Re: Play by email.

From: gl8f@fermi.clas.Virginia.EDU (Greg Lindahl)

Date: Fri, 30 Apr 1993 03:48:18 +0000

In article <1roslj$a89@fitz.TC.Cornell.EDU> dar6@cornell.edu (Donald Redick) writes:

>Yes, PBM games can be a little expensive...
>A Duel of a Different Color took two years to develop (yes, it was in
>my part-time). The Rulebook and Spell definitions took my partner at least
>a year (yes, she also works part-time). Then there is the cost of my
>equipment and marketing... going to conventions... not to mention my materials.
>rent on the office...

Indeed. However, the key question is not how much it cost you to
develop, but if the price you charge is reasonable for what you
provide. Even that answer is different for different people.

There are a bunch of "free" games out there, that all you need is
network access for. A commercial game will have to offer better design
and service to compete. If the poster is one of the sort (like me) who
is short on cash, it might be true that no commercial game is worth
playing. Other people will prefer professional moderation.

>      Could they be played by email free of charge...
>              maybe, someone still has to absorb the costs..

It can actually be very inexpensive to run a game. It's the design
that costs, but some people are willing to do it on a hobby basis.

References

Play by email.
jurdm@valiant.vut.EDU.AU (Firecat)
Wed, 28 Apr 1993 23:24:14 +0000
Re: Play by email.
dar6@cornell.edu (Donald Redick)
Thu, 29 Apr 1993 15:36:19 +0000

Referenced By

Play by email.
jurdm@valiant.vut.EDU.AU (Firecat)
Wed, 28 Apr 1993 23:24:14 +0000
Re: Play by email.
dar6@cornell.edu (Donald Redick)
Thu, 29 Apr 1993 15:36:19 +0000