24) Venture Concept No.1

Opportunity

The opportunity here is the lack of a sufficient RPG to be played online. Software and services out there like Roll20, Tabletop Simulator, and D&D Beyond are an attempt to take games designed for in-person gameplay and put them online for people to play together, though far apart. This leads to issues such as a lack of immersion that causes players not to be entertained, "chunky" or difficult gameplay, and a steep learning curve. As such, these products and services are not taking full advantage of the market made available by people desiring to play an immersive and entertaining RPG with friends and family across long distances.

            The target market is young adults, in the age range of 18-22, that have either just moved off to college or otherwise away from home. However, really this can apply to any age range and any geographic positioning. The opportunity here only requires that the consumer desire to play an RPG and is willing to play it online. Right now, there is a unique and limited spike in the opportunity with the recent Coronavirus events. Even without this spike, though, the market is still a large one. Players of RPGs often will own several different RPGs to play as they desire, meaning the market is closer to the entire market of RPG players (someone already owning an RPG they are satisfied with is not exactly out of the market).

 

Innovation

“Constellation,” a roleplay game designed FOR gameplay online, not around it. Constellation will have smooth and immersive gameplay that takes advantage of what the computer has to offer, allowing players to interact with their characters and the environment in an easy and intuitive manner. Providing its own ecommerce, the players and game master (GM) will be able to see and talk to each other clearly. Constellation will also offer unprecedented control to the GM, allowing them to stop a player’s video and audio feed to other players, and create several different channels through which they can talk to each player.

            Constellation will be sold for $15 (price subject to change) virtually, giving the purchaser access to the game manual (the rules, mechanics, and methods for creating the environment in-game), the player’s guide, and a universe designer that allows them to create the universe in which players explore. Constellation will also have several expansions, different manuals, and pre-made campaigns to be purchased.

Constellation will only require that one person purchase the game, then allow a maximum of 5 people (including the purchaser) to play in a group. Players will designate the GM, who will then gain access to the game manual for the duration of the session. This will allow the purchaser to not always be the GM. Each player will have access to the player’s guide while playing. The player’s guide can also be downloaded for free on our website.

 

Venture Concept

Competitors to Constellation are well established RPGs such as Dungeons and Dragons and the Pathfinder/Starfinder games. These are well known and widely played, making it difficult to get into the market. But, as stated earlier, this does not mean it is impossible to convince someone that already owns one of these games to purchase Constellation. The benefits and unique attributes of this online RPG will be enticing to RPG players, especially those in the target market. The competitor games are designed to be played in-person around a table, and do not translate well to online play. They also rely on other independent sites and software in order to be played on online. Constellation will not have any of these problems and will allow players to enjoy their time together despite the distance.

            Constellation will be sold virtually, not physically, allowing for a cheaper sales price. This also will be an advantage over competitors, who’s manuals and guides are expensive to consumers.

            Although Constellation will be focused on online play, that does not mean it cannot be played in person. Groups can still play around a table if they are able, as the manual and player’s guides will still be easily accessible on a computer or even a tablet. This will allow it to enter the exact same market as the competitors, and possibly even beat them in it based on their higher prices.

            The business side of Constellation will have a game design and art team to create the game and manuals, a software team to build the game online, an advertising team handling social media presence and getting the Constellation name well known, and the management team that will coordinate teams and handle finances. All told, starting out, I can expect a company of around 3-5 employees, expanding as necessary. These employees will be able to work from home as well, cutting on costs of an office space and commute.

            The venture’s unfair advantage will be lower startup and running costs. Manufacturing, inventory, and distribution are all expenses we will not have to worry about, as the game will be sold virtually.

            Next for the venture is game design. Working on mechanics, art design, and such. Essentially designing the prototype to be tested over ecommerce like Skype or Zoom.

Next for me is research on how to start a company. Assuming my company were launched, 5 years down the line I’d like to have the first edition of the game established and playable and be designing the second edition based on the feedback we get from the first. I’d like to have a well-established team as well that can cover all the company’s areas individually, rather than have a few people covering several areas.