Pathfinder 1E Curious... what does Wizards think of Pathfinder?

[hbarsquared]

There have been some public acknowledgements through WotC. I remember one from Shelly Mazzanoble in her article this year. I feel like there was another mention of Paizo in an official Wizards article, as well. Definitely no bad blood, they like each other on a personal level, and they play in each others' games.

 

[dd.stevenson]

The only meaningful mention I'm aware of was at the Gencon 2011 New Products Seminar. (Relevant segment begins at 1:01 and the mention itself occurs at 1:05:30.)

 

[Iosue]

Chris Perkins has more than once mentioned Paizo employees who were members of his games in "The Dungeon Master Experience". And I don't mean just mentioned names of folks who happen to be Paizo employees, but saying, "So-and-So, from Paizo."

The RPG creative community is relatively small, and there's been quite a bit of movement back-and-forth between the companies. Pathfinder is essentially houseruled 3.5, which I imagine virtually all of the creative team at WotC is familiar with and even playing at times. As for Paizo, it's important to remember that their development of Pathfinder was not so much because of deep philosophical objections to 4e, but because of the restrictive GSL making it risky for them to base their business model on 4e adventures.

So on the creative side, I'm sure there's a lot of mutual admiration. On the business side, probably not so much.

 

[Jester David]

I woud think that WotC management is smart enough to know that Pathfinder the RPG is their fault. Paizo needed a project after they yanked the magazines so they started APs. Then they made they RPG because they hadn't seen anything related to an OGL or playtest docs and needed to make a decision.
Had Paizo been involved with the playtest and had WotC sent out an OGL then they might have banked on 4e rather than choosing "the devil they know" and becoming a direct competitor.

I'm guessing they think "I hope that company hires me whenever WotC lays me off".

And December lay-offs are only a month and change away...

 

[Obryn]

And December lay-offs are only a month and change away...

Layoffs are unusual during a ramp-up like with D&D Next. Look towards next year.

-O

 

[Jester David]

Layoffs are unusual during a ramp-up like with D&D Next. Look towards next year.

-O

They started 5e early last year but still laid of Rich Baker and Steve Winter.

 

[GreyLord]

Chris Perkins has more than once mentioned Paizo employees who were members of his games in "The Dungeon Master Experience". And I don't mean just mentioned names of folks who happen to be Paizo employees, but saying, "So-and-So, from Paizo."

The RPG creative community is relatively small, and there's been quite a bit of movement back-and-forth between the companies. Pathfinder is essentially houseruled 3.5, which I imagine virtually all of the creative team at WotC is familiar with and even playing at times. As for Paizo, it's important to remember that their development of Pathfinder was not so much because of deep philosophical objections to 4e, but because of the restrictive GSL making it risky for them to base their business model on 4e adventures.

So on the creative side, I'm sure there's a lot of mutual admiration. On the business side, probably not so much.

Actually the RPG creative community is pretty large. The "IN" group however...those that are the WotC people ARE pretty small. Just because there's a large group that aren't with the "IN" group there does not mean they do not exist.

The following is opinion on my part...NOTHING in anyway or any part somewhat or even close to being anything near statements of fact or anything else in like matter.

Many WotC employees LOVE pathfinder. They are avid pathfinder players and fans. They get along fantastically with many of those in Paizo.

That said, due to rising competition and focuses on these areas in the market, it is getting a tad uncomfortable in relation to pathfinder at WotC at times. Simply put, Pathfinder, once a small deriviative RPG from a WotC product has now become a major thorn to compete against. This can create stress in relating to it on work. Things tend to cause a little more tension when the items that you may love are suddenly on the frontline for you to compete and beat.

So it's a strange relationship at this point I think. Part of the focus with DDN will be getting Pathfinder fans to at least try, if not buy, DDN...and if possible choose DDN over pathfinder.

That's some time away...but I imagine it is already starting to cause some friction at least among the higher levels...which if it hasn't already...could roll down to the lower levels.

That said...once again I imagine that there are a good number of WotC employees who are avid Pathfinder fans and players. In addition, even if there is eventually a lot of angst at the workplace in regards to PF...those on the WotC and Paizo staffs that are friends will remain friends and if they play together will continue to play together. There are some things that will remain solid and strong regardless of how much pressure the big bosses higher up put on their lower companies and it's employees.

 

[MichaelSomething]

I think this quote from 'N Sync says it best...
"Just worry about yours 'Cause I'ma get mine"