Ever since I sold DungeonMastering.com in January 2010, I’ve been thinking about starting new projects. That’s human nature; we look for projects that keep us busy until we’re too busy, then we streamline our projects, finish some of them, or quit on some of them. Or sell them! :) Anyhow.

I am now ready to start a new project and I decided, after discussing it with Johnn, to make my RPG project a Gamer Lifestyle case study. I’ll keep a log of what I do, what I learn, and how I use the concepts we laid out in our RPG publishing Strategies book and our RPG publishing coaching program.

Motivation vs Excitement

The most important task I’ve tackled so far is to refrain from doing anything. I wanted to let the excitement that new projects bring fade away. That creative rush is a blessing if you only have one project on your plate, but it is a curse if it overhauls your schedule. I have plenty of obligations as it is, so I wanted to make sure this idea made sense. Lucky for me, I have a plan, my checklists are ready, and I should be able to run my project on 5-8 hours per week.

Where’s the edge?

Any aspiring RPG publisher or game designer needs an edge (or many edges). It’s a competitive industry because there are so many passionate gamers who produce admirable work. The best edge is consistency. Pay your dues. Be part of the community. That’s a difference maker.

Although this is a case study for the Gamer Lifestyle coaching program and I want aspiring gamer-entrepreneurs to see that it’s possible to start from scratch and do well, I realize that I have an edge in the reputation department. I founded an award-winning D&D website and I fully intend on using that edge, leveraging my contacts, and my reputation. It’s an advantage that you might not have. However, the Gamer Lifestyle strategies I will be outlining in this case study are the ones that got me in this advantageous position.

I have strengths that I will rely on heavily (I like web design, I know programming, I enjoy marketing) and weaknesses (I don’t want to write too much, I can’t draw, I find crunch tedious). These weaknesses will turn into outsourcing costs if I’m to succeed. My strengths can turn into free labor if I deem that my project requires it. We all have different skills and strengths and it’s important to run a project or business accordingly.

So what’s interactive about this project?

I have many things in mind, but for now, you can try to find my new website!