What is the biggest hole that needs to be filled in the RPG industry?
jerry:
I hope this isn't too much of an aside, but Ron mentioned Understanding Comics. I recommend that book to anyone in any creative endeavor if they're wondering what to do next. The questions of why are you thinking about doing this, what is your goal, and what does it mean that it comes from you, are well-suited to the cartoon medium. McCloud does a very good job of constructing a conversation around those questions.
In your case, Pelgrane is right: the best way to end up with a big pile of money is to start with your giant pile. What is it about role-playing games that inspires you to risk that pile even though you don't know specifically what you're going to do with it? In the wider world of business, that seems to me to be a bit of an odd desire, but it's not odd in RPGs. RPGs tend to inspire an unfocussed devotion, much like comic books do. What's the reason for that in your case? Your ultimate focus may lie there.
My Precious:
Great insights! Lots to chew on! Thanks, guys!
dindenver:
Precious,
I have dabbled in making a design that appeals to a wider audience. This always breaks down and fails before it is complete. This is because it takes a lot of time and effort to make a properly finished RPG. In order to finish an RPG, you have to have a certain level of passion for it.
The reality is that you can have a profit motive that inspires a lot of passion, but you cannot make enough money with RPGs to incite that passion. So, you have to find that passion somewhere else.
You are concerned about trying to fit into a crowded genre, but think about this: D&D was dominating, but there is RuneQuest, RoleMaster, GURPS Fantasy, Palladium Fantasy, Exalted, HeroQuest, Riddle of Steel, Burning Wheel, Shadow of Yesterday, Donjon, PathFinder, etc. Each time one of these were published, you would think the market was glutted, but then it was met with wild success.
My belief is that their success is due to the passion of the games' creators. If you love a game, that love comes through and you will find like-minded gamers who will buy your product.
As Ron said, it is a bit of a touchy-feely answer, but unfortunately, in this industry, it rings true to my experiences.
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