Rich Clarke broadcasts from Lard HQ
RIch returns to the show for the third time, but this time for a conversation with a difference, focusing on his journey into wargame rules publishing and the risks and rewards associated with that.
Most historical wargamers have heard of TooFatLardies, but perhaps they have no idea how Rich got started in the wargames business, so I ask how that came about, and what business experience Rich brought to the venture from his former career. He tells us about those early days and his struggle to gain recognition.
TFL will shortly be publishing another new ruleset under the aegis of Reisswitz Press – Strength and Honour by Mark Backhouse. This represents something of a departure from the norm, a highly innovative set that champions the use of micro-scale miniatures – not at all the 28mm fest that I think most people associate with Lardy rules. I ask Rich to tell us about the decision to take on this project.
I also ask Rich about what it is in general that attracts him to a new set of rules. Also, Lardy rulesets are highly respected because of the amount of playtesting and editing done to iron out kinks, and Rich tells about that process, and the role he plays, using Strength & Honour as an example.
Many people have little idea of the full publishing process that goes on behind the scenes, so Rich walks us through the process from that first handshake with a new author, through to the actual distribution of a new ruleset, and the risks and expenses involved in the process.
We also discuss those aspects dear to my own heart, the ‘look and feel’ of a ruleset, which of course is often dominated by a lot of information, data, tables, examples of play and so on. We talk about ho the design can affect both the playability of a ruleset and even its popularity, and Rich reveals his process for cover design too.
An aspect that often gets overlooked is the marketing of a ruleset, absolutely essential for ensuring that sufficient copies are sold to recoup the often colossal costs involved in production. We talk about Rich’s thoughts on where and when to advertise/promote their products, including on social media.
Overall, this may be the most in-depth discussion of the commissioning, production and marketing of a ruleset ever attempted on a podcast, but we hope that you find it entertaining as well as informative. As ever, the straight-talking RIch is in full cry in this interview and doesn’t mince his words, so you will hear occasional adult language and moderate British slang of the kind found in a public house. If you are easily offended, you have been warned!
Henry
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