This entire thread is excellent, and the underlying point (nobody is in RPGs today for a payday) is very true. But it can also seem to paint a picture of a dying sales market, and so I want to offer some other perspectives on this in particular. (Thread)
So, major caveat: my experience is not representative. DW was lightning in a bottle. But it's what I've got to go on, so…
DW is still above the arbitrary $499/month mark, nearly 6 years in. And that's just DTRPG, the game is available elsewhere.
Which I think is somewhat typical. The RPG market skews towards long tail sales.
Which I think is somewhat typical. The RPG market skews towards long tail sales.
Unlike a movie or video game or whatever, the first day/week/holiday season isn't it for an RPG. Games tend to keep moving as word slowly spreads.
In this example, sure, tomorrow probably won't be another $499 day, but it could very well make $400.
In this example, sure, tomorrow probably won't be another $499 day, but it could very well make $400.
But even that isn't much for a job. Which is why most RPG folks making a living have a line of projects. Combine a stable of products with a long long tail and it can work out.
None of this changes the original thread though. Most folks making a game are not making a living from it. If you see a game from someone who doesn't have a lot of other games out there, it's probably a passion project.
The RPG industry is doing great. You can make a living in it. But a single game won't make a living.
