GTS 2009 D&D Seminar - the Rouse discusses D&D

[crazy_cat]

Scott,

from AD&D to 3.5 there was always a CRPG for every edition. So, are you guys considering this...

Good point.

It was BG, BG2, and then NWN that got me back into D&D after a very long break forced upon me by real life considerations like having a job and relocating several times.

I've now dropped CRPGs for tabletop again - but I do definitely need a good reason to buy a better graphics card. A good D&D CRPG would be such a reason

 

[Scott_Rouse]

Scott,

from AD&D to 3.5 there was always a CRPG for every edition. So, are you guys considering this not that the VTT was postponed (don't know if this is the right word)?

Yes we would very much like a host of 4e video games including CRPGs, Action/Adventure games, Turn Based Games etc (with or with out a VTT) and we are working with our partner to make that happen

 

[Dire Bare]

Last week, based on survey feedback from fans, we announced that our next offering for D&DI will be Campaign Tools that provide stuff to help you run your games and ongoing campaigns. The idea is to create an integrated system that includes stuff for monsters, maps, encounters and adventures.

A while ago we talked about how we were going to focus on one swing at a time and then move onto the next thing. The first swing was the Character Builder and the next is the Campaign Tools. That means we are not actively (as we also posted here today) working on a game table but doesn't mean we won't work on it in the future.

That's a shame, because the Game Table seemed so close and was initially supposed to be part of the starting package. I know I'd love to see it, to get a chance to game with my college friends who are spread across the country. I am aware there are other software packages from third-parties that allow for this sort of play, but my old pals generally aren't interested in semi-pro software from unknown sources but they would jump all over an official D&D online service. Sigh.

However, I trust that you guys are doing your research on what is most wanted by the player base and I certainly could use a Campaign Tools product. Overall I've been very pleased with D&DI, despite my disapointment with the collapse of Gleemax and all that was initially promised.

 

[JeffB]

That's a shame, because the Game Table seemed so close and was initially supposed to be part of the starting package. I know I'd love to see it, to get a chance to game with my college friends who are spread across the country. I am aware there are other software packages from third-parties that allow for this sort of play, but my old pals generally aren't interested in semi-pro software from unknown sources but they would jump all over an official D&D online service. Sigh.

Pretty much sums up my feelings as well. The Game Table was a major selling point for me as regards to 4E in general and DDI in particular- hearing it has been pushed way down the line is a huge let-down. I have already delayed siging up for DDI because the GT was not available and the medioocre articles and adventures seen in the first few free months.

 

[avin]

Yes we would very much like a host of 4e video games including CRPGs, Action/Adventure games, Turn Based Games etc (with or with out a VTT) and we are working with our partner to make that happen

Hooray! Obsidian? Bioware? In house? pretty please?

 

[darjr]

From the article about the CB XML output.

XML character sheet: this export now has a new section that is friendlier to third parties, since it does not need to reference the rules engine. This should help modders create their own display options by reading the XML output.

Does this mean I could create a FULL character sheet with all the calculated data and such? Does it include the individual power rules? In other words could I use this to populate my own custom power cards?

 

[Scott_Rouse]

From the article about the CB XML output.


Does this mean I could create a FULL character sheet with all the calculated data and such? Does it include the individual power rules? In other words could I use this to populate my own custom power cards?

I know it will allow a custom char sheet but I am not sure about power cards. I would guess the data is part of the char sheet so it might but I am not totally sure. Sorry that is beyond the functions of my brain, I am in marketing .

You may get the answer you want over here or try and send a PM to WotC_DM (Didier Monin)

 

[Scott_Rouse]

Hooray! Obsidian? Bioware? In house? pretty please?

Sorry, I don't have any thing I can talk about at this time.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I may have missed your answer, but do you have any clue when the next Mailbag podcast will be? With all the new stuff from PHB2, the new stuff we are learning about MM2 and PHB3 I am sure people will have questions, including myself So do you have any info on if/when there would be the next one?

Thanks

 

[rounser]

Right. 4e design has always seemed to me to have certain stylistic familiarities with work by Robin Laws, most notably having the guts to actually analyze what it is that makes people play your game, and then to cut extraneous material.

Well, either "what makes people play your game" got misidentified and/or oversimplified, or Robyn Laws' theories on narrow focus deserve to stay academic, IMO.