[Ogre] OGre/GEV computer games vs PBEM game aids

[Todd Zircher]

The 'problem' isn't the technology as much as the economics of game development and acquiring rights.  Having gotten a SJG fan-ware license in the past, I've dealt with that first hand.  Fan-ware projects such as PBEM gaming aids help the player and the game developer.  It increases awareness (and possibly sales) and extends the life and fan base of the game.  Since it is a win-win situation for the game developer and the players, it is fairly easy to get non-exclusive rights.
   
  When you start creating programs (either script powered documents or  full blown applications), the balance changes.  You might increase awareness, but you're not doing anything for the sales of rules and supplimental material.  You could even in theory decrease sales for the developer.  For example, a full blown 3D game could decrease sales of the rules and the miniatures.  Things like rights and royalties get more complicated and you can not use SJG's fan-ware license any more.
   
  A fully functional Ogre/GEV/minis game won't happen until you get that right combination of programmer that's willing to do all the paperwork and can present a product that meets SJG's approval.  That's assuming that SJG even wants to go down that path after their efforts with GURPS.  The perfect storm of willingness, talent, and effort has not happened yet.
  --
  TAZ

ogre-list-request at sjgames.com wrote:
    Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2005 20:22:31 -0500
From: Thom Jones-Low 
Subject: Re: [Ogre] Unbridging the gap.

  The problem I see with cyberboard or aid-de-camp is they are a half 
solution. If I want to play games on the computer, I'd rather the 
computer take care of the fiddling bits with the rules. And if the 
computer takes care of the rules, why have a PDF (or book) of rules. If 
I'm playing a board game, I want the feel of the cardboard counters on a 
map sheet. And there I'll need the rule book. But I also want the map.


			
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