There's always a next time.
My Pirate Borg game didn’t happen, but I suspected it wouldn’t. I announced the session too close to the date, and couldn’t attract enough players to fill the table. Sometimes, I’ll run a game like that anyway, but this time, the scenario was too challenging for less than a full house.
As with all games that don’t make it to the table, I’ll put this one in my back pocket and pull it out when there’s an opportunity. One of my players showed interest in running Pirate Borg herself, so hopefully, that means we’ll all get to play soon. Fingers crossed.
About half the games I float don’t make it off the ground. Either the concept is too esoteric, the system doesn’t appeal to enough people, or it’s a matter of timing. I set the games aside in all those cases and wait to pitch them again. Sooner or later, the right circumstances will come along, and I’ll be ready.
In this respect, gaming is a lot like writing. If you’re chasing the market, you might have more success placing stories than someone like me, who writes what they like. Which is great as far as that goes, but I’ve found it personally and professionally more rewarding to stick to my vision and ignore trends. Publishers are addicted to trends, which sometimes makes them infuriating to deal with. It’s better to step away.
And don’t get hung up on a game that doesn’t work. There will be a next time.