d20 backlash??

Gundark · Feb 18, 2005

I am in a bit of discussion with someone over on the Iron Kingdoms boards about a d20 backlash? He/she points to AEG pulling L5R from the d20 line as evidence of said backlash. I lurk on several rpg boards, and while I see some people complaining about d20 I wouldn't call it lots. What do you people think? Right or worng?

Crothian · Feb 18, 2005

Is there ia d20 backlash? Sort of depends how you define it. I mean there are companies stopping d20 publishing but I'm not sure that is backlash as much as shotty sales. There is a backlash among people of other sytems becasuer d20 is the 800lb gorilla and they don't like it casue it is.

Whizbang Dustyboots · Feb 18, 2005

No business is going to stop selling D20 if they think they're turning away profits.

Mark · Feb 18, 2005

One can tell a system is popular when more people complain about it, than even talk about another.

reanjr · Feb 18, 2005

The RPG industry isn't large enough to support a large number of companies. The companies involved are just thinning a bit.

And traded (even privately, if there is enough of it going on) companies care about profit margin not net profit.

Akrasia · Feb 18, 2005

There are limits to d20. After the initial boom, people are beginning to realize this.

I like some d20 systems (e.g. Conan; Midnight; and especially C&C, if that counts).

But it is ridiculous to think that one approach is suitable for all games.

For example, it is no surprise that d20 CoC did not succeed. As much as I admire what is in that book (esp. the GM advice section), the classic BRP approach is far more appropriate for Cthulhu.

And I am profoundly grateful that WFRPG 2nd edition is not going to be 'd20'.

In short, there is no 'backlash'. Rather, there is a simple realization that d20 is not appropriate for many kinds of games.

ecliptic · Feb 18, 2005

There is and was simply too much from too many companies. Most of it is complete junk.

Keeper of Secrets · Feb 18, 2005

Definitely d20 is a fad. Or, at least, all these companies doing the d20 thing is a fad. I think in a few years we will eventually see more original systems come out, and hopefully a rebirth of creativity. However, d20 is a good system and I think we will see it last. But we likely won't see a lot of companies last.

MonsterMash · Feb 18, 2005

Akrasia said:
There are limits to d20. After the initial boom, people are beginning to realize this.

I like some d20 systems (e.g. Conan; Midnight; and especially C&C, if that counts).

But it is ridiculous to think that one approach is suitable for all games.

For example, it is no surprise that d20 CoC did not succeed. As much as I admire what is in that book (esp. the GM advice section), the classic BRP approach is far more appropriate for Cthulhu.

And I am profoundly grateful that WFRPG 2nd edition is not going to be 'd20'.

In short, there is no 'backlash'. Rather, there is a simple realization that d20 is not appropriate for many kinds of games.

That pretty much sums up what I feel too.

ecliptic said:
There is and was simply too much from too many companies. Most of it is complete junk.

But sadly some companies publishing good stuff with weak distribution and publicity are going, e.g. MonkeyGod, but luckily some of the companies with good products are keeping going - to my mind this would be Necromancer Games, Goodman Games, Malhavoc, Green Ronin, and some of Mongooses products (no offense to any companies not mentioned, but I've kept to those I'm familiar with and it is my opinions)

diaglo · Feb 18, 2005

my hat of d02 knows no limits

d20 backlash??

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