Online demos of physical games?

There seems to be software out there similar to Lackey for certain applications. Or other Virtual board applications. The problem is understanding how to apply the proper rules.

However I do not know if a 100% generic application is possible.

The other side of things is do you really want to develop an electronic version or would you rather develop a simulation instead. Electronic versions are probably a "later in life" application when enough resources are available - I would say.

However this does not prohibit making a simulation... A simulation could work well in demonstrating how the game is to be played, for example. I can also simplify the comprehension of game play. Sorta a "picture says a 1,000 words".

So you have a couple realistic possibilities which vary in complexity. A simple product preview with explanations, a simulation or a full blown electronic version.

Having seen what works on BGDF, I think option #1 is pretty good. That's not to say that option #2 opens additional doors, however it is more complicated (still simpler than a more complete version...).

The main problem with option #3 is people may expect to play free of charge. I mean unless you are selling a CD/DVD version for a particular platform and you a have an established fan base. In this case it is usually all about the name.

Best

It would be pricy for a small company that might only printing a few thousand copies but big publishers could afford it.

In fact, I am currently working on a pc version of the boardgame I am developping. Initially because I wanted to be able to test it with people abroad, but I suppose it would be just as easy to release it as a demo if I'm trying to sell the boardgame.

Of course, this works for me because I'm already familiar with programming and making pc games. Other companies might not find it worth their while to hire a programmer just to make an online demo, but I would do this just for fun anyway.

And I agree with mr. Strange, the real issue is the lack of social interaction. You can't simulate the fun of playing with your friends on a rainy friday night.

The main thing with brick and mortar is that the have a pre-arranged schedule. Really I'm not sure what motivates them... Because they don't seem to support local development.

As far as building a community, well that is something more worthwhile if you can get a couple of designers to work together... More than that and it seems rather unlikely. If you look at BGG you will see that most products published usually have one designer (or two) and then a bunch of artists...

Even if you have a nice community, it does not imply that the community will support future development. Some communities are all about a specific product and that is it. In these situations, how do you make it so that the community, once established, actually makes the effort worthwhile?

Take for example a card product: I buy my cards and play - then what? How does the store benefit from this any further? So there is a community - it does not mean that the member will invest further.

That is why I am gearing my "current" product for an older audience. By adding an element of chance or risk, it's no longer about the game. It becomes about the outcome of the game... That is where all the excitement really is.

Marketing to children is too difficult: 1- they don't have any money, 2- they are highly influenced by advertising and popularity. Even if you have a wonderful product, you still need to teach them how to play. How do you do this? Kids like to run around... Most are not the type to want to sit down and play a game. This is usually something introduced to them by someone who is older... Then they may be interested in playing further. Again - maybe...

Furthermore there is the recyclable aspect. High volume, leads to high demand... Some people like their product to be in "pristine" condition. The thing is, this is all based on community playing. However what if for once community playing meant each member made his own contribution.

So what's $20 bucks to play a game, really? Nothing big...

Nor harm, no foul. Plus you walk away with a game you can play at your leisure at home.

From a marketing perspective - I think it is genius. Your game is now suddenly an adventure and is exclusive (You just can't buy it anywhere - the experience is part of the thrill).