I do like what Mel has done with Derelict II, a core set with the basics, and then additional expansions to go on top of that. I'm not sure that approach would work with City Works, but there are some types of sets that it could work with.

I don't like Microtactix's strategy of releasing 3-4 buildings, sometimes related, sometimes not, and charging $6-$10 for them. Especially considering the quality (or lack thereof) and the inflexibility of the sets.

So, somewhere in the middle would be nice, and a $5-$10 price point is good. Thematic sets, or Area sets, are definitely the way to go, IMO. Skull Cove is a good example. That could have easily been split into 2-4 discrete sets. For CityWorks, I can see the same sort of approach. Districts, themes, whatever - I think making it modular but related would work in your (and our) favor.

The big qualifier to that is where applicable. Don't establish a hard and fast rule - stick to common sense. First Light, The Maiden, even CWU - I don't think you really could have broken up these sets any differently. In fact, CWU seems kind of like D2 - a good core set that you could add additional expansions to - and hopefull you eventually will (I still want CWU Expansion: After the Battle, with ruined walls and towers and such, for example).

Also, I think you should consider something like a Props Pack - a set with nothing but props. Especially after retiring some of the earlier sets (DWC and CWC), making select props/pieces available to people who perhaps didn't purchase the whole set would be easy revenue AND make people happy. Also 2D standups is a market that is there to be tapped.


Ultimately, going back to your original questions, as long as you communicate fully what is in each pack, make it fun and useful, and make it worth its cost, you'll be okay. I don't mind 10 page only sets - IF they're useful and well priced, and the size is communicated to me.

I have mentioned this before, but with smaller releases it is worth mentioning again, at least in my arrogant opinion. (I had a humble opinion once, but arrogance and volume accomplish more. ) A Himmelveil subscription service, prepaying for the Himmelveil sets would be a good idea, and stimulate a little early cash flow. With the irregular release schedule caused by creative work it would make more sense for a subscription to be number not month based.

A savings on subscriptions would be nice, but only a limited one - purchasing a ten release subscription for $50 if the releases sell for $5.50, or one free release per ten prepurchased. Or perhaps two major releases and four minor releases for the price of two major, three minor.

Gift subscriptions would also be a good idea, so that the gift of a WW subscruption can be shared.

*EDIT* A major release and two to four support sets might be what you should aim at. For example an industrial set containing waterwheels and windmills, followed by steampunk mods with steam engines, and a larger factory set for the second expansion.

The Auld Grump

For what it's worth, my experience with small sets:

My customers love the little add-ons I put out for my scenery. The trick is to make sure that all of the required or necessary stuff comes in the core set or as free expansions. Anything that's optional and/or stands on its own can be put into a paid expansion.

I had all of the generic wall and floor elements in the core set, all of the necessary basic props in the free Ambient Elements expansions, and the addons that I charge for are all optional nice-to-haves.

No complaints from any of my customers so far, and I wish I'd done it sooner because it helps a lot between major releases to have a series of smaller ones.

Oh, and Rhydur_Meith, I hope that quality crack wasn't aimed at me...

-Mel

I meant to add something to my comments. In the computer development world (and in much of the rest of it), there is the "holy triad" of projects:

Cost
Quality
Speed


Typically, you only get to pick two of the three. So, if you want Cost and Speed to be your drivers, you sacrifice Quality. If you want Speed and Quality, you sacrifice Cost. I've found this to be a nearly infallible way of looking at things.


I appreciate that WWG has always strived to maintain their Cost and Quality, at the sacrifice of Speed. Especially since its not always the best for the business from a cash-flow standpoint (and sometimes the natives get restless waiting for a set *cough* First Light *cough*), but from the customer perspective, as long as delivery expectations are managed properly, most consumers will be willing - and indeed will appreciate - that you are sacrificing Speed in favor of Quality and Cost.

It is my hope that as you expand, you continue to err in favor of Quality and Cost.

There was a series of paper models in booklet form sold in places like the childrens books section of Barnes & Noble that had different themes, but when put together they created a large set, somewhat like what I think is being described, but they were somewhere about the 10mm scale. There was a port, a castle, a village, a market square, and one or two more. I liked the concept so much, I was willing to try to shift my gaming scale down to 10mm and try it. Thankfully, I found WWG first, but the concept seems great. The cathedral, the market place, along with the other things mentioned, would be great. And perhaps, this would be a good spot to seperate the 1"/1.5"/non-grided parts. If they are created concurrently, you could market each persons need independantly. I think $5-8 per set would work, with larger modules (like the cathedral is bound to be) at $10-12.

(my old post rambled a bit. I was writnig while I was thinking it. So I thought since I had the time I would consolidate it to it's important points)

I like the idea of smaller release sets. It would allow Denny & Paul (and whomever else) to jump around a bit and release stuff for alot of different sets quickly. Keeping things fresh, and I see being able to exerpiement a bit more. (ie. Not loosing as much time/$$).
An I don't mind if I pay a little more per set foir getting them earlier than the extra 3-5months wait for a whole package. But I would be happier if it met certain criteria, such as:

1. A Decent Sized stand along core set.
2. The smaller sets also be able to be stand alone as well
3. The booster/prop/Center Piece don't have to be stand alone. But cost effective.
(I like the idea of picking and choosing themed pieces)\
4. The unity of the system remain intact as previous sets have.

_____

I don't know what Denny is considering for the format of releases, but I could have seen CWU as beeing a 3 release set w/themed packs, example:

Medium Sized core release - PaperLinX, All towers(Basic/Complex), Brick & Mortar Buildings & roofs, Straight Walls(Brick and mortar), Columsn, some Crenalations.

Medium second release - GateHouse & Moat, Stucco Building & Walls, plus curved walls. The rest of the Crenalations.

Booster Release - All the Props (This could have been released in-between the 2 sets above)

Themed Releases - The Abbey & Courtyard, or Square Towers & angled walls, etc.
____________

Some thoughts anyway.

-Floyd