As is typical in this current economy, we had one big sales day, a couple of decent sales day followed by three terrible days of online sales. The long holiday weekend is likely to have terrible sales too as people are outside, going to parks and having fun (as they should!!!), but will not be buying role-playing game books.
Overall sales compared to previous years suck. Much of the headway we made earlier this year is pretty much gone, and we are back to holding our own on a stormy sea. Disappointing, especially considering how hard we all have been working.
On the other hand, I take some solace that Palladium is not an isolated case. Sales have been slow or down for a vast range of products and retailers. I’m always interested in comic books sales because comics and games share nearly identical demographics. Comic book sales for the month of May, 2009, were the worse in something like 15 years! June sales have yet to post, but I’ll bet they were not stellar. Also, I understand from numerous sources, that Palladium’s RPG sales have been stronger than most RPG companies.
The release of three new products – Nightbane® Survival Guide™, The Rifter® #47 and Fleets of the Three Galaxies™ – in July should turn that around quickly, though pre-orders are lighter than usual.
Likewise, the release of Mysteries of Magic™ for Palladium Fantasy and Dimensional Outbreak™ in August and Robotech® UEEF Marines™ in September, should keep things going strong throughout the summer.
Still, it has been scary. Instead of making serious headway as we had expected, Palladium is limping along like so many others. Even more scary, from what we are told, Palladium’s print runs and sales are three times higher than most RPG companies! Gosh, my heart goes out to them. Hang tight everyone.
Freelancer writers and artists are desperate too, and work for many is drying up or slow paying. I wish Palladium could do more. Again, stay frosty, work together and hang tight everyone. I’m confident sales will pick up and I suspect Palladium will see good sales in July and August, and a huge fourth Quarter due to its many new releases, Christmas season and grab bags.
Hey, we understand. Money is tight for everyone. We appreciate all the support we enjoy from the most loyal and wonderful fans on earth. I hope the majority of you are also hanging tight and holding your own. Don’t despair. Stay positive and enjoy your friends, loved ones and those quiet moments where you realize despite your troubles and worries, life is good.
Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer & Game Designer
Palladium Books®, Inc. – 28 years of RPG Publishing
© Copyright July 2, 2009 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.
Rifts®, The Rifter®, RECON®, Splicers®, Palladium Books®, Phase World®, Palladium Books®, The Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game®, Megaverse®, Nightbane®, The Mechanoids®, The Mechanoid Invasion®, Coalition Wars® and After the Bomb® are Registered Trademarks of Palladium Books Inc. Heroes Unlimited™, Beyond the Supernatural, Dead Reign, Warpath, Shemarrian Nation, and other published book titles, names, slogans and likenesses are trademarks of Palladium Books Inc., and Kevin Siembieda.
Robotech® and Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® are Registered Trademarks of Harmony Gold USA, Inc.