFTS, and Vampire: TM were all converted to the d20 system (which
most role players know), it would increase the d20 system usage.
So, as a game company, if I want to appeal to the largest audience, do I
create a new system, or do I use one that has already proven itself
successful? It essentially follows the old adage, you can't reinvent the
wheel. I will admit, the d20 system has its fault (this is merely
speculation, as I do not have all the rules yet), but then again, every
system has its problems. The simple fact is, the d20 system is a system
almost all gamers know, as most gamers have played DnD in their gaming
history. In fact, some players know the rules better than they do the laws
of their state.
While other systems will be created, I am sure, if I was a gaming company
that was new, would I want to market on a system proven to work with an
audience, or try to create a system with no audience. I would venture for
the former myself.
While its true we
----- Original Message -----
From: Voivode <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2000 6:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Open_Gaming] Market Share
> I keep reading messages from folks who seem certain that D20 is going to
> both increase the number of D20 players and reduce the number of players
of
> other games. The problem I have with this is that there has been nothing
> shown to prove or even suggest this. At best we have Ryan S. Dancey's
> opinion based on a study that, to the best of my knowledge, none of us
have
> seen. Yes, we have heard bits here and there about it, but where is the
> data and where is the support. It is just a prediction and it doesn't
> matter who you are or what your credential's are as long as this
prediction
> arises out of one source (Ryan S. Dancey's statements). It seems
> preposterous to me to suggest that it is anything but a biased opinion.
It
> may end up accurate or it may end up false, but until it comes to pass,
for
> those of us who do not know Ryan S. Dancey personally, it is just an
opinion
> biased and based upon one persons biases and opinions. It may be an
> informed opinion, but the facts to know that are not present as yet, that
I
> have seen anyway. In other words, show me something objective or even
> close.
>
> I am not saying this as a flame to anyone or to slam Ryan S. Dancey (I
keep
> using his full name cause I am a Ryan too). It may come across that way,
> but it is not my intention. I am seriously interested in D20 and
seriously
> thinking about publishing within it. However, I do not have any illusions
> that Ryan S. Dancey is the next gaming prophet. I am not building this up
> as a straw man, this is how I see it and how I have read it. If it is
> untrue then show me.
>
> I do not think that D20 will capture the gaming market. I do think it
will
> manage to take over the existing D&D fanbase and that the D&D fanbase can
be
> increased. I also realize that from a small publishers point of view, if I
> can sell 1000-3000 copies of a D20 product then I would be crazy not to
get
> involved, however I think it is just as likely that I can then sell
> 1000-3000 copies of a different game to a different fan base, the one that
> doesn't like D20. In such a situation I can make money (and write good
> products, my first desire over money) by feeding off of two separate
> sub-markets, even though both exist within the RPG game fanbase. However,
I
> do find the idea that one will absorb the other as unfounded and unlikely.
>
> Sincerely and honestly yours,
>
> Ryan Fisk
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> -------------
> For more information, please link to www.opengamingfoundation.org
>
-------------
For more information, please link to www.opengamingfoundation.org
