How Can We Attract New Players to MRQ2 and other D100 Games?

[mallard]

I think the best way to attract new players to RQ and other D100 games is to run games at conventions. I was surprised that my RQ2 game was the only D100 fantasy game at ConQuest NW in Seattle, WA and ConQuest Sacramento. Furthermore, there is only one BRP game listed at the Pacificon Game Expo in San Jose and it is a scifi game.

I got hooked on RQ by playing it at a mini convention at my local library in 1981 when I was 14 years old. There are lots of other Mallards out there that would love RQ if they had a chance to play it.

We need to tap into our RQ/Glorantha community and run RQ games at game conventions so that we can expose a wider audience to this great game.

 

[zozotroll]

Mallard where are you located? I am probably close to you, down in Tacoma. I agree with the idea of getting new people in.

 

[mallard]

Mallard where are you located? I am probably close to you, down in Tacoma. I agree with the idea of getting new people in.

I am in California but I have a very good buddy from HS that lives in Seattle. We used to Skype him in on our RQ games but he recently bought a resturant and is too busy to play now.

Me and most of my gaming group flew up to see him and play games at ConQuest NW 2009 and 2010.

 

[danbuter]

Create a generic fantasy setting and give it good support. And include some nice poster maps :twisted: .

 

[zozotroll]

Bummer. I lived in LA a bit over 10 years ago, and could not get a RQ game going no matter what I tried. Not even as a con game. Hope ypu have beetter luck down there than I did.

 

[andakitty]

I have managed to get an Openquest game started in Redmond WA, just east of Seattle (across Lake Washington), and could use another person... specially someone who knows BRP type games. It's probably just a little too far though.

 

[mallard]

Bummer. I lived in LA a bit over 10 years ago, and could not get a RQ game going no matter what I tried. Not even as a con game. Hope ypu have beetter luck down there than I did.

What conventions will you be attending in the next year?

 

[TrippyHippy]

The answer to the original question is simply 'more settings, more supplements, more reviews, more gaming'. There isn't really any other answer to this.

 

[Jujitsudave]

There IS another way. Concentrate on what Runequest is good at. Make historically based game supplements (Vikings anyone?) as well as getting licences from video game franchises.

Runequest is easily the best ruleset of any tabletop RPG on the market and nowadays, this hobby has a tough time competing with video games. Embracing them with support from this media with a beefed up dose of advertising would sell big and could potentially even overtake the D&D juggernaut if done aggressively.

Halo, Assasin's Creed, Mass Effect, Fallout..... all of these could work. Unfortunately Green Ronin has Dragon Age, and they have barely supported it in an entire year. Mongoose could turn that around certainly.

 

[zomben]

I am in California but I have a very good buddy from HS that lives in Seattle. We used to Skype him in on our RQ games but he recently bought a resturant and is too busy to play now.

Where in California are you? I'm in the SF Bay Area, and am itching to table-test the new RQII rules I got for my birthday.

 

[languagegeek]

There IS another way. Concentrate on what Runequest is good at. Make historically based game supplements (Vikings anyone?)

I agree. There are a number of interesting historical-ish settings already, like Clockwork & Chivalry, and Vikings is on my list of must-gets. More of this would, I think, really take advantage of RQ's potential.

On the other hand, I'd suggest that for some people new to RQ, there is Glorantha overload. After having lurked around this forum a while, Glorantha is to me an old club that I'm not a part of, and likely won't be a part of either. As more and more Glorantha sourcebooks are released, this forum has more and more threads which leave me in the dust and is somewhat alienating. I'm sure it's great fun, and it sounds like many people absolutely love the setting, but for me it's someone else's game, and certainly is not essential to playing RQ. And perhaps it's people like me (dissatisfied with a previous FRPG system) who won't be drawn to Glorantha that will make up a good share of RQ II customers. Then again, maybe I'm alone in this.

There is so much Glorantha in other versions of RQ - it sounds like many of those who participate in this forum already have these older-version books. It would be nice, for people like me, if the game could branch out into different grounds. History is available to all of us, and I think it's easier and more fun to drop into Vikings or other earth alternate histories, than it is to drop into what honestly can come off looking like someone else's multi-decade setting.

I hope this all doesn't sound like unfair and ignorant criticism of a much loved world; it's not intended to be. The OP asked how to attract new players? My opinion: more new applications of the RQ II rules. The RQ II system stands tall on it's own, and can be easily divorced from the traditional setting(s). The players who like to play Glorantha are already on board.

 

[mallard]

There IS another way. Concentrate on what Runequest is good at. Make historically based game supplements (Vikings anyone?)

I agree. There are a number of interesting historical-ish settings already, like Clockwork & Chivalry, and Vikings is on my list of must-gets. More of this would, I think, really take advantage of RQ's potential.

On the other hand, I'd suggest that for some people new to RQ, there is Glorantha overload. After having lurked around this forum a while, Glorantha is to me an old club that I'm not a part of, and likely won't be a part of either. As more and more Glorantha sourcebooks are released, this forum has more and more threads which leave me in the dust and is somewhat alienating. I'm sure it's great fun, and it sounds like many people absolutely love the setting, but for me it's someone else's game, and certainly is not essential to playing RQ. And perhaps it's people like me (dissatisfied with a previous FRPG system) who won't be drawn to Glorantha that will make up a good share of RQ II customers. Then again, maybe I'm alone in this.

There is so much Glorantha in other versions of RQ - it sounds like many of those who participate in this forum already have these older-version books. It would be nice, for people like me, if the game could branch out into different grounds. History is available to all of us, and I think it's easier and more fun to drop into Vikings or other earth alternate histories, than it is to drop into what honestly can come off looking like someone else's multi-decade setting.

I hope this all doesn't sound like unfair and ignorant criticism of a much loved world; it's not intended to be. The OP asked how to attract new players? My opinion: more new applications of the RQ II rules. The RQ II system stands tall on it's own, and can be easily divorced from the traditional setting(s). The players who like to play Glorantha are already on board.

languagegeek,

I don't think your statement about Glorantha is unfair or ignorant. Glorantha is a great world but the learning curve is steep and sometimes us old-timers forget that. However, I was impressed by the excellent job Mongoose did in explaining Glorantha to newcomers in the Introduction to Glorantha from the Living Glorantha campaign.

You can get this introduction at http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/living-glorantha.php.

Finally, if you want to play the RQ rules in a different settling I recommend Chaosiums Basic Roleplaying. It has several historical campaign settings including 2 ancient Roman settings, pirate setting, 12th century crusades, etc ...

Here is the link:http://basicroleplaying.com/content.php/26-Published-Supplements

 

[andyl]

I think BRP Rome has lots of setting info that is usable in any system. It should be fairly trivial to run it using the Runequest rules - maybe adding in the odd rule here and there. I am sure Pete Nash will come along and tell me if I'm wrong.

Some of the other BRP settings may require a bit more tweaking, or using non-RQ rules. For example Crusaders of the Amber Coast has its own magic rules but I would expect that they should just port over without a problem.

 

[Mongoose Pete]

I think BRP Rome has lots of setting info that is usable in any system. It should be fairly trivial to run it using the Runequest rules - maybe adding in the odd rule here and there. I am sure Pete Nash will come along and tell me if I'm wrong.

BRP Rome is very easy to convert over. If anyone ever has any questions about changing a BRP table or rule in the book to RQII just drop me a line and I'll happily give some guidelines.

 

[Jujitsudave]

There IS another way. Concentrate on what Runequest is good at. Make historically based game supplements (Vikings anyone?)

I agree. There are a number of interesting historical-ish settings already, like Clockwork & Chivalry, and Vikings is on my list of must-gets. More of this would, I think, really take advantage of RQ's potential.

On the other hand, I'd suggest that for some people new to RQ, there is Glorantha overload. After having lurked around this forum a while, Glorantha is to me an old club that I'm not a part of, and likely won't be a part of either. As more and more Glorantha sourcebooks are released, this forum has more and more threads which leave me in the dust and is somewhat alienating. I'm sure it's great fun, and it sounds like many people absolutely love the setting, but for me it's someone else's game, and certainly is not essential to playing RQ. And perhaps it's people like me (dissatisfied with a previous FRPG system) who won't be drawn to Glorantha that will make up a good share of RQ II customers. Then again, maybe I'm alone in this.

There is so much Glorantha in other versions of RQ - it sounds like many of those who participate in this forum already have these older-version books. It would be nice, for people like me, if the game could branch out into different grounds. History is available to all of us, and I think it's easier and more fun to drop into Vikings or other earth alternate histories, than it is to drop into what honestly can come off looking like someone else's multi-decade setting.

I hope this all doesn't sound like unfair and ignorant criticism of a much loved world; it's not intended to be. The OP asked how to attract new players? My opinion: more new applications of the RQ II rules. The RQ II system stands tall on it's own, and can be easily divorced from the traditional setting(s). The players who like to play Glorantha are already on board.

I agree. Although I'm sure Glorantha is a fine setting that should certainly be supported for it's fanbase, it's just yet another fantasy setting and these are a dime a dozen. Runequest is realistic yet playable but also adaptable to fantasy. Supporting more of the generic historical RP is a great idea that a lot of old school fans from the 80's dig. For fantasy settings, Mongoose can attract the younger crowd by bringing in video game crossovers as I mentioned above. Regardless, keep supporting Glorantha.

BTW: Lone Wolf RQ?? Yeah, that would be cool.

 

[troy812]

How to push MRQ2?
1) Make the game available.
In my local game shop in SW Florida… they can’t order any MRQ2 stuff. Their distributor can’t get it in. Why is that? :?
Have you been on Amazon.com in the US? New stuff (Glorantha & Cults) isn’t available. They just carry the core books. :?
Other online gaming stores don’t really carry much past the core books as well. :?
Of course I could get all of this from Mongoose directly; I know but still…

2) Also they should promote it in the game-shops.
Most game stores feel that Wizard$ craps on them. Mongoose should learn to side with the retailers and give ‘em some swag. Not just free RPG day stuff. But give them a core rule book and a module or something and have game stores send in photos of the games in progress. Which would then lead to a spot on the web site with submitted photos and people having fun RQ.
Also have the stores do a display for RQ. Best one wins … something… a stuffed Uz or Broo perhaps.
Speaking of which… contests yea… I know I always play a bit more BRP when Chaosium announces an adventure contest. Not that I ever submit one …

3) Promote MRQ2 as a brand.
…a brand that can be put on a bumper sticker. Like “Runequest the literate RPG” or something a long those lines. That way when those D&Ders hear about RQ they will say something like … Oh yea “Runequest isn’t that the game that …..”
How would you fill in that space?
Me? I don’t know how I would present that.
Let’s see… “Runequest the game with ducks” or “RQ the game where you roll d100s to hit”

4) Web support?
Yea, not a lot for MRQ2 outside of the Mongoose web site. Perhaps we as a community should work on this.

5) a “modern” Campaign world
no no I don't mean a 21st century setting
Get something younger people want. I love Eric. I read all the books 10 times then I played Stormbringer when the first edition came out. I've loved Elric since it first came out in the 80s but … are those novels even in print anymore? Kids aren’t reading Elric. Lankmar? Even more obscure. I love it yet…
How about something more ... Dragonball Z like in it's approach (not the license).
For example, what D&D was to Lord of the Rings, Runequest should be to ...something.
or better yet why don't you guys get M. Moorcock's license and publish his books. OOOOooooo

6) And finally yea. The cons.
I demo-ed a lot of the games at GenCon this year and ended up buying 4 of them (pst.. Hollow Earth Expeditions ended up being a nice surprise game for me). I never saw a Runequest game being run. I may have bought more RQ stuff if I had ever played it. As it stands I did get my hands on a copy of the RQ2 book. I love it & I can’t wait to buy more.
Perhaps this is something as a community we should also work on. I really like the idea of a Living Glorantha …but … if you don’t run at at the world's largest gaming convention, where do you run it?

Anyway that's my 2 cents.
I'm sure I'm wrong about a few things but ....

 

[mallard]

How to push MRQ2?
1) Make the game available.
In my local game shop in SW Florida… they can’t order any MRQ2 stuff. Their distributor can’t get it in. Why is that? :?
Have you been on Amazon.com in the US? New stuff (Glorantha & Cults) isn’t available. They just carry the core books. :?
Other online gaming stores don’t really carry much past the core books as well. :?
Of course I could get all of this from Mongoose directly; I know but still…

2) Also they should promote it in the game-shops.
Most game stores feel that Wizard$ craps on them. Mongoose should learn to side with the retailers and give ‘em some swag. Not just free RPG day stuff. But give them a core rule book and a module or something and have game stores send in photos of the games in progress. Which would then lead to a spot on the web site with submitted photos and people having fun RQ.
Also have the stores do a display for RQ. Best one wins … something… a stuffed Uz or Broo perhaps.
Speaking of which… contests yea… I know I always play a bit more BRP when Chaosium announces an adventure contest. Not that I ever submit one …

3) Promote MRQ2 as a brand.
…a brand that can be put on a bumper sticker. Like “Runequest the literate RPG” or something a long those lines. That way when those D&Ders hear about RQ they will say something like … Oh yea “Runequest isn’t that the game that …..”
How would you fill in that space?
Me? I don’t know how I would present that.
Let’s see… “Runequest the game with ducks” or “RQ the game where you roll d100s to hit”

4) Web support?
Yea, not a lot for MRQ2 outside of the Mongoose web site. Perhaps we as a community should work on this.

5) a “modern” Campaign world
no no I don't mean a 21st century setting
Get something younger people want. I love Eric. I read all the books 10 times then I played Stormbringer when the first edition came out. I've loved Elric since it first came out in the 80s but … are those novels even in print anymore? Kids aren’t reading Elric. Lankmar? Even more obscure. I love it yet…
How about something more ... Dragonball Z like in it's approach (not the license).
For example, what D&D was to Lord of the Rings, Runequest should be to ...something.
or better yet why don't you guys get M. Moorcock's license and publish his books. OOOOooooo

6) And finally yea. The cons.
I demo-ed a lot of the games at GenCon this year and ended up buying 4 of them (pst.. Hollow Earth Expeditions ended up being a nice surprise game for me). I never saw a Runequest game being run. I may have bought more RQ stuff if I had ever played it. As it stands I did get my hands on a copy of the RQ2 book. I love it & I can’t wait to buy more.
Perhaps this is something as a community we should also work on. I really like the idea of a Living Glorantha …but … if you don’t run at at the world's largest gaming convention, where do you run it?

Anyway that's my 2 cents.
I'm sure I'm wrong about a few things but ....

Good Points!

I especially like your ideas of offering incentives to game stores that host MRQ2 games in their stores.. I believe that once people play MRQ2 or even the older versions of RQ they will be hooked.

I think the underlying point is that we need to evangelize this game. We need to talk to everyone about how cool it is and try to get as many as possible to try it.

 

[andyl]

How to push MRQ2?

3) Promote MRQ2 as a brand.
…a brand that can be put on a bumper sticker. Like “Runequest the literate RPG” or something a long those lines.

Not sure that would work. Well not in the UK at any rate.

4) Web support?
Yea, not a lot for MRQ2 outside of the Mongoose web site. Perhaps we as a community should work on this.

Yes. This is something that could be done. Have you posted about MRQ2 elsewhere? Local forums, rpg.net, rpggeek?

I think that given time, and regular new adventures, the Living Campaign will do a lot to help here.

5) a “modern” Campaign world
no no I don't mean a 21st century setting
Get something younger people want. I love Eric. I read all the books 10 times then I played Stormbringer when the first edition came out. I've loved Elric since it first came out in the 80s but … are those novels even in print anymore? Kids aren’t reading Elric. Lankmar? Even more obscure. I love it yet…
How about something more ... Dragonball Z like in it's approach (not the license).

I'm not sure what the 'kids' want.

Both Moorcock's Eternal Champion and Leiber's Lankhmar are available to be bought (although obviously not all shops carry them).

Are you are also aware that there is supposed to be a film in the works for Elric.

Generally I don't like anime style stuff.

But I don't think that settings are a problem for MRQ - Lankhmar, Glorantha, Elric, Deus Vult, Wraith Recon, Clockwork & Chivalry etc. More settings would start to get unwieldy.

or better yet why don't you guys get M. Moorcock's license and publish his books. OOOOooooo

I don't think Mongoose's pockets are that deep.

 

[duncan_disorderly]

There IS another way. Concentrate on what Runequest is good at. Make historically based game supplements (Vikings anyone?) as well as getting licences from video game franchises.

Historical Supplements would be good - but are not traditionally big sellers - that said, each such setting will be a chance to bring a fan of that particular setting, and the possibility that they will then stick with RQ for that setting and/or branch out to other settings covered by RQ.

Video Game Licences are more problematic, since you are having to pay for the licence to start with. If you look at the history of successful translations of Videogame titles to tabletop games, well lets just say it won't take you very long....

World of Warcraft
Rune
X Crawl
Dragon Age

Are there any others? (I'm not sure about the GoO BESM licenses - some of them may have been Video Game licences that also had licensed Anime/Manga titles rather than vice-versa) - Are any other than Dragon Age still in print?

 

[ajs]

How about improving the proof reading and error checking
The RQ2 books are very good
Well done Pete, Loz et.al.
However the number of errors in all the books to date is disappointing
How about waiting to allow accurate proof reading and error checking instead of giving the impression that the product has been rushed out to market
I'm getting a sense of uneasiness with what errors will be in Pavis