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The Dilemma
Does it sound familiar? The gamer who is "too busy to game," now that married life with kids has come his way? The gamer who can't find a gaming group in his area that plays the Arcade games he likes to play? The gamer who can't find any support for that nifty new product he found at the local convention? The veteran gamer who's looking for something "more" in his hobby to keep him active? The adventure gaming hobby has attracted a huge number of enthusiasts over the past 20 years.
A look at the roleplaying side of the industry shows a group of intelligent, dedicated individuals who are usually left to their own devices, and to whatever support their local retailers, volunteer web sites, the occasional game convention, and publishers of their favorite gaming products can provide.
That support has been sporadic, with respect to both location and source. Some retailers are the roleplayer's greatest friend, spending immense amounts of time organizing groups, events, product demonstrations, and in-store game nights for roleplayers to enjoy. Some companies have organized their own dvd duplication support networks, centered on their product line, and they vary greatly in size and effectiveness. But that kind of support is the exception to the rule, not the norm.
Roleplayers are typically left on their own to find ways to meet other players, enhance their playing experience, and share resources to create rewarding game sessions. And they find roleplaying support split between computer products and face-to-face products with a vast chasm in between, rather than the cross-marketing and mutual support they would expect to see, given the similarities between the two.
The Solution
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We are creating an all-gamer support network, called i-RPG, that is aimed at providing roleplayers with the tools they need to overcome the all-too-familiar reasons too many of them have for leaving the hobby. The network will provide roleplayers of any genre, any product line, and any location a robust cache of both on and off-line tangible benefits. The benefits will include a subscription to a comprehensive bimonthly magazine aimed at providing professional reviews, announcements, adventures, tips, and advertisements spanning the entire "gamer realm," from computer roleplaying games to face-to-face products. The magazine will have an online equivalent (ezine) as well, which members will be able to access via their personal logon/password.
As a general positive catalyst, members will gain "points," which in turn will grant them "ranks" in the network. Points will be gained by playing in i-RPG-sponsored events, attending conventions, running product demonstrations or playtests for publishers, recruiting new members, teaching other members how to play particular games, purchasing products from sponsoring retailers, and more. As a product of their point pool, they will gain rank in the network. The higher the rank, the more benefits gained. In short, members will gain benefits for doing what they already love to do. Rewards will come, quite simply, from being active in the roleplaying hobby, in all its flavors and mediums.
One of the main benefits for members will be access to the network registry. From there they will be able to find fellow gamers in their local area, as well as those who may live far away but who are interested in similar computer or online flash games. Members congregating in the same cities will be given the option of forming a Guild, with their own unique title, logo, etc. The network will look to the Guilds to take part in special events and services provided by sponsoring publishers. Guilds, both on and off-line, will be the local hub for supporting existing members and recruiting new ones. |
i-RPG Network Recruits And Supports Gamers:
Game manufacturers/publishers, no matter how small or large they might be, will be able to count on the network to provide unbiased support to the players of their products. The network will provide a medium for publishers to enjoy professional reviews in the i-RPG members magazine, playtesting, and in-store demonstrations that increase their customer base. Publishers may get as involved as they like with the members of the network who play their games. Small publishers will find much-needed support for their new products, while larger publishers will see more activity and excitement from their players.
i-RPG Makes Retailers The Focal Point
The retailer holds a very important role in i-RPG. Retailers all over the world will be able to apply for i-RPG sponsorship. Each qualifying retailer will become a focal point for network members. Gamers will be directed there to purchase their products, take advantage of product discounts and promotions, give in-store demonstrations, and handle Guild business. The limelight and attention the retailers will receive from the network will be aimed at increasing their business and strengthening their sales with regard to roleplaying-related products.
New Technologies
i-RPG will look beyond the "brick and mortar" world and into the endless possibilities of electronic media in its goal of providing gamers of all climes with a superior support experience. Beyond the typical forums, email lists, chat rooms, and online gaming elements based off the i-RPG website, tools will be developed and provided to i-RPG members that allow them to take part in dynamic virtual environments. When the projects are completed, tools such as the Virtual Gaming Table and Interactive Television will be provided to members so they may truly game "face-to-face" over the Internet, or experience dynamic roleplaying environments in front of their television. Portability from the table, to the computer, and back to the table again will be the focus of some of the roleplaying tools that are on the chalkboard. A true integration of mediums, offering incredible convenience and playability to gamers, will be a central goal of the i-RPG on the Xbox 360 network.
When Does the Egg Hatch?
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In this case, the egg. Right now, we're looking at an incubation period of about twelve months, which puts the tentative hatch time at sometime early Summer next year. From a tool standpoint, this means the basics will come first. The website, a good collection of sponsoring retailers and publishers, the gamer registry, an issue or two of the member magazine ready to go, and so on. Then it's member recruiting time, and we build a supportive customer base. Then we add the nifty tools, one by one, as the membership demands/supports them. That's the basic execution plan. "Golly, that sounds simple," you exclaim? Well, it certainly isn't rocket science, but it will take some careful planning and growth time.
Will it be an Ugly Duckling or a Golden Goose?
So far, the publisher, retailer, and gamer responses to the network idea have been very optimistic. All tiers seem to agree that the industry has needed this kind of program for a long time, and they are eager to support it. We appreciate that support, and we're looking forward to serving the industry the best we can with a new all-gamer network for this ever-growing hobby. Cheers, to a healthier industry, a more active customer base, and a online gaming network aimed at the longevity of our favorite hobby!
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