Codex Update
Hi Everyone. The test issue of Codex is complete from a content standpoint. I’m just waiting on two pieces of art.
It has been an interesting process, and I have learned a lot about how I want to proceed with this project.
Layout & Look
My original thinking was to do an 8×5 zine format, but after trying a few things out, I decided it was not the right move. While that format has a certain nostalgic/stylistic appeal, it was limiting in terms of the types of art I could commission and the amount of text I could put in. It also takes a lot longer. The ‘cool factor’ of a traditional zine format simply did not balance out the constraints, and so I decided to ditch it.
Instead, I have opted to go with a simpler 8.5×11 layout. Once we have about 12 issues complete, I will have all the text and art files sent out to be professionally put together into a single book. That seems like a good compromise, since it will allow us to get each issue out with a minimum of fuss, and then circle back and do something more professional at a later date.
None of this is to say the PDFs are going to look like garbage. In fact, I think the test issue looks pretty sharp. The art to content ratio is quite high (the test issue is 9 pages and has 7 pieces of original art), and everything is clean and uncluttered. The first issue has a really strong color story going on, which I hope to continue in each issue in order to provide some visual continuity between them.
Submissions
I originally wanted to use Slack as a sort-of sounding board/group brainstorming tool, but that has turned out to be a flop. It doesn’t work in the way I need it to, so I will probably shut down that Slack group pretty soon. I will likely make a Codex channel on our regular Gauntlet Slack group, and just limit it to people who are actively working with me on a specific issue.
For the Miscellany in the test issue, I did a crowdsourcing thing here on the Community page, and that worked VERY well. It was quite fun to do in and of itself, and I like anything that gets the community involved in things, so expect to see more of that in the future.
For the bigger pieces of content, like the campaign starters and such, I will probably ask specific individuals to work with me. I have already had a number of people express interest in doing so, and those people should expect me to get in touch soon.
What is the point of all this?
Who knows? Honestly, there are days when I think only ten people care about what the Gauntlet does, and those are pretty hard days. But I’m not a complainer, I’m a do-er, and this is something I want to do, so that’s that.
There is also a Patreon on the way, and Codex is an important part of that puzzle. I could launch the Patreon without it, but I fear we would only bring in $50 a month, which would depress the shit out of me. I feel the need to give the Patreon the best possible shot at success, since a lot depends on it.
Closing thoughts
Long-term, I think Codex has the potential to be something really special. A little magazine that brings together the creative efforts of game designers, artists and players would be really damn cool. It’s just one more way of creating community, which is what our mission has always been.
I’m excited to share the first issue of Codex with you all…soon. Very soon.
I can confirm that bringing in $50 a month on Patreon is exactly as depressing as you imagine it might be. 🙂
I’m excited to see what comes of Codex! This looks like a really awesome project!
I can confirm that bringing in $50 a month on Patreon is exactly as depressing as you imagine it might be. 🙂
I’m excited to see what comes of Codex! This looks like a really awesome project!
Stephen Dewey And you’re an Ennie nominee (congrats, btw)! That makes me think our Patreon is probably doomed 🙁
Stephen Dewey And you’re an Ennie nominee (congrats, btw)! That makes me think our Patreon is probably doomed 🙁
It’s rough. In theory it seems incredibly amazing. Like, if everyone who has bought a Ten Candles book so far pledged just $1/month, I would straight up work Part Time as a game designer. So, it’s tricky, and frustrating when that doesn’t happen, but then I’m very new to game design so I get that. I’m hoping that the ENnie nomination may boost the interest of some folks. We shall see! 🙂
It’s rough. In theory it seems incredibly amazing. Like, if everyone who has bought a Ten Candles book so far pledged just $1/month, I would straight up work Part Time as a game designer. So, it’s tricky, and frustrating when that doesn’t happen, but then I’m very new to game design so I get that. I’m hoping that the ENnie nomination may boost the interest of some folks. We shall see! 🙂
This seems/looks really interesting. What is the delivery mechanism for the PDF going to be? Drivethru? And when will it be available?
This seems/looks really interesting. What is the delivery mechanism for the PDF going to be? Drivethru? And when will it be available?
Rich Glover The first issue, Blood, will be made available right here in the G+ Community. Each issue beyond that will be part of our Patreon (probably a $3 monthly Patreon pledge).
Rich Glover The first issue, Blood, will be made available right here in the G+ Community. Each issue beyond that will be part of our Patreon (probably a $3 monthly Patreon pledge).
I think that what you’re doing with the Gauntlet is awesome. Do not lose heart! How else are all the people stuck in the full-time rat race of life supposed to have any idea of games they might want to play, when there’s so much out there?
Separately, it’s tough to monetize doing the things we love. I hope you guys find the secret sauce. Then let the rest of us know where it’s being kept.😐
I think that what you’re doing with the Gauntlet is awesome. Do not lose heart! How else are all the people stuck in the full-time rat race of life supposed to have any idea of games they might want to play, when there’s so much out there?
Separately, it’s tough to monetize doing the things we love. I hope you guys find the secret sauce. Then let the rest of us know where it’s being kept.😐
Thanks, Daniel Lugo. I’m not even sure ‘monetize’ is the right word, certainly not in the sense that we’re looking to quit our dayjobs or something. We just need to cover our costs. The Gauntlet is expensive to run, and it has been coming out of my pocket and Dan’s pocket for years. I’d also like to kick over a little money to the podcast editors.
Thanks, Daniel Lugo. I’m not even sure ‘monetize’ is the right word, certainly not in the sense that we’re looking to quit our dayjobs or something. We just need to cover our costs. The Gauntlet is expensive to run, and it has been coming out of my pocket and Dan’s pocket for years. I’d also like to kick over a little money to the podcast editors.
Hi Jason Cordova and company. You all do great work. I’ve been listening religiously to Discern Realities for about 2 months and really enjoy the creativity, variety, and structure you both bring to it. It’s helping me gain a better understanding of DW! I’m happy to know there’s a strong community out there and would hope to contribute ($, and content) to your Patreon campaign to cultivate more interesting content. Cheers!
Hi Jason Cordova and company. You all do great work. I’ve been listening religiously to Discern Realities for about 2 months and really enjoy the creativity, variety, and structure you both bring to it. It’s helping me gain a better understanding of DW! I’m happy to know there’s a strong community out there and would hope to contribute ($, and content) to your Patreon campaign to cultivate more interesting content. Cheers!
Thanks, Tony Hahn. I think my anxiety about this Patreon is causing me to despair about things more than I normally would
Thanks, Tony Hahn. I think my anxiety about this Patreon is causing me to despair about things more than I normally would