Everyone's discussed the problems with AH's RQ III publishing strategy (or lack thereof) ad naseum. We've had two perfectly good gaming systems (I started playing RQ2 for the system, not the world), both of which died because of lack of support from their publishers. Now we're about to go around the merry-go-round one more time. And I for one don't have much faith that this time things will be any better. Fan generated material is great, but it doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to generating and maintaining interest in a product. I've never seen a fan generated product on the FRP shelves of my local Barnes and Noble, and even the local gaming store (Aero Hobbies, Santa Monica and Yale, Santa Monica CA. Free plug, Hey, Gary) only gets in one or two copies of Tales (when it comes out, once or twice a year). Forget about Enclosure or RQ Adventures. Sorry, but you've got to be already sold on the game to have even heard of those products.
Now, just for the sake of argument, let's compare that to D&D. Two major magazines, each with twelve issues a year. A new scenario or product EVERY MONTH (at least, when I was working in the business), novels (yeah, that's plural, folks), calenders, computer games, etc., etc., etc. And that's all official, mass-produced, full-color cover, professional printed and illustrated stuff which you can buy at your local Borders (or Virgin Megastore for you Brits).
Now I'm not saying Chaosium can put out that kind of volume. But one or two supplements a year (or one supplement every two years) just won't cut it, guys. HW needs to be supported by FREQUENT high-quality supplements or it won't stand a chance. Publish or perish.
So here's what I want from HW and what it will need (IMO) to make it:
Now, given Chaosium's track record, I'm somewhat optomistic about #1. But numbers 2, 3, & 4? Sigh. I suppose it could happen. I mean, anything can happen.
On a side note, Alex Ferguson wrote:
> Alex Ferguson The Ticklish question of RQ...
Hey, Alex, we stopped making fun of Brian's last name when he turned fifteen and shot up about six inches and gained fifty pounds. In high school, when we used to play pick-up football games (the 'merican kind, yuh understand, but on asphalt without the pads.) Brian used to play halfback and scored most of his goals on steam-train-coming-straight- at-ya-get-the-hell-outa-the-way intimidation alone.
Tread lightly, Fergie.
Trotsky responds to Brian saying...
> I don't see any reason to be that pessimistic. You *may* be right, but
>I'm seriously unconvinced.
See above. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Given the history, I don't see any reason to be that optimistic.
> Issaries intend to sell Gloranthan fiction through the book trade as well
>as through normal gaming outlets. They have apparently had positive responses
>to this, so it could very well be on the horizon.
I'll believe it when I see it. Issaries can _intend_ to conquer the world, but I wouldn't stake _my_ money on it.
> Just out of interest, is this just general gloom (and if it is, you're
>clearly entitled to your opinions and there isn't really a lot of point
>arguing about it at length) or do you have suggestions as to how the situation
>could be improved? Given that RQ isn't profitable enough to be sold at
>present, that is.
But it could've been. It should have been. It had its chance, not once, but twice. General gloom is entirely justified, if you ask me.
Misters Stafford, Henisoo, and Appel, you're welcome to prove me wrong. In fact, I hope you do. I'm rooting for you. Hell, I'll be buying your products, if and when they come out. But I won't be buying any shares of your company.
End of The Glorantha Digest V6 #98
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