Power Play Games kicks off it's first few games using the new model for manufacturing called print-on-demand. This process eliminates the need to anticipate sales and print games (or any other printable product) until one is ordered from a customer on-line - directly from the printer. The elimination of warehousing, while it does have the unfortunate effect of causing single-unit prices to be a bit on the high end of cost per unit, allows new products to gain market traction. Once a product - and in this case a game - has gained enough buyers and media attention, then the product can switch to the traditional model of printing in bulk and distribution to retailers.
It's a fine way for new designers to get their product printed professionally and into the hands of interested people rather than wasting advertising dollars on those that likely could care less. With Battle for Gallion's Reach, we have been able to create a final product relatively cheaply and release it without the cost of printing large numbers and warehousing those units until - and if - the potential target market becomes aware of it's existence and has had time to generate interest that culminates in buyers. All we have to do now is to find avenues of marketing and advertising the game. As people become interested, they can buy a copy from the printer and have it delivered to them hot-off-the-press within days.
The company that has enabled this is called The Game Crafter. They provide all the tools necessary for the designer to create a great game. While there are still some limitations involved, the interest in this technology and business model is giving game designers a chance to get their idea out to market and circumvent the traditional publisher. It's also a great way to have a prototype printed which can be used to solicit a publisher.
We highly recommend a visit to The Game Crafter website soon! There are many games there that await your gaming pleasure, including our own!
thegamecrafter.com
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