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Shadowrun Compendium

I'm just wondering why there isn't a Shadowrun Compendium? And if there is why I can't find it? Maybe I missed something but thought I'd ask.
1489062989
Loki
Sheet Author
Shadowrun does have no rules under an OGL (open gaming license). Thus, making a compendium without permission from the authors/publishers would be a copyright infringement. Getting the permission to make a free compendium should be near impossible, thats what they live from after all. Now, I'm not sure how open roll20 would be for a paied compendium. Additions like the 5e monster manual are one thing as the base compendium is already there, but adding a full compendium for cash only is quite different in character. Personally, I'd like to see this happen. Not only with Shadowrun, but any system. Buy a digital version of a rule book on roll20 to unlock its content in the compendium. I'd really like that.
1489063724
Finderski
Plus
Sheet Author
Compendium Curator
Loki said: Now, I'm not sure how open roll20 would be for a paied compendium. Additions like the 5e monster manual are one thing as the base compendium is already there, but adding a full compendium for cash only is quite different in character. Personally, I'd like to see this happen. Not only with Shadowrun, but any system. Buy a digital version of a rule book on roll20 to unlock its content in the compendium. I'd really like that. +1
+1
The compendium only has Pathfinder and D&D because the two systems have SRD and OGL licenses. (You'll notice the 5e compendium doesn't contain everything; only what's in the SRD) Out of 57,000 games in Q4 Only 1.68% games in My Campaigns were listed as Shadowrun With low numbers; it's probably unlikely Roll20 would go too far out of their way to enter a business deal with TOPP/Catalyst to make Shadowrun Core Rules available for purchase/integration.  It'd be great if they did, but I wouldn't get too invested in the idea.
Mark G. said: The compendium only has Pathfinder and D&D because the two systems have SRD and OGL licenses. (You'll notice the 5e compendium doesn't contain everything; only what's in the SRD) Out of 57,000 games in Q4 Only 1.68% games in My Campaigns were listed as Shadowrun With low numbers; it's probably unlikely Roll20 would go too far out of their way to enter a business deal with TOPP/Catalyst to make Shadowrun Core Rules available for purchase/integration.  It'd be great if they did, but I wouldn't get too invested in the idea. I don't disagree but I also see it from the other perspective ... with easy to access rules in place maybe that number would jump up and drive traffic as well as interest in that Shadowrun game? I know I'm just hopefully wishing but hey I'm trying.
1489159598
B Simon Smith
Marketplace Creator
It's an old conversation, and it entirely hinges on Return on Investment (RoI). Essentially, it's the same reason why I don't make maps for the modern era. It requires more work than what I already have set up, and there's no guarantee that the work put in will turn as much of a profit as producing content for one of the larger genres. In fact, all evidence presented points to the reverse, in that the hours spent into the project won't be nearly as profitable as if they were spent elsewhere. Hence, the popular genres and systems get a wealth of material, while everything else is left in dust. That's how the vicious cycle rolls in business.
1489189967
Loki
Sheet Author
Yes thats the sad truth why a company going for a profit (or even just trying to break even) will not take the initiative to undertake such work. Thought if Roll20 is open for the idea of paied compendia that might also open possibilities for the comunity to act. Either to do mouth propaganda and get the authors/publishers to do it. Or maybe even do voluntary based contracts. Meaning community members ask authors/publishers if they would add the compendium "books" for sale if they would provide the manpower needed to create it. Either for free access to the finished compendium entries, or totaly free of charges. Sure, not everyone is willing to do this work for free, but isn't that just how character sheet creation works right now? Leave it for the maniacs ;D
I guess it is a cycle cause you can't get the people to play without product and you can't get the product without the people to play...just I'll have to put something together myself for my game.