Working on a publication: Kaidan

[Gamerprinter]

I mention this, since I seem to be somewhat absent from the boards lately, though I've been spending lots of time in the CWBP instead.

So, "beat me up" as I don't even have a map for Kaidan (my new CWBP project), but I've been talking to some publishers about the biz, as I'm a long time gamer and a commissioned cartographer, but I've never tried to publish a game setting or adventure before.

Basically two sources have suggested I create a short campaign arc of 3 modules set in Kaidan to test the waters and see if there's enough of a market to risk creating a setting manual, a much more expensive venture. Both suggested I do a collaborative publication with an existing house.

Also, I started talking about d20, OGL, GSL and Pathfinder compatibility license, ways to market and which license should this campaign arc/setting go under.

In the end, I talked one of them to apply for the Pathfinder license and he was approved. Now he's offering to collaborate on the writing side, and some crunch help, in exchange for me creating a half dozen maps for his upcoming publishing projects! So it looks like Kaidan is going to begin as a series of adventure modules very soon! I haven't decided on whether to call myself GP Publishing or Kaidan Press (or something like that.)

It will be published OGL, as Pathfinder isn't official until August 2009, but at that time I can republish as Pathfinder (with the PFRPG logo), and begin to work towards publishing Kaidan as a setting in book form.

I've already found a "cheap" but excellent artist for cover and illustration work so this is becoming a reality, and I only started working on the project this month.

So I've got my own busy plans up ahead. I'll try to squeeze in a challenge or two in that time, but I've got some serious personal work to do.

GP

[Steel General]

Congrats GP, and good luck with the project!

[Korash]

OMG!!!

That is so cool!!

I have been quite interested in the Pathfinder stuff since I first heard about it, and am glad to here that you are gonna be doing some stuff for the system. I look forward to seeing what you come up with

Congrats and best wishes are yours for this grand adventure!! Some rep too for having the balls to do what I never did, always thought about it, started on it a few times, but NEVER actually moved on it.

[torstan]

That's very cool. Great news for you and for all Kaidan fans. You seem to have found a rich vein of interest in the system so I hope it does really well.

[Gamerprinter]

Thanks, guys!

One thing though, both the publisher and I prefer realistic, scary illustration with a Japanese flavor, however he suggested (against my taste, but...) to use Manga-styled art in order to attract a larger and younger audience.

I don't know, I hate Manga art myself, but it might be a smart way to go.

Thoughts?

GP

[msa]

One thing though, both the publisher and I prefer realistic, scary illustration with a Japanese flavor, however he suggested (against my taste, but...) to use Manga-styled art in order to attract a larger and younger audience.

I wanted to weight in on this. While I am with the majority here on not caring much for manga art, you might want to compromise a bit for the purpose of marketing. Of course, I always advocate for selling out artistic vision (and morals) for sweet delicious success, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Anyways, here are my reasons.

People are attracted to eye-candy, and they like what is familiar... especially kids, and to a lesser extent teenagers. Also, Manga is inexplicably hugely popular. There is probably a value to making your product appeal to the widest range of demographics possible. I think you will find it more rewarding to get your product out there and get it to sell well than sticking too tight to your artistic guns.

Also, manga style may be a little bit cheaper and faster to produce than well shaded, realistic art. You can take a lot of liberties with a cartoon style that you can't when you try to be realistic (damn that uncanny valley). World of Warcraft showed me, among other things, how important style can be. I've played a number of games that try to be more realistic and dark, but the art ends up causing a lot of cognitive dissonance. I think there is probably a lesson in that.

You might spend some time with the publisher and the artist and see if you can come to a compromise vision. Especially if he is an industry professional with some experience, as marketing is a lot more about statistics than artistic vision. I think first and foremost you want to move product... especially with your first venture. That will be the greatest personal reward.

PS. This is an awesome thread, and congrats on getting your work to this stage GP. I'm jealous!

PPS. That said, those are beautiful artists you've lined up.

[Gamerprinter]

You might spend some time with the publisher and the artist and see if you can come to a compromise vision. Especially if he is an industry professional with some experience, as marketing is a lot more about statistics than artistic vision. I think first and foremost you want to move product... especially with your first venture. That will be the greatest personal reward.

OK, already knowing my preference for realistic art, my collaborative partner on the project, Andy Champaign of Dementia 5 Publishing has just got back from Anime Boston trade show and recruited about a dozen interested Anime/Manga artists who are top in their field professionals. So we'll see. In the next week I'll be getting lots of portfolio's to review.

While the adventure arc still needs some art to enhance the publication, where my true needs for art will rest in my intended setting manual, with designs on being a standard hardbound manual, like the PH or DMG. So that's a big project, and an expensive one to boot. Seeing some serious work needed for that handbook, I can see a later release say October? Could be a good Halloween release if its ready by then.

GP

[overlordchuck]

Congrats!

By the way, I vote for GPKaidan Press. Merges the two together and still has a ring to it.

[Turgenev]

Congrats GP! Personally I would prefer a realistic, scary illustration with a Japanese flavor over a manga-styled art as well. Personally, I think a good drawing with some creepiness/horror elements would be as much a draw for the younger crowd. I guess it depends on the style of the manga art.

[ravells]

This is fantastic news. Also because after the initial honeymoon the Guild alliance seems to have weakened somewhat and everyone has gone back to their own thing. I've always thought that if we worked together with our complimentry skills it would have the potential for great things. Great stuff, GP for finding the way forward.