Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;8087861) Preferred Game System

I don't play most popular games, so system-agnostic adventures are usually more useful for me; alternatively, rules like BRP or clascis D&D are usually relatively easy to adapt

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;8087862) Preferred Module Size:

For the inclusion of maps, larger formats are normally preferable.

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;8087863) Preferred Module Length (in time to play... longer = bigger = more $):

I like my adventures with a more open structure and sidelines to explore, so that it is possible to spend a variable time with them.

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;8087864) Encounters per Session:

None. The idea of 'encounters' as these fixed set pieces seems incredibly meta-gamey and implausible. A list of antagonist resources, motivations, likely reactions and so on are much more useful and authentic.

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;8087865) Main Map Location:

In the text, directly linked to the description of the locations. Separate maps are nice, but not strictly necessary.

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;8087866) Adventure Requirements:

Internal consistency and a good implementation of the offered material; an interesting hook isn't worth much if the adventure doesn't do anything interesting with it. Also: freedom of choice and relevant player decisions.

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;8087867) Generic Monster Stats:

I think "generic" monsters are mostly a waste of time, but redundancies in stat blocks isn't much better.

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;808786 Preferred Price Point for an 8 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos):
9) Preferred Price Point for a 16 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos):
10) Preferred Price Point for a 32 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos):

I know, it is not helpful, but "as cheap as possible" is usually a good guideline for me. Artwork is usually not necessary, and I often feel it is mostly filler material.

Quote from: Giblet Blizzard;80878611) If you could name one adventure module as the benchmark (big publishers, indie module or homepress, doesn't matter) what would it be and why?

The Dead of Winter, for HarnMaster. It has an okay location and promise (basically copied from Eco's Name of the Rose): murders at a monastery. It has secret negotiations between two noble delegations. It has a prophet who has apocalyptic visions. There is also a monster, but it is almost a side notice.
HarnMaster adventures in general are pretty good. They are however, like most Harn products, too expensive.

Don't use modules, no interest in buying one either. Don't see the point in something that can only be used once with any given group.

1) Preferred Game System
System Agnostic / d20 Compatible: basic/ad&d- just starting to get feet wet in 5e.

2) Preferred Module Size: A4/letter sized

3) Preferred Module Length : 3 to 4 sessions

4) Encounters per Session: ad&d- 3-5 a session.

5) Main Map Location:  Inside of loose cover

6) Adventure Requirements:
What must the adventure have for you to consider purchasing it? exploration, interesting monsters to fight.

7) Generic Monster Stats: refer to the book

Preferred Price Point for an 8 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos): $5

9) Preferred Price Point for a 16 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos):  $10

10) Preferred Price Point for a 32 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos): $15

Quote from: Ravenswing;808964Yeah, but so what that he didn't?  Suppose all this was WAS marketing spam?

So what?

Isn't it worth it to us for game companies to have a handle on what people want to buy, from what systems, with what features, and what prices they're willing to pay?  I don't give a good goddamn how cool or uncool the asker is, this is information we want the companies to have.  Don't we?

Well, to me it is the choice between having a game company use us as a marketing demographic and make material that they think we will buy (what WotC did with 4E) and a company made of gamers who just want to create great game material and allow us to buy it as well (what Paizo has done with everything). Take your pick.

Quote from: jeff37923;808994Well, to me it is the choice between having a game company use us as a marketing demographic and make material that they think we will buy (what WotC did with 4E) and a company made of gamers who just want to create great game material and allow us to buy it as well (what Paizo has done with everything). Take your pick.

The problem with 4E was they didn't realize they were serving a small demographic. That could have been avoided with more thorough market research.

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;808996The problem with 4E was they didn't realize they were serving a small demographic. That could have been avoided with more thorough market research.

Oh they did the research - opposition research.  They knew what D&D players liked, they wanted to shitcan them and get the non-D&D players plus "those kids who play that WoW thing". Pretty clear they were under orders from some Hasbro brand zombie following a generic playbook.

Research from the audience you intend to serve is a good thing, better if you understand the audience to put things in context.  Hope Jez looks at all the responses, looks like the survey's over already.

1) B/X or 5e.
2) A5/half-letter sized. Otherwise it won't fit on my shelf with everything else.
3) 3 Sessions. Anything more than that and it's too big, anything smaller and it feels too flimsy.
4) 1 to 4. I run highly variable sessions, I suppose.
5) I have no preference. Where ever I can photocopy it.
6) Honestly, I don't use modules - not beyond "let's look in this and get some ideas", or as a jumping off point for an adventure, in which case I just went through 25% of it, if that. I still buy them here and there when they're cheap.
7) I want the stats in the book. I may not be running the same edition as the page references would direct me towards.
, 9), 10), $5, and eventually going up to $10. The higher it goes the less likely I am to buy it - it's already something I would hardly use, preferring to use my own material, but I am subject to impulse buy them.
11) I don't know any modules off the top of my head - I didn't grow up with them. I know they can be a great thing for some people. The ones I'm attracted to, however, are as you describe - black and white, with simple illustrations, flimsy and not too long. If more modules were published like that I'd buy more of them.

//Panjumanju

Frandor's Keep

1) Preferred Game System

DCC or B/X or agnostic and will fit to taste

2) Preferred Module Size:
Letter.

3 2-3 sessions but would hope that it has spells, monsters, npcs etc that can be used elsewhere in campaigns.

4) Encounters per Session:
3 to 4 depending on if there is a "boss"

5) Main Map Location:
Inside of loose cover is my favorite

6) Adventure Requirements:
Good hooks, materials to be used in wider campaign, clear writing.

7) Generic Monster Stats:
I'm old and would prefer the stats be in the book. But as a back up, just leave a blank space and I will write or post it note in my own stats. But I like to have the info right there.

Preferred Price Point for an 8 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos):
$5-10

9) Preferred Price Point for a 16 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos):
 $10-$15

10) Preferred Price Point for a 32 page Module (black and white w/ maps+illos):
 $15-$20

11) If you could name one adventure module as the benchmark (big publishers, indie module or homepress, doesn't matter) what would it be and why? Sailors of the Starless Sea jus my favorite dungeon crawl. Evocative encounters without the usual low level tropes.

I have no preferences. I take any module, brutalize it, and beat the remains into something to fit my needs of the campaign of the moment.