Write It

I spend a lot of time online talking about RPGs and something I hear regularly is that someone will have an idea for a project they want to make, but they aren't doing it because there's something similar that already exists. For example, wanting to make a game about mechs but holding off because Lancer's already out there. And no, that's not how this works. Knock it off.

If you've got an idea for something you want to write, then write it.

It doesn't matter if there's already another game in the same genre or that uses similar themes, make yours. Seriously, stop and think: Can you imagine this happening in any other art form? No movie studio is going to pass on making a spy flick just because there are already James Bond films. Painters don't look at waterlilies and think "Nah, Monet already did it." That's nonsense. Write the thing you want to write. Whether it's a system, an adventure, something small like a blog post or list, just write it and don't worry.

RPGs are a new and wide-open medium. There's plenty of room for everyone to create their own art. Do it. Don't stifle your creativity because you're worried about stepping on toes or that it'd be a waste of time or that you're not good enough to write compared to others. Make your thing and have fun doing it.

It doesn't matter if you're not the best, you don't need to be and you'll only improve as you practice. It doesn't matter if what you make isn't a success, in making it you've developed your skills and honed your taste by seeing what wasn't up to your standards. More importantly, if you enjoyed making the thing then your time wasn't wasted, even if you decide it's a failure in the end. Creativity is worthwhile in itself, not just a means to an end.

It especially doesn't matter if there are similar games out there already. Having multiple interpretations of the same subjects and concepts by different artists is a vital part of art. Having more options and examples of things to read, play, and experience makes the medium richer. It's a good thing. Your work might even inspire others in their turn. Also a good thing.

So stop worrying, take your idea, and write it already.