Jordan Weisman: Merging Tabletop Gaming and Video Games
Jordan Weisman, an experienced entrepreneur in both tabletop gaming and video games, is embarking on a new project called Endless Adventures. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Weisman explains how this endeavor combines the storytelling aspects of his career in a unique way that goes beyond simply incorporating brands from one industry into another.
Weisman has a long history in the physical realm, having founded FASA Corporation (known for Shadowrun and BattleTech) and Wizkids (MageKnight, HeroClix). In the video game sector, he started FASA Interactive (MechCommander, Crimson Skies), Virtual World Entertainment (BattleTech Center location-based entertainment), and Harebrained Schemes (Shadownrun Returns, The Lamplighters League).
In tabletop gaming, Weisman has acted as a platform for storytelling. When creating universes like Shadowrun and BattleTech, his companies provided settings that excited players, helped develop characters, and offered examples of stories within those worlds. However, the actual storytelling was handed over to the players themselves.
Now, with Adventure Forge, the inaugural project from Endless Adventures, Weisman is bringing these two realms together. Adventure Forge is a user-generated content platform that allows individuals to build narrative-focused games without the need for coding skills. Accompanying it is Tales of Fortunata, an IP and setting filled with vibrant characters that serves as inspiration for creators to tell their own stories.
Weisman spent two years working with a small engineering team to develop Adventure Forge’s approach, culminating in a toolset that empowers designers to express sophisticated logic without having to learn complex coding syntax. The platform utilizes highly contextual drop-down menus, similar to the concept of Mad Libs, which provides an easier means of communication within the game’s framework.
While Adventure Forge is primarily focused on narrative games, it is versatile enough to accommodate puzzle games, hidden object games, and even chess. As for the business model, it takes a page from Roblox’s book. Creators purchase the Adventure Forge creation tool upfront and have the option to monetize their creations. Endless Adventures receives a percentage of the proceeds from monetized games, but end customers can download the platform for free and only need to pay if the creator charges for their game.
Endless Adventures plans to analyze the ecosystem and work with creators to spin out successful titles as standalone applications and games, expanding the availability of those experiences across various platforms and devices.
Moderation is a significant challenge for user-generated content platforms, as demonstrated by the issues faced by Roblox. Weisman acknowledges this concern and outlines the two-tiered approach that Endless Adventures has devised. The platform will feature two storefronts: ‘Civilization’ and ‘Wild West.’ Civilization will act as a curated content store, where materials are vetted for inclusion based on objectionable content. The Wild West, on the other hand, will function as an open UGC space, similar to Twitter or Instagram, where users can flag inappropriate content for review or removal.
Weisman believes that acquisitions are a natural part of the industry lifecycle, especially for entrepreneurs whose companies may not be suitable for going public. Acquisitions allow investors to achieve a return on their investment, and they have been a recurring trend in the gaming industry. Weisman emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultures of the companies involved in an acquisition to ensure successful integration.
He also notes that the industry has become more mature over the past 20 years, with a greater understanding of how games are created and the unique aspects of the gaming business compared to other industries. However, he cautions that a studio’s culture remains a crucial factor in determining the success of an acquisition, as relying solely on acquiring intellectual property without considering the talent and creativity behind it can yield unpredictable results.
In conclusion, Weisman’s Endless Adventures project represents his latest endeavor to merge the worlds of tabletop gaming and video games. Adventure Forge aims to empower creators through an intuitive toolset, allowing them to express their storytelling ideas without requiring coding expertise. As the industry continues to evolve, Weisman believes that carefully managed acquisitions can generate mutually beneficial outcomes, but a deep understanding of company culture and alignment of goals are essential.