[Traveller] Impressed/Puzzled By the Mongoose

Pierce Inverarity · August 14, 2007, 01:25:29 PM

One usually assumes that nowadays, unless WOTC are preparing a new D&D edition, RPGs are slapped together by freelancers in one-person basement sweatshops.

But here is Matthew Sprange on Mongoose Traveller:

QuoteTraveller is not being written and produced by part-timers. For the next six months, several Mongoose employees (probably eight, in the final count) will be working on this project, full-time. All day, every day.

Holy cow.

I'm assuming that, Mongoose having been around for a while and having published the odd RPG book in the process, their Traveller business plan is sound.

That said, how TF is that possible? I'd love it to BE possible, for Traveller's and the hobby's sake. But, new printing technology or not, just how many copies do you need to sell to make it all viable?

Koltar · August 14, 2007, 01:29:55 PM

To me, that means they are gambling BIG on this - bigger than some people expected. Also means they may pay more attention to quality contreol than they usually do.

Wanna know what I mean ?

Heq, I've already [posted on this ..HERE, on the SJG forums, and on the Big Purple & Pink. (yes Its 'relevant"!! Goddamnit!!)

At least the SJG license for the GURPS version gets that exemption.

- Ed C

One Horse Town · August 14, 2007, 01:30:49 PM

Quote from: Pierce InverarityOne usually assumes that nowadays, unless WOTC are preparing a new D&D edition, RPGs are slapped together by freelancers in one-person basement sweatshops.

But here is Matthew Sprange on Mongoose Traveller:

Holy cow.

I'm assuming that, Mongoose having been around for a while and having published the odd RPG book in the process, their Traveller business plan is sound.

That said, how TF is that possible? I'd love it to BE possible, for Traveller's and the hobby's sake. But, new printing technology or not, just how many copies do you need to sell to make it all viable?

Mongoose almost exclusively use full time staff to write their stuff. I applied once and failed to get the gig.

Pierce Inverarity · August 14, 2007, 01:37:22 PM

Quote from: One Horse TownMongoose almost exclusively use full time staff to write their stuff. I applied once and failed to get the gig.

So, when they acquire a new project, the whole bunch converges on it? Well... it's definitely a way to get things done thoroughly and on time.

One Horse Town · August 14, 2007, 01:40:45 PM

Quote from: Pierce InveraritySo, when they acquire a new project, the whole bunch converges on it? Well... it's definitely a way to get things done thoroughly and on time.

I think that Mr.Sprange is being a bit creative with that statement. Sure, they've got 8 or more full-time house writers and i expect that most of them will have some input, but i would put aside the image of an office full of 8 writers getting down and creating this stuff that his statement above sort of implies.

TheShadow · August 14, 2007, 07:41:58 PM

That statement certainly illumines Mongoose's strengths and weaknesses. They do get things done on time, and the synergy between multiple writers can result in good ideas. But not one of those eight is a long-term Traveller guy, or even known for SF. They are just doing a job. And none of them are good at editing or art/layout direction, if history is any guide. Creation by committee with an eye solely on the lowest common denominator...that's how I felt about MRQ, anyway, and I can only pray Traveller turns out better.

Dr Rotwang! · August 14, 2007, 10:18:33 PM

They should hire me to be Stick Guy.

"Okay, fellas, what'd you come up with today?"

"I think half-dice are a great ide-" *CRACK ON THE HEAD* "Ow! What the -- "

"'What the hell', indeed, Chuck! You angered The Stick; I only carry out its will. Go think about what you've done. NEXT!"

"Well, uh...I'm streamlining starship combat so that it's just like vehicle combat and vice-versa. Oh, and the charts are still pretty complete but much more intuitive and easily navig-- "

"The stick agrees! No more whackings! Get me a smoothie."

"What...?"

"THE STICK! Get The Stick a smoothie."

"You're a bastard."

"Bah. Not in this tie!"

Pierce Inverarity · August 14, 2007, 11:22:13 PM

It would work, Doc, but for optimum discipline you'd have to look slightly differently from your avatar and get a thick East End accent.