It looks like somebody has been reading my blog (or the same books I do!)
Decipher, who brought us the original Star Wars and Star Trek CCGs is back, and it looks like they're on the right track.
The game: Fight Klub
The idea: Everything is centered up online networking, including sales, keeping the focus on the relationship between the publisher and the fan. If the game is good, it might be the future of hobby gaming (sorry distributors and retailers!)
I...love...it. This is the sort of thing I've been hoping to see for years. A publisher is TRYING again. Good luck, Decipher.
Yes, I joined. Yes, I plan on buying this game (it's $30...how bad could it be?)
I hope you do too, if for no other reason but to see something different happen.
-Adam!!!
Showing posts with label tcg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tcg. Show all posts
Friday, April 11, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Scorched Earth
Collectable-type games have emerged as one of the most profitable genres in tabletop gaming. Probably THE most profitable. Unfortunately for game publishers, it seems to be getting harder and harder to succeed with this model every year. Now, it was always hard, but lately nothing seems to have legs. Remember the World of Warcraft TCG? I'm told it was huge. It's probably still a good seller, but huge? No. I thought the new Pokemon Collectible Minis game would be a big hit with the younger players. It wasn't (discounted at my local games store.) It may be that Pokemon has finally worn out its welcome, but I really think there's something else at work.
1) Established brands (Magic, Clix, ect.) still dominate. There's simply no room for any other brand to get significant traction.
2) Slow economy. Other forms of entertainment, particularly electronic, provide more entertainment for less money.
3) Scorched Earth. Greedy rarity schemes and failure to successfully promote secondary markets have created an industry with a reputation for ripping its customers off, one $4 pack at a time. This mindset, more than anything (IMHO) is preventing quality collectible games from reaching the fan-gamer. These games are now being dismissed by gamers out of hand.
Whether or not a collectible game can overcome this stigma is hard to say. My guess is that it won't, because I don't know of any publisher whose willing to sacrifice short term sales to create a stronger product overall. I've never worked for one who would.
Rares sell packs, they say. To much crap in the pack kills games, I say.
-Adam!!!
1) Established brands (Magic, Clix, ect.) still dominate. There's simply no room for any other brand to get significant traction.
2) Slow economy. Other forms of entertainment, particularly electronic, provide more entertainment for less money.
3) Scorched Earth. Greedy rarity schemes and failure to successfully promote secondary markets have created an industry with a reputation for ripping its customers off, one $4 pack at a time. This mindset, more than anything (IMHO) is preventing quality collectible games from reaching the fan-gamer. These games are now being dismissed by gamers out of hand.
Whether or not a collectible game can overcome this stigma is hard to say. My guess is that it won't, because I don't know of any publisher whose willing to sacrifice short term sales to create a stronger product overall. I've never worked for one who would.
Rares sell packs, they say. To much crap in the pack kills games, I say.
-Adam!!!
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