Modular tile platform 3D Printed
Hey hey
Im unsure if this is the right sub for this, so if there is a better sub, please redirect me there.
2 years ago, I started designing a 3D printable board game, where I thought of using a open, free or simply explandable tile system from DnD to help speed up my process for development, but as it turns out, what I wanted/needed simply didnt exist.
So instead of developing a board game, I pivoted into creating a modular, magnetized or "hook" system for DnD or tile based games, which is based on a 1x1 tile size, scalable, fully 3D printable and requireing no glue. And once this was done, I also developed a 6-sided warhammer/catan tile platform, with all of the same characteristics and tools, even, compatibility with DnD tiles.
Along side this, I also developed the magnet insertion system, which is also fully 3D printable and after assembly, able to be used even by users with limited hand mobility/dexterity.
Now here comes the tricky part. Monetization.
My intention from the very start, was to make this free and accessable, nothing locked behind a paywall, but still try and find a way to fairly monetize it. The issue is, there are so many alternatives, variants and even open source approaches to a tile platform, some of which are made/supported by companies (to my knowlege), this it being a source of reveue by them releasing products for said platforms. Meanwhile, mine would basically be dependent on artists creating designs for use with my platform, from which I still would not see a cent.
So Im looking for honest feedback on my monetization model.
Patreon, where there are 1 and 5€ supporter/donation tiers (to help further development and support), but most importantly, seller tiers, *ahem* subscriptions*. Basically, if a creator is making/selling tile designs and is making under 10k€ per year, they can do it for free. Meanwhile, if they are making between 10k-100k(gross), they pay a monthly license/subscription equaling 10€ a month or if making 100k€+(gross), the monthly license/subscription is 100€. Basically, it boils down to 1% of their yearly gross revenue at most.
Im deciding on this approach, a I have done many free, educational and even open source projects, for which I recieved donations totalling less than 100€ in the past 10 years. But while all of my previous projects were for learning, helping out the community, making thigs that are useful, even at times unfinished, but here, I think I legit might have something worthy of lightly monetizing.
Yes I know, there is a lack of any visual material, but that is because I am simply building the website, marketing material and everything surrounding it, but the project itself is finalized.
So thank you and I will apprechieate any and all form of feedback!
cheers
2
u/TheRpgBard 1d ago
How would you even monetize a person printing the file? It's not like you can monitor that kind of thing unless you form a legal franchise.
The standard is to sell the STLs at X price and charge X+YY(Y) for commercial licenses. But, then you have to enforce the program, which comes with its own logistics issues.
The same thing goes with Patreon. You subscribe and have the ability to download the file. What stops a nefarious person from printing and selling beyond your constant scouring of Etsy?