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<blockquote data-quote="smetzger" data-source="post: 456483" data-attributes="member: 1230">Luke - I know that you are a big proponent of scripting + database.&nbsp; This strategy seems to work good for RPM and it is the most flexible.However, it is possible to do alot without using scripting.&nbsp; Of all the 3e programs released yours is one of the few (and maybe only) that uses scripting.&nbsp; Fluid could have done everything in the database to cover the 3 core books; it may not have allowed for entry of all splatbooks and 3rd party material.&nbsp; But, they could have done this without hardcoding.First off I believe that e-tools has failed.&nbsp; I believe it is for a variety of reasons:1) Fluid is a game and graphics company.&nbsp; They had no prior experience with database programming.2) WOTC prioritized the wrong things, like sounds and&nbsp; 3d scans and mapping.&nbsp; IMO the character generator should have been the priority with everything else being secondary.3) The WOTC person in charge of the project changed frequently.4) Hasbro, sold the video game rights out from under Fluid.I think most of the blame falls on WOTC.&nbsp; They are the ones who selected Fluid for the job and they are the ones who mismanaged the project.&nbsp; WOTC doesn't have much excuse for this.&nbsp; They have managed other projects like this (CD Core Rules I &amp; II).&nbsp; Although Core Rules I was pretty bad, Core Rules II was usable.IMO the only thing that was done correctly was using a standard database instead of a custom one.How can WOTC fix this?&nbsp; I think the best thing for WOTC to do is to:1) Deliver the long awaited patch2) Release clearer software wording for d20 software.Also, if WOTC wanted to be agressive in addressing this issue they could:1) Release the source code for e-tools.2) Keep an up to date list of OGL and d20 software links on their web site.I don't think that WOTC needs to produce any more D&amp;D software.&nbsp; The 3rd party D&amp;D software industry is really rich with decent software.&nbsp; If they just encourage this industry a little bit everything will be fine.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="smetzger, post: 456483, member: 1230"] Luke - I know that you are a big proponent of scripting + database. This strategy seems to work good for RPM and it is the most flexible. However, it is possible to do alot without using scripting. Of all the 3e programs released yours is one of the few (and maybe only) that uses scripting. Fluid could have done everything in the database to cover the 3 core books; it may not have allowed for entry of all splatbooks and 3rd party material. But, they could have done this without hardcoding. First off I believe that e-tools has failed. I believe it is for a variety of reasons: 1) Fluid is a game and graphics company. They had no prior experience with database programming. 2) WOTC prioritized the wrong things, like sounds and 3d scans and mapping. IMO the character generator should have been the priority with everything else being secondary. 3) The WOTC person in charge of the project changed frequently. 4) Hasbro, sold the video game rights out from under Fluid. I think most of the blame falls on WOTC. They are the ones who selected Fluid for the job and they are the ones who mismanaged the project. WOTC doesn't have much excuse for this. They have managed other projects like this (CD Core Rules I & II). Although Core Rules I was pretty bad, Core Rules II was usable. IMO the only thing that was done correctly was using a standard database instead of a custom one. How can WOTC fix this? I think the best thing for WOTC to do is to: 1) Deliver the long awaited patch 2) Release clearer software wording for d20 software. Also, if WOTC wanted to be agressive in addressing this issue they could: 1) Release the source code for e-tools. 2) Keep an up to date list of OGL and d20 software links on their web site. I don't think that WOTC needs to produce any more D&D software. The 3rd party D&D software industry is really rich with decent software. If they just encourage this industry a little bit everything will be fine. [/QUOTE]

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