d20 Splinter?

[JoeGKushner]

Now that there are a few non fantasy games out, and a few more on the way, what will happen to d20 support? I ask this because while I'm interested in Spycraft and Call of Chtulu, I don't have a lot of interest in Godlike, d20 Modern, and a few other settings, so despite the fact that they are d20 books, I'll probably be passing them, as I've done with Weird Wars and Deadlands.

I guess I'm wondering if people will start picking up d20 products that aren't fantasy based and starting to run material off that genre, and only that genre. If so, has the d20 system failed?

When I look at it, there seemed to be a promise of "Yeah, you can take X and Y and Z and play any of them!" And it's like Champions 2nd or 3rd edition where each system, like Star Wars and Wheel of Time, which are more similiar to each other than to D&D, have their own mechanics and are not transposible with D&D.

Like Judge Dread. Sounds very promising but will you be able to use it in Star Wars? Or is it more Fading Suns, where the rules are still pretty much D&D?

Am I making sense here or rambling on?

 

[Lady Dragon]

I think that non-fantasy games only prove how successful it really is.Publishers are doing more than just putting out supplements for D&D they are creating whole new games with it.The beauty of it is now if you want to play in a different genre you don't have to learn a whole new system the basic game mechanics are still there just a bit of customization.

Will some group start playing non-fantasy exclusively probably for a while but the'll be back when something new strikes there intrest.

I really feel that the best in both fantasy and other genres is yet to come after all its only been a year and a half since 3e was released and it took almost a year for most publishers to get in full swing.They are still testing the waters to see what's possible and what there customers want.A good book takes a long time to produce and I don't think all of the publishers have revealed there hands yet.We'll just have towait and see.

 

[Ranger REG]

Well, the d20 System is supposed to be an evolving rules system. Everyday, game designers both professionals and amateurs tries to come up with new mechanics for the system to allow better playability. Sometimes you have to adapt the system to accomodate certain aspect like firearms, while others are looking for alternatives like a more lethal form of health system.

Of course, the only thing that is keeping a tight rein is the trademark license and the accompanying usage guide. That way, gamers will not be confused by the various definitions of say Strength or Intelligence.

Using the system in non-fantasy genre only prove that the system is a success, just like past rules systems (White Wolf's Storyteller, SJG's GURP, Palladium's Megaversal, Hero Games' HERO, etc.).