Lately, I've been struggling to give a fairy's fart when it comes to RPG writing. I write in dribs and drabs, a hundred words here and a hundred words there, but nothing prolific. I start off raring to go but then I just lose interest.
I think there a number of factors conspiring against me:
1. I work with words at the day-job, and the day-job has grown increasingly demanding.
2. My regular gaming group took a lengthy hiatus from role-playing. We are getting older and the interest in gaming is waning. Thankfully, two new players joined the fold a month ago and we have been gaming regularly ever since.
3. In my old age, I have grown cynical - in the business world it's called realism. I put a lot of time and effort into role-playing projects. I have never written games for money or glory, just for self-satisfaction. More and more, I find myself asking the dreaded question, "Why am I doing this? Why do I spend hours labouring away on games that no one will play?" How do I get that feeling of self-satisfaction back.
4. The mechanics bog me down. While I enjoy writing setting material, I realize the setting material has to be hung on a mechanic, and mechanics are like science and math rolled into one. Unfortunately, both those subjects bore me.
5. Envy. Yes, I admit it! I am jealous of all of those game designers out there who seem to love what they are doing. I wonder what there secret is.
So, what is the secret? A lot of great designers post on this forum. What's your advice? How do you guys get the spark back?
I'm asking these questions because I am working on some great projects and I really want to soldier on and complete them. More importantly, I want to be excited while I do so.
Thanks in advance for any input.
I hear you.
I think it comes down to writing what you enjoy - that is it's own motivation. If you find yourself writing stuff for other people (ie: you play SF and you're writing a Mills & Boon game), i find that the enthusiasm wanes pretty quickly.
Like all writing, discipline is needed though. I find it useful to write at the same time each day. It gets you into a routine and is a bonus if you are writing stuff you are enjoying. It;s very easy to get out of that routine though - once you do, fight to get it back. Make sure folks know your routine so that that time is always your time.
Milestones (no, not those 4e ones!). Break the work down into manageable chunks. Once you complete one, it's a sense of achievement and the project doesn't seem so daunting.
Prepare ahead. Work to a framework and make your 'milestones' from that. Organised design funnels into the discipline needed to carry on, disorganised design can leave you scratching your head as to what to do next - possibly leading to inactivity.
Gee - i've made it sound like work haven't i? ;)
If you're writing something you are enjoying, it doesn't have to be though.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;223776Lately, I've been struggling to give a fairy's fart when it comes to RPG writing. I write in dribs and drabs, a hundred words here and a hundred words there, but nothing prolific. I start off raring to go but then I just lose interest.
I think there a number of factors conspiring against me:
1. I work with words at the day-job, and the day-job has grown increasingly demanding.
2. My regular gaming group took a lengthy hiatus from role-playing. We are getting older and the interest in gaming is waning. Thankfully, two new players joined the fold a month ago and we have been gaming regularly ever since.
3. In my old age, I have grown cynical - in the business world it's called realism. I put a lot of time and effort into role-playing projects. I have never written games for money or glory, just for self-satisfaction. More and more, I find myself asking the dreaded question, "Why am I doing this? Why do I spend hours labouring away on games that no one will play?" How do I get that feeling of self-satisfaction back.
4. The mechanics bog me down. While I enjoy writing setting material, I realize the setting material has to be hung on a mechanic, and mechanics are like science and math rolled into one. Unfortunately, both those subjects bore me.
5. Envy. Yes, I admit it! I am jealous of all of those game designers out there who seem to love what they are doing. I wonder what there secret is.
So, what is the secret? A lot of great designers post on this forum. What's your advice? How do you guys get the spark back?
I'm asking these questions because I am working on some great projects and I really want to soldier on and complete them. More importantly, I want to be excited while I do so.
Thanks in advance for any input.
I think you touched on both the cause and the solution. The cause is: you're getting old. The solution is: soldier on.
But anyway, what I do is read a lot of really great literature and inspire myself with learning about the "meaning of stories" ... and I have created a game that I think is in some aspects truly innovative. I'm not just pumping out a game to 'pump-out-a-game' but rather I'm trying to finish up publishing my game because I think it has some artistic and creative merit and might provide other people with something they enjoy. So I work toward that. But yes, sometimes I feel like I'm slogging uphill through a peanut butter bog. Soldier on... and complete. If it works out and people like what you've done then that's the reward. But yes, it's often times long tedious hours of hard work. Soldier On.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;223776Lately, I've been struggling to give a fairy's fart when it comes to RPG writing. I write in dribs and drabs, a hundred words here and a hundred words there, but nothing prolific. I start off raring to go but then I just lose interest.
I think there a number of factors conspiring against me:
1. I work with words at the day-job, and the day-job has grown increasingly demanding.
2. My regular gaming group took a lengthy hiatus from role-playing. We are getting older and the interest in gaming is waning. Thankfully, two new players joined the fold a month ago and we have been gaming regularly ever since.
3. In my old age, I have grown cynical - in the business world it's called realism. I put a lot of time and effort into role-playing projects. I have never written games for money or glory, just for self-satisfaction. More and more, I find myself asking the dreaded question, "Why am I doing this? Why do I spend hours labouring away on games that no one will play?" How do I get that feeling of self-satisfaction back.
4. The mechanics bog me down. While I enjoy writing setting material, I realize the setting material has to be hung on a mechanic, and mechanics are like science and math rolled into one. Unfortunately, both those subjects bore me.
5. Envy. Yes, I admit it! I am jealous of all of those game designers out there who seem to love what they are doing. I wonder what there secret is.
So, what is the secret? A lot of great designers post on this forum. What's your advice? How do you guys get the spark back?
I'm asking these questions because I am working on some great projects and I really want to soldier on and complete them. More importantly, I want to be excited while I do so.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Hi Rich!
1. Well, I'm a tech writer full time, so I work with words too. this doesn't seem to be a problem with me, but it may be my enthusiasm in other areas makes up for a lack here. My job is strictly limited, though. I don't publish a newspaper like you. I can put down the job at 4:30 and go home without guilt or problems.
2. This is vitally important! You need to play or run games to keep the focus and excitement level up! I'm VERY glad your group has gotten re-energized!
3. How about you don't kill your best game, hack up the body, and stuff it down a drain???? :D
Seriously, I don't know. Feedback from people who play your games is important, I know that! Otherwise, I have never lost the enthusiasm that way.
4. Use other people's mechanics. Seriously. There are dozens of free systems out there. You could use JAGS2. You could use my system. Modding a solid, already proven system is always easier than making up a new one and proving it out. You are always best with setting and atmosphere, so chuck the system work! You're not naturally inclined that way anyway.
5. I can't help you there. It's just the way I am, and I have no clue why. I never lose the spark, so I never have to get it back.
-clash
Thanks for the input, guys. There is some great advice there.
OneHorseTown: "I find it useful to write at the same time each day. It gets you into a routine and is a bonus if you are writing stuff you are enjoying."
Yes, I know it. Many very successful writers agree with you. Unfortunately, the business I am in is a fluid business, so setting aside a specific time each day is next to impossible. But perhaps I can set aside several different time slots each day and work in one of them when they are open.
VBWyrde: "But anyway, what I do is read a lot of really great literature and inspire myself with learning about the "meaning of stories"
Yes, this is a big one for me. Good reading habits lead to good writing habits. I used to read for hours at a time. Now, I squeeze a few pages in when I'm on the toilet. I need to set aside time for reading, like I need to set aside time for writing.
Clash: "2. This is vitally important! You need to play or run games to keep the focus and excitement level up! I'm VERY glad your group has gotten re-energized!"
Yes, playing the games inspires me to write more for the games.
3. "How about you don't kill your best game, hack up the body, and stuff it down a drain????"
Don't worry, TS will be back (in its original form) with a better layout.:D
With respect to the mechanics, I'm happy with Go410. It's hanging that mechanic (or any mechanic) onto the other stuff that is sometimes a chore.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;2237953. "How about you don't kill your best game, hack up the body, and stuff it down a drain????"
Don't worry, TS will be back (in its original form) with a better layout.:D
With respect to the mechanics, I'm happy with Go410. It's hanging that mechanic (or any mechanic) onto the other stuff that is sometimes a chore.
Yay! Shebang! was great, but TS was Awesome! I am VERY happy! :D
Go410 is fine as a system. I was just trying to think of ways for you to to skip that part - the adjusting stuff - of the work.
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;223804Yay! Shebang! was great, but TS was Awesome! I am VERY happy! :D
I'm going back in time, releasing new editions of stuff that should have been done right he first time - from Boomtown (a complete overall), to Creep Chronicle (a solid edit), to Sponge Monkeys (a solid edit, new layout, and one mechanical tweak - it is finished and just waiting to be uploaded) and finally back to TS (the start of this wild ride).
What works for me:
Write short but complete manuscripts. If you can only write a hundred words without losing interest, then finish what you want to say before you run out.
Maybe it'll work for you.
Cheers,
Roger
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;223815I'm going back in time, releasing new editions of stuff that should have been done right he first time - from Boomtown (a complete overall), to Creep Chronicle (a solid edit), to Sponge Monkeys (a solid edit, new layout, and one mechanical tweak - it is finished and just waiting to be uploaded) and finally back to TS (the start of this wild ride).
Wait, Boomtown need an overhaul? Didn't you do this with the sunday edition?
Otherwise, I am very pleased! Creep Chronicle is inspired, but a solid edit would be good for it. :D
-clash
I get inspired when ever I'm faced with free time.
Doesn't happen too often anymore for me, so when I get some free time I'm very motivated.
Of course I've been writing more fiction lately than working on my game and that tends to go faster for me beacuse I don't have to think about rules an such.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;223776Lately, I've been struggling to give a fairy's fart when it comes to RPG writing. I write in dribs and drabs, a hundred words here and a hundred words there, but nothing prolific. I start off raring to go but then I just lose interest.
I think there a number of factors conspiring against me:
1. I work with words at the day-job, and the day-job has grown increasingly demanding.
2. My regular gaming group took a lengthy hiatus from role-playing. We are getting older and the interest in gaming is waning. Thankfully, two new players joined the fold a month ago and we have been gaming regularly ever since.
3. In my old age, I have grown cynical - in the business world it's called realism. I put a lot of time and effort into role-playing projects. I have never written games for money or glory, just for self-satisfaction. More and more, I find myself asking the dreaded question, "Why am I doing this? Why do I spend hours labouring away on games that no one will play?" How do I get that feeling of self-satisfaction back.
4. The mechanics bog me down. While I enjoy writing setting material, I realize the setting material has to be hung on a mechanic, and mechanics are like science and math rolled into one. Unfortunately, both those subjects bore me.
5. Envy. Yes, I admit it! I am jealous of all of those game designers out there who seem to love what they are doing. I wonder what there secret is.
So, what is the secret? A lot of great designers post on this forum. What's your advice? How do you guys get the spark back?
I'm asking these questions because I am working on some great projects and I really want to soldier on and complete them. More importantly, I want to be excited while I do so.
Thanks in advance for any input.
1. Can't do anything about your job although leaving free periods for writing/reading/recharging is a good idea.
2. Fresh blood is good. Are any of your players interesting in helping you write or are they strictly players? Could collaboration with someone help here? I would also look at what people do when they have writer's block.
3. Another connection to your gaming group? Do all of you meet to play one game or are they playing your creations? If the latter, then you are getting somewhere. Your expectations can play a role here. I am satisfied with getting the money I put into my projects back. I try to take a positive outlook and assume anyone who bought has either played your game or at least somehow made the game they are playing better. No one can cram positive thinking down your throat but I feel there are others in your shoes.
4. I try to have more than one project going at the same time, rpg related or not. That way, if you are bored with writing on game A, you can go to game B or write short story C.
5. Keep writing even if it is just a fews words a day. Better to have dribbles than to dry out from not going to the well.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;223776Lately, I've been struggling to give a fairy's fart when it comes to RPG writing. I write in dribs and drabs, a hundred words here and a hundred words there, but nothing prolific. I start off raring to go but then I just lose interest.
Well, in my case, there's no silver bullet. I try to write every day, and some days half a page is all I get.
But you keep banging on the wall long enough and eventually you break through into a patch of clear ground. Those days I can get 10+ pages. Those days help me keep my yearly average to 3-4 pages a day.
The one tip I would give you though, is to do something that gets your blood pumping, either physically or creatively: take a walk, go sit under a tree, read a book in the genre you're thinking about working under that excites you, etc.
Then sit down RIGHT after finishing your fun activity and try to write.
Don't do the same thing all the time either. The idea is to get the brain firing.
Quote4. The mechanics bog me down. While I enjoy writing setting material, I realize the setting material has to be hung on a mechanic, and mechanics are like science and math rolled into one. Unfortunately, both those subjects bore me.
You can skip this step by finding a game you really like, that fits what you want to do, and thus requires little tweaking.
When we converted Legends of Excalibur to True20, we used almost no crunch. The system fit the setting perfectly.
Quote5. Envy. Yes, I admit it! I am jealous of all of those game designers out there who seem to love what they are doing. I wonder what there secret is.
The secret is that there is no secret. Some days writing games sucks. Some days it's a frustrating job. You just keep going till you hit one of those awesome periods.
Chuck
Quote from: flyingmice;223959Wait, Boomtown need an overhaul? Didn't you do this with the sunday edition?
Otherwise, I am very pleased! Creep Chronicle is inspired, but a solid edit would be good for it. :D
-clash
Clash, get with the times old man. Boomtown is finished and so is the Creep Chronicle and Sponge Monkeys. The new files are up, and in some cases they are months old. Sheesh! ;p
Quote from: ancientgamer;2239882. Fresh blood is good. Are any of your players interesting in helping you write or are they strictly players? Could collaboration with someone help here? I would also look at what people do when they have writer's block.
Funny you should mention that. One of the new players works for me and has shown interest in helping me with a current project.
Quote from: ancientgamer;2239884. I try to have more than one project going at the same time, rpg related or not. That way, if you are bored with writing on game A, you can go to game B or write short story C.
I'm the same way. I have to be with work. Currently, I have six or seven RPG projects on the go. I admit, some of them have been on the back burner for a long time.
Quote from: ancientgamer;2239885. Keep writing even if it is just a fews words a day. Better to have dribbles than to dry out from not going to the well.
Always, always.
Thanks.
Quote from: RPGObjects_chuck;224024The one tip I would give you though, is to do something that gets your blood pumping, either physically or creatively: take a walk, go sit under a tree, read a book in the genre you're thinking about working under that excites you, etc.
I always read snatches of something inspiring. In the case of Boomtown, I revisited Arthur Gelb's "City Room" time and again. I never tried physical exercise as a stimulant, but I should
Quote from: RPGObjects_chuck;224024The secret is that there is no secret. Some days writing games sucks. Some days it's a frustrating job. You just keep going till you hit one of those awesome periods.
I hear you loud and clear. My head is getting sore, but sometimes I think I am making cracks in the wall.:D
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;224043I always read snatches of something inspiring. In the case of Boomtown, I revisited Arthur Gelb's "City Room" time and again. I never tried physical exercise as a stimulant, but I should
Taking a walk outside is the best, especially in a park or rural area, you get more sensory stimuli that way.
But I've gotten a spark when heading toward a deadline by just running in place for 10 minutes.
Blood to the brain maybe? Who knows. I have no idea WHY any of this works unfortunately.
Quote from: RPGObjects_chuck;224137Taking a walk outside is the best, especially in a park or rural area, you get more sensory stimuli that way.
But I've gotten a spark when heading toward a deadline by just running in place for 10 minutes.
Blood to the brain maybe? Who knows. I have no idea WHY any of this works unfortunately.
I walk a lot, too - in the woods. There may be something in that... :D
-clash
Play more.
Quote from: Kyle Aaron;224149Play more.
Agreed! Nothing better for what ails you. :D
-clash
Quote from: Kyle Aaron;224149Play more.
Yep, I wish I could. I need to scrounge up more players.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;223776Lately, I've been struggling to give a fairy's fart when it comes to RPG writing. I write in dribs and drabs, a hundred words here and a hundred words there, but nothing prolific. I start off raring to go but then I just lose interest.
I think there a number of factors conspiring against me:
So, what is the secret? A lot of great designers post on this forum. What's your advice? How do you guys get the spark back?
I'm asking these questions because I am working on some great projects and I really want to soldier on and complete them. More importantly, I want to be excited while I do so.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Hmmm... A few workshops at a local convention. There's nothing better than getting together with a few other adventure designers and bouncing a few ideas around and taking some notes.
Pick a rules and mechanics light game to work with. Either that, or buy or write some software that can run the mechanics of the game seamlessley in the background. I use
Roleplaying Master available last time I looked as a free trial on
Enworld. Hands down it's the best $25 I spent in the last half a decade to support 3e, d20, or OGL games.
Great adventures come from drama. Drama comes from conflict, and contrary to what others say, Not writing for awhile may be the best thing for you. I have sometimes went for years not writing anything new but filling out a character sheet, and actually playing a few games instead of running them.
The characters have several major sources of conflict:
Player vs. Player
Player vs. Monster
Player vs. NPC
Player vs. The Environment
Player vs. Themselves
See how many times I use the word
Player, when in comes to conflict?
Hang your storyline on just a few key points of conflict. Write up just a few salient details on each conflict, then throw them conflicts out in to the environment of your gameworld and let your players wrestle with them or dodge them as they choose.
Don't worry too much about filling in all the details on your gameworld or adventures, just keep a notepad handy at the gaming table when your players do.
Hint:
They should be doing a bit more of the detail work. When you and they both come up with something good, The synergy will be there, then you'll be inspired to be prolific, and the play prep won't seem like work anymore.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;2237764. The mechanics bog me down. While I enjoy writing setting material, I realize the setting material has to be hung on a mechanic, and mechanics are like science and math rolled into one. Unfortunately, both those subjects bore me.
A couple of suggestions for this point in particular:
i) Do a setting and make it systemless, or for an existing game.
ii) Do a set of rules to allow a kind of play that aren't covered by the rules of a given game - for example, 'Star-Crossed Lovers: Romantic Tragedy for Traveller'.
iii) Get Risus or Fudge, which give you the basic mechanics but don't give you a setting or skills, and write a setting and an appropriate list of skills for it.
In my experience, for what it's worth...
1) Play regularly.
2) Write stuff about RPGs regularly, even if it's just forum stuff.
The first one matters more than the second one, in terms of writing things that hold together in the face of play. Which is a huge damn deal.
The second one is about practice, practice, practice. Never, ever stop working on your stuff. Writing eventually stops being work, stops being play, and just becomes automatic; you have an idea, you put it down. I go through about a hundred sheets of paper a month just jotting stuff down on my clipboard, and at least half of it is gaming.
This is all excellent advice guys. I'm taking notes and will certainly apply many of the suggestions to my RPG projects. When it comes to writing for the day job, I'm never short for words. Now, I need to apply that energy and your suggestions to my RPG writing. This thread has inspired me to get back to it and I'm happy to report that I'm making some significant headway on a few things that I've let bubble for far too long. Clash, expect TS-Complete within the next two months (I'm projecting a mid-September publication date, barring any layout hiccups).
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;225186This is all excellent advice guys. I'm taking notes and will certainly apply many of the suggestions to my RPG projects. When it comes to writing for the day job, I'm never short for words. Now, I need to apply that energy and your suggestions to my RPG writing. This thread has inspired me to get back to it and I'm happy to report that I'm making some significant headway on a few things that I've let bubble for far too long. Clash, expect TS-Complete within the next two months (I'm projecting a mid-September publication date, barring any layout hiccups).
A W E S O M E ! ! ! ! !-clash
Actually, every time I am against writing on game material (and I have the time and not uberstressed at work), I go to a special shelf on my bookshelf. It is here that I have games that really do not deserve to be published, they are just that bad IMO and they might of murdered a really good idea.. (probably while it was sleeping too). I read them. I get enranged (go green). And strangely enough I can pump out more material. (HULK TYPE!).
I get flashes of ideas that I put a bit onto paper and then forget about. But with that first part written down, I occasionally mull over how to make them work.
I like games with a strong theme.
My 24 hour RPG was called AssassinX - it me being angry and wanting a game that was just about killing people. By the 12 hour mark my anger was drained and I was thinking of something more along the lines of Grosse Point Blank.
In turn, that thought process lead me to Mr and Mrs Smith, and that turned into a game idea I haven't done anything with yet called "Gunboy loves Gungirl - the RPG of romantic firefights". Nearly two years after creating a basic layout concept and style for the game, I had a flash of inspiration about two months ago for a game system for it, totally scrapping my original idea.
Quote from: MoonHunter;226392Actually, every time I am against writing on game material (and I have the time and not uberstressed at work), I go to a special shelf on my bookshelf. It is here that I have games that really do not deserve to be published, they are just that bad IMO and they might of murdered a really good idea.. (probably while it was sleeping too). I read them. I get enranged (go green). And strangely enough I can pump out more material. (HULK TYPE!).
Haha! Good one. Unfortunately, I've purged by bookshelf of all the rubbish on it. :D
Quote from: The HellHound 101;227198In turn, that thought process lead me to Mr and Mrs Smith, and that turned into a game idea I haven't done anything with yet called "Gunboy loves Gungirl - the RPG of romantic firefights". Nearly two years after creating a basic layout concept and style for the game, I had a flash of inspiration about two months ago for a game system for it, totally scrapping my original idea.
Sounds excellent! Is it going to be a western RPG, or modern?
I feel your pain, man.
Honestly the biggest hamper on it is just that I find game design pretty damn tedious. Oh sure, some basic system monkeying is fun every now and again, and main concepts I can do alright, but when it comes to the nitty gritty of lists and more detailed rules and things like that, frankly, I start wanting to drill holes in my brain for excitement.
I'm the same way when reading or playing a game, really, read through the basic concepts, skip anything that's a list or special case rules, and just reference that stuff in play. It's not that I don't like it being there, it's just that reading through it all in it's entirety is tedious and dull, and when designing a game, you take that tedium to a whole new level because now you have to actually write this shit.
It lends me a considerably greater understanding of the appeal of the "Storygame" design philosophy, because it takes a hell of a lot less effort to slap out a couple primitive die mechanics and a rambling diatribe or two, than it does to create the kind of robust, traditional game I actually enjoy.
I'd ditch it all and take my worlds to fiction, but truth be told, I'm not much of a story writer. In fact, I pretty much suck at it, which is why until this board introduced me to the whole Wilderlands/sandbox approach I had little interest in GMing.
End result is what writing I've done lately has mostly been food stuff and typical half-assed "games journalism" stuff.
Quote from: J Arcane;227579Honestly the biggest hamper on it is just that I find game design pretty damn tedious. Oh sure, some basic system monkeying is fun every now and again, and main concepts I can do alright, but when it comes to the nitty gritty of lists and more detailed rules and things like that, frankly, I start wanting to drill holes in my brain for excitement.
Yep. Just when you think you've covered all the angles and all your bases, some other "it might happen in a game" situation hits you and you say, "How do I write some rules to cover that, specifically rules that fit into the rules-set I've spent weeks tweaking?"
You slap your forward and realize that the rules-set falls flat when dealing with that specific situation. So, you bin all of your previous material and start from scratch.
My first RPG book came to me in a prophetic dream.
The second was mostly born out of a love of cool random tables and a desire to write up a setting based on an historical experiment.
RPGPundit
Quote from: RPGPundit;228530My first RPG book came to me in a prophetic dream.
The second was mostly born out of a love of cool random tables and a desire to write up a setting based on an historical experiment.
RPGPundit
Do you plan to publish something else in the next year or so?
The best advice I've ever been given is to carry a notebook with you everywhere possible. As inspiration hits you, jot the idea down even if you have to flesh out the idea later. I find I'm constantly bombarded by new and varied sources of inspiration. I've been inspired by bumper stickers.
The problem I'm having is the work of organizing the thoughts into a coherent form while still drawing new sources of inspiration and not being inspired while trying to translate those thoughts.
Quote from: Gunslinger;230579The best advice I've ever been given is to carry a notebook with you everywhere possible. As inspiration hits you, jot the idea down even if you have to flesh out the idea later. I find I'm constantly bombarded by new and varied sources of inspiration. I've been inspired by bumper stickers.
I tend to do this. As a result, I have scraps of paper all over with notes scribbled on them. Some of my best stuff was generated from handfuls of notes. I keep the notes in several cardboard boxes and paper bags. That way, I revisit the notes from time to time, and often I find some useful nuggets or even great ideas I have yet to expand.
I watch horrible sci-fi and fantasy movies most Saturday nights with my girlfriend and some best friends. Add caffeine, sugar, popcorn and sleep deprivation before stirring.
I am working on two principal RPG-related projects at the moment. The inspiration is there, but so is the drive to do things right. Clash has taught me that system does matter. Incorporating a working mechanic into what I think is a cool setting is a difficult task. I am bending every aspect of the mechanic to see if it will break. And when it does break, it's back to the drawing board. As a result, the things I am working on now are taking much longer to complete. It's two steps forward, and one step back. It's a slow plodding journey to my destination. In the end though, I think the end result will be much better for it.
Quote from: JohnnyWannabe;269102I am working on two principal RPG-related projects at the moment. The inspiration is there, but so is the drive to do things right. Clash has taught me that system does matter. Incorporating a working mechanic into what I think is a cool setting is a difficult task. I am bending every aspect of the mechanic to see if it will break. And when it does break, it's back to the drawing board. As a result, the things I am working on now are taking much longer to complete. It's two steps forward, and one step back. It's a slow plodding journey to my destination. In the end though, I think the end result will be much better for it.
I tested the StarCluster system internally for five years before I released it in 2002. The original design was a framework with modules which can be added or removed as needed to customize the feel of the game. I've added components to it since, including several different task resolution sub-systems, but the base system has held up without breaking since release. Thing is, once you do this thoroughly, you don't need to re-do it. The only thing you need to test is how the modules act within the framework, because the framework itself is solid. It radically cuts down testing time, and allows me the luxury of worrying about the things that are different, rather than the whole thing.
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;269112I tested the StarCluster system internally for five years before I released it in 2002. The original design was a framework with modules which can be added or removed as needed to customize the feel of the game. I've added components to it since, including several different task resolution sub-systems, but the base system has held up without breaking since release. Thing is, once you do this thoroughly, you don't need to re-do it. The only thing you need to test is how the modules act within the framework, because the framework itself is solid. It radically cuts down testing time, and allows me the luxury of worrying about the things that are different, rather than the whole thing.
-clash
This is very much so. I have found that a good modular design allows for swapping the elements you want for a setting in and out without much difficulty or issues. For instance, my free form magic subsystem for Iridium is tried and true for nearly 25 years now. I can alter it to handle Psi or any type of magic I or others can imagine. Within the subsystem itself is an internally extensible paradigm allowing the subsystem itself to be adapted. I mean, the elements of Fatigue and the individual checks can be changed to reflect the system it is being put into. Thus, you have a subsystem that can be moved with ease between systems.
Oh, and system does not matter in the way Edwards meant it. ;)
Bill
Quote from: HinterWelt;269123This is very much so. I have found that a good modular design allows for swapping the elements you want for a setting in and out without much difficulty or issues. For instance, my free form magic subsystem for Iridium is tried and true for nearly 25 years now. I can alter it to handle Psi or any type of magic I or others can imagine. Within the subsystem itself is an internally extensible paradigm allowing the subsystem itself to be adapted. I mean, the elements of Fatigue and the individual checks can be changed to reflect the system it is being put into. Thus, you have a subsystem that can be moved with ease between systems.
Yep! Exactly, Bill! I point to your system and Brett's as other examples of the same modular design philosophy. Design the framework to be robust and simple, and design the modules to be flexible and extensible.
QuoteOh, and system does not matter in the way Edwards meant it. ;)
Bill
Yes! It matters, but it matters in a very different way. :D
-clash
Quote from: HinterWelt;269123Oh, and system does not matter in the way Edwards meant it. ;)
Haha! This is true.
With reference to what you and Clash are talking about, the base system I am using is sound. The difficulty at the moment is incorporating two new elements to the base system. These elements can disturb the balance of the game if handled improperly. The elements are specific to character development and character play. The goal is to ensure that no one "character type" (for lack of a better term) outshines the others. Each should have the same amount of appeal, advantages, disadvantages, etc.
Any advice on dealing with burnout? It seems like every time I fix something, there's another problem. And sometimes fixing things creates a problem. It's like nailing fog to a wall!
Needless to say, enthusiasm is being replaced by frustration. I still think it's a good game with potential, but...I don't want to end up hating working on it.
I'll say play more is a good idea. I play a lot and I'm always coming up with new ideas. However, getting them from idea to ready to sell form takes forever.
I lose focus, which is why I tend to juggle more products than I have common sense, yet unlike some people I keep plugging along, working on them as I can.
I was playing a video game I got from a friend--pretty neat IDEA but the execution is hideous. It made me start thinking of an old project I want to finish, now I've got an idea on how to do it that I hadn't been brewing previously...
As for dealing with burnout? Generally I go read a book, play a game unrelated to the one I'm having issues with, talk to friends who are willing to pitch ideas back and forth with.
You know, it might be a good idea to set up a chat time online for those of you who might want help/feedback, or just some time to get it out of your system--as you know I LOVE to talk about games and game design and if I can find the time would gladly meet up with you, online, to help.
If only we all lived in the same city, coffee and a bullpen/hangout session would be a way to do it as well...
Sounds good. Name a channel and I'll hop on. :)
Quote from: Silverlion;269226You know, it might be a good idea to set up a chat time online for those of you who might want help/feedback, or just some time to get it out of your system--as you know I LOVE to talk about games and game design and if I can find the time would gladly meet up with you, online, to help.
If only we all lived in the same city, coffee and a bullpen/hangout session would be a way to do it as well...
Ah, you know, you are on to something there. Back in the day (circa 2004), there was a large online connection between many of us. There was opportunity to share and bounce ideas off one another. Even better it was a morale boost to connect directly to other game designers. Forums are fine, but chat is better. Heck, I haven't connected with my fellow BMT publishers in-chat in over a year. I find when I am riffing ideas with someone, it really helps fuel my enthusiasm.
Quote from: Narf the Mouse;269239Sounds good. Name a channel and I'll hop on. :)
I have #rpgchat on Magicstar. (note not #RPGNET which is also on the server)
Which I love to talk game design in, or just chatter with friends...
I'm on. Now, more people!