Joseph,
The last company that wanted to produce an adult game found the reality of self-rating their game with an Adult title was much like getting the NC-17…IMO as well as based upon updates, new miniatures, etc.
It would be a shame to pee on your campfire just before you start cooking dinner.
If you are looking for input from someone who is NOT on the dislike the BME train then please take this for what it is…I would avoid the adult title for all that you are worth.
If you are looking to make a statement then go right ahead.
If you want to sell miniatures and have a future in the gaming industry then do not steam ahead.
I am just one guy, but I have seen the market ebb and flow since 1976. I have a good idea of what will and will not have a chance. Just as much as anyone else.
I understand why you are thinking as you are doing, but you are not the first to do so.
I would consider your options, your end goals, and what you want to leave behind.
Most games have a short lifespan due to the market being so small, the backing for the same so small, and/or the niche within a niche being too restrictive.
Maybe it is just me, but I would not do it.
Just make your game and have a general disclaimer in the front page.
Shoot for the market demographic, 18-40yr olds. If you are making a game for those guys who would appreciate an adult game then I suspect you are going to find that market is extremely small; within a market that is already small.
Poll 100 table top miniatures gamers at random, not necessarily TMP per say, just a hypothetical 100…and I suspect that the number would be close to 01% would prefer an adult themed game.
To say adult version, in today's culture, is to say not publicly acceptable content…this is usually reserved for porn, high violence, and excessive gore.
Of course there are exceptions, you will see a video game or CD that is actually pretty harmless as far as such media goes…maybe a bit of blood, some gore, or other distasteful thing to the average person but certainly nothing XXX, NC-17, or even really R…but that said, sometimes is not normally.
Normally something that says adult content means adult content.
*****
I have been with you since your return and I was not part of the past issues, so you know through our communications that I have always said what was on my mind in regards to the direction of your miniatures.
So take my long winded comment for what it is, I have been supporting your efforts for what they were…a guy fulfilling a dream to create a series of miniatures and beyond.
I have seen a couple eyebrow raisers with a bit of a bondage and hey look at my big boobs, and considered these a bit of fun and chuckle…then the mutants, giant bugs, and robot sentries reminded me that you are making a miniatures line and all was well in Muddville.
If you officially go in the adult theme route then I am thinking you might as well say your goodbyes to the band and find a lifeboat.
An adult theme/content warning is an iceberg that you will not be able to navigate around my fine TMP friend…know this now before you get underway.
A soup sandwich may sound tasty but it is nothing but a mess…don't make a soup sandwich dude.
*****
All that said, keep up the good work.
I like where you are going with the first cover.
Not so much that piece of art per say but something other than what the second cover pic presented.
Maybe something that shows a heroic circumstance? A hero or trio of heroes fighting off the masses of badguys?
Maybe something like this picture
The juxtaposition of the classic artwork in the ruins is striking…so maybe take a classic painting and convert it for your efforts?
A good old art school project…take a classic image, icon, or painting and change the focus.
A picture of Times Square picture which draws the eye to lights, tall buildings, and lots of people…modify this to reduce all the towers except for the center one which will cause the mind to be familiar with the location, no lights except for daylight or fire barrels/lanterns, and the people are struggling not to get to work or a meeting but rather against something unseemly…horde of mutants, zombies, robots, etc.
Or a classic painting taken out of context picture replace the people with characters from your game, adjust the background to fit your theme, etc.
Just a couple thoughts.
just hanging out.