RPGs are "role play games" where players act as characters in a game of the game master's design: games such as Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder. The issue with some of these games is that it relies on communication of the GM's and players' ideas and imaginations, which is significantly more difficult over the phone or computer; either for a lack of something physical to interact with, or buggy, difficult to use software. As such, most of the software out there that is meant to bring these players together doesn't allow players and GMs to incorporate or show their creativity in their games.
2) The product I am offering is an RPG that allows players to take advantage of the distance between them and the communication software they use. Using simply Skype or Zoom, or possibly partnering with them so that the company can use their software and servers while keeping the company's name on the software ("RPG, powered by Zoom" or something like that), and interacting with game pieces from a pack they all purchased online, players and GMs can enjoy a detailed RPG without the complexities and blandness of the computer screen.
The communication system, like I said, would go through any conference software out there, like Zoom or Skype. This offers a few advantages actually, such as the ability of the GM to mute or blind players, and the ability of players to send secret messages. All of these are important in an RPG, and are actually more difficult to achieve in face-to-face RPGs.
The physical aspect would be purchased by each player online, possibly only offered online in order to forgo the cost of using brick-and-mortar stores. Contained in these physical packs could be a simple map, player pieces, dice, cards, rule book, etc.
I'm interested in feedback, if anyone actually reads my post. Not just on how I did on the post, or how feasible or viable the business plan/product is, but also if there's anything you might like to see in an online RPG. If you have any ideas, let me know.
Hey Kyle,
ReplyDeleteNice work on proposing a solution to this ingenious opportunity you have a created. You brought up some great points in regard to your solution and overall purpose of this business endeavor. Could the RPG/board game be used through software as FaceTime? You have listed Zoom and Skype, so I was wondering if you could do it through that platform as well?
Hello Kyle,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about the product you have created to your opportunity. I found your product covered all bases and fitted to most obstacles you may encounter. I was thinking about how you mentioned the ability to send secret messages. Would you also be able see the participant typing but not sending anything on the main message board?
Hey Kyle,
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, you did a great job on the assignment. I did notice you requested feedback specifically on the business idea so I will focus on that. From my understanding, you would want each player to have a physical pack that can be purchased online. I think this would work for dedicated players, but may hinder casual players from getting into the game because of the cost. Would you consider making a free, but simplified, interactive version of the physical pack online so that casual players can get into the game without committing from the start? I thought that may be a good idea. Besides that, I think it's a great idea and you've been doing a good job keeping it updated.
That's actually a really good idea. I was a little worried about the cost and logistics of a physical pack as well, but I really like the idea of a free online version. Thanks a lot!
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