Got a free game? Get it reviewed!

[Kinslayer]

I never really noticed that before: free RPG designers tend to be either tortoises or hares. Some of us have one game that we re-re-re-rewrite over the course of many years, and others knock 'em out and move on to the next one. There doesn't seem to be a lot of overlap there. I have about a zillion and twelve ideas for games, but I never work them out as that is time and effort that could be spent developing Midian. Maybe I should make some quick and light games for a bit?

[Chainsaw Aardvark]

I'm and unnatural Tortoise-Hare Chimera. I've got both the over a dozen games started, and the ones that have seen the need for three or more re-writes. However, I think it has less to do with if the author likes to create a broad band of games or a single jewel, and more with how they are comfortable writing. Some find it easier to keep momentum with the familiar single work, others try to flit about.

Frankly, what I need is a secretary, or at least high-quality voice recognition software. (As in the impossibly good stuff seen in movies.) I've got ideas that have been in development for years, and two dozen new concepts to work through. Writing it out in my head and having ideas isn't a problem. But sitting at the computer and actually typing... it just seems to fall apart there. If I could have someone type as I dictate, well then I'd probably increase my output ten-fold.

My blog goes for long periods without update, even if I know what I want to write in the various entries. I've got stories on RPG lab, and in my journals, but a new edition of the D&B setting has yet to emerge. Frankly, I just need to fix one oversight in the combat rules, add a few more examples/text boxes, find an artwork, and type up the stores I've already written and then the game would be ready for professional publishing and a dollar amount. Similarly, Gangland would be fit for publishing in a month or two if I could put my mind to it.

I know the feeling about adopting OGL. I had originally intended for a few systems to be sold to other companies (ie create a command and conquer RPG and pitch that to Westwood as an alternate revenue source) but the main focus, XenoExodous was to be all mine. Of course, other games have since eclipsed that old game, mostly because I've gotten farther towards completion. But still, there is something about seeing the project all the way through, and knowing its yours rather than simply standing at the head of a collaboration.

On the other hand, most of my games I tend to be happy with the first time through. I've learned a lot about game design since I wrote XenoExodous, so that is under debate as to if it sees a re-write or continues as it was once intended, but the others are more of adding material until I feel complete, than starting over.

I'm reminded of the story that Issac Asimov had multiple typewriters set up next to each other and a chair on wheels. He would start typing, and if he got stuck, would just slide over to the next machine and work on another book.

[Rob Lang]

Yes, CA, you are definitely the exception that proves the rule! You're verbose and in volumes! I think a secretary is an excellent idea. Perhaps I could convince the wife? No, perhaps not. Not if I wanted to walk again.

The way I get around this is I set milestones and then celebrate them when I hit them. It sounds really sad, to be honest. When I released Icar 3.5, I made sure I celebrated by getting a Chinese takeaway. The long those words sit in the sentance, the worse they look.

@Kinslayer, you should try doing a 24 hour RPG! Doing for me was liberating. I have a complete game that I don't need to touch. Yes, it does need work on it but I don't need to. I won't do another in the near future but the experience was superb. Are you tempted at all?

[Kinslayer]

My assistant suggested the other day that I try this. Her variation, however, was to see how many games I could complete in one 24-hour period. Her faith in my design talents would seem to be stronger than my own.

[Rob Lang]

The paradox is that the time limit provides you with an unbridled sense of freedom. That doesn't make sense, I know. But once you've done one, it really will.

[Sanglorian]