Mobworx: Creator Owned RPGs

Get Small Press Games

I use the Mobworx “brand” to label creator-owned games: those I own, or games by other creators that I’ve been lucky enough to develop or publish. Try them out — and tell me if you play them!

If you’re interested in the process behind the curtain, read on about my developmental philosophy.

Worthwhile Wages or Shared Rewards

I have friends who are excellent artists, good at layout and who are skilled writers. In many cases I’m sure they’d be happy to work for nothing, or next to nothing. I’ve had offers. But I don’t treat my friends like that. Too often, small creators either exploit labour from others in the community. If the game’s free or created at cost, there’s no problem with this, but how many small creators talk in commercial terms, but succeed on the proceeds of undervalued labour? Too many.

Let me spell it out: You cannot claim the privilege offriendship to reduce labour costs while operating for profit. It’s unethical. That goes double for larger companies that offer low wages and use the promise of exposure or appeal to love of the hobby as excuses. We either pay well or invite the contributor to share profits. The second option is risky, but if a game succeeds financially, it succeeds for everyone — not just the guy who published it.

Creator Ownership with Critical Discipline

The creator’s opinion isn’t the only one that matters, and other opinions have more of an impact than uncertain “peer criticism” or waiting for gamers to vote with their money. The creator ultimately decides what goes in and what doesn’t. Everything in the book exists to flesh out that vision, but as developer, it’s my job to make the creator work hard and produce the very best results.

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