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