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Kate Welch on Leaving WotC
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<blockquote data-quote="Haffrung" data-source="post: 8079162" data-attributes="member: 6776259"><p>Yes, in instructional documentation teaching procedures to new users and providing a reference to experienced users are two different kinds of content. A lot of boardgames have recognized this, and have separate Learn to Play Guides and Rules References. A further level of incoherence is added to RPG rulebooks, because you also have people who read them for pleasure. So RPG books are typically trying to serve three masters:</p><p></p><p>1) New player who needs to learn the procedures of play.</p><p></p><p>2) Existing player who needs to reference specific system procedures and details.</p><p></p><p>3) Reader who wants to consume the book as an entertaining text and may never use it in play.</p><p></p><p>1 and 3 can be combined by giving careful thought to layout and presentation, and keeping the rules and fluff distinct. 2 is best presented in a separate document, and delivered in a compact and accessible format, like the 4E Essentials Rules Compendium or the Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition. But then we run into the default D&D publishing model of big, hardcover books. So many forces working against WotC delivering rules in an effective format.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Haffrung, post: 8079162, member: 6776259"] Yes, in instructional documentation teaching procedures to new users and providing a reference to experienced users are two different kinds of content. A lot of boardgames have recognized this, and have separate Learn to Play Guides and Rules References. A further level of incoherence is added to RPG rulebooks, because you also have people who read them for pleasure. So RPG books are typically trying to serve three masters: 1) New player who needs to learn the procedures of play. 2) Existing player who needs to reference specific system procedures and details. 3) Reader who wants to consume the book as an entertaining text and may never use it in play. 1 and 3 can be combined by giving careful thought to layout and presentation, and keeping the rules and fluff distinct. 2 is best presented in a separate document, and delivered in a compact and accessible format, like the 4E Essentials Rules Compendium or the Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition. But then we run into the default D&D publishing model of big, hardcover books. So many forces working against WotC delivering rules in an effective format. [/QUOTE]
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