Discussion on GURPS 4E Revised or Database

[Tomsdad]

Originally Posted by Kromm

This gets at what I said in my previous post; namely, that we're selling the tools. SJ created a generic, universal system because he was tired of single-genre, single-setting games tied to particular sets of assumptions; which is to say, SJ created a tool kit, and that's what SJ Games wants to sell. In the past, we've adapted IPs in order to showcase how flexible GURPS is, but those adaptations have never enjoyed the success of the core system. And with good reason: The adaptations are "close enough," not optimal; showcasing the rules has a fidelity cost for the setting, and setting fans won't stay with a game that doesn't get their favorite IP right to within almost absurdly tight tolerances.

I agree.

I think the problem will always be for a generic version of pre-existing setting/system you are relying on the existence of two customer groups.

Group one: Those who are already predisposed to like the generic system over the specific and who's first choice will be the generic.

Group two: Those who didn't like the specific setting's system enough to try an alternative system for the setting they did like.

They probably exists but they are by their nature again sub divisions of the hobby (i.e automatically limiting potential sales).

Additionally Group one can already use the generic system without a setting specific generic book using the specific's fluff (it's a generic system) how much of factor this will be will of course depend on how quickly the generic version is available after the original. That said even my limited knowledge of IP control and licensing tells me not many are keen to allow rivals soon after release of their own new product, they like to enjoy a significant period of being the only published option in the market.

And group two will have to not only want the generic version, they'll have to want it enough to re purchase material (you'll need both to compare). More over if they are new to the generic, they'll need to buy the generic system as well (if it's not included the 2nd parties setting book).

Originally Posted by Kromm

As far as game engines go, I don't see another generic engine being better or worse than GURPS for Pratchett's work. In many ways, GURPS is a good match, as it's capable of the mad, kitchen-sink, gonzo stuff that shows up on the Disc. It doesn't force you to choose a genre first, which many other generic engines do; this is crucial, as Discworld isn't pure fantasy, but a weird mix of genres up to and including steampunk of late. The two also have a similar sense of humor (indeed, this helps to explain why SJ and Pterry get along!).

Can GURPS ideally showcase Discworld without the tools showing? That is a challenge! It's why we're publishing the Discworld Roleplaying Game and not GURPS Discworld, and why the upcoming edition is truly integrated and self-contained, not just a worldbook with a copy of GURPS Lite in the back. That approach was a lot of work for us, though, and it remains to be seen whether the expense and trouble, plus the licensing costs, will pay off. If the new edition is a success and brings new players to GURPS, we'll have a direction in which to move.

Ah, sorry I didn't realise it's a stand alone game, I thought it was "gurps: disc world".

To answer the now redundant question, it's not that I think GURPS can't do discworld, it's that I think as a system it would be overkill. We know that GURPS can be light and fluffy, but I think the reality is in general the pre-existing GURPS fanbase, and therefore GURPS played "in the wild' so to speak is in relative terms pretty heavy and crunchy! More over GURPS has established a reputation as such in the wider hobby for a couple of decades.

Now maybe there's an opportunity in re branding to be had here led by a lighter Disc world system as a potential introduction to the fact that GURPS doesn't have to be full on tactical crunch despite the reputation it enjoys/suffers.

Maybe some kind of Discworld system - GURPS conversion.

And if nothing else a successful game is a successful game!

I have my own questions about the choice of discworld anyway (don't get me wrong I'm a fan from CoM) but this probably isn't the place for that.

Cheers TD