Monster Builder Details 7/13

[Nikosandros]

I've actually been wondering about this. With all the accessibility features of 4e, and because D&D frequently leads the RPG industry, will other companies have to step up to digital tools in the same way to remain competitive?

As someone who plays a lot of different games, I surely would love to see something like that... I might not be enthusiastic about 4e, but those tools are very convenient.

 

[AngryMojo]

As someone who plays a lot of different games, I surely would love to see something like that... I might not be enthusiastic about 4e, but those tools are very convenient.

I'd love to see them too. I know a few games have tried with the character builder, but I don't know if anyone has tried the other tools.

I'm a huge Savage Worlds fan, and I'd love to see a little generator for monsters/NPC's.

 

[arscott]

Assuming that is the case, will it be possible for 3pp's to release their monsters in the same format? Eg When you buy a copy of Goodman Games Critter Cache's (say), as well as the pdf, you also get a (XML?) file ready to be imported into the monster builder?

With the state of the GSL, probably not I am guessing.

While I doubt they'll have the ability to add monsters to the database the way WotC will, There's likely nothing to prevent them from creating their own custom monsters with the program like any other user, and then including those files in a release. The 3PP would be providing an incentive for it's customers to purchase a DDI subscription--exactly what WotC wants.

 

[catsclaw227]

To be fair, I created the program to fill a niche. They came out with some flash monster builder a while which, frankly, sucked, but this one looks pretty nice.

I'll miss being in the limelight, but it is a pretty big relief to not have to support the monster maker anymore.

All praise Asmor... God of MonsterMaker. It is a sad day that a god's portfolio is absorbed by an NPC. But that happens.

All praise WoTC. God of MonsterMaker.

 

[catsclaw227]

I have no doubt at all that templates and NPCs will make later builds. Iteration and updates are a good thing.

I totally agree. This is in important understanding. Oftentimes, software comes up (initially) as a subset of an intended suite of tools. When it's not advertised as such, it takes some hits about being incomplete. I anticipate that the tools will regularly refresh and update as feedback is provided.

 

[Rhuarc]

Really looking forward to this tool! The MM of Asmor was great (thanks a lot by the way), but this will make monster creation/tweaking even easier!

 

[Shroomy]

Add me to the growing chorus. So what does everyone think, a mid to late August Beta release?

 

[AngryMojo]

Add me to the growing chorus. So what does everyone think, a mid to late August Beta release?

No, I say now. As in right now. No waiting at all.

Oh, you mean realistically. Yeah, mid to late august looks realistic.