Release date of Winning Setting Proposal

[Kai Lord]

Of course its entirely speculative, but what do you think? Do you think we'll be cracking open the first hardcover sourcebook for the grand prize winning fantasy setting in say.....a year from now?

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

Of course its entirely speculative, but what do you think? Do you think we'll be cracking open the first hardcover sourcebook for the grand prize winning fantasy setting in say.....a year from now?

No, I think it'll take longer. But I would guess it's possible by the end of 2003, so 18 months until publication. That would still be phenominally fast, though. There is an article on the WotC site about what a "production manager" does. As with any large corporation, there are several layers of approval all along different tracks (rules, legal, artwork, etc.). Getting through that entire process, plus the time the printer takes, plus time for other stuff related to the new setting to be set in motion (if not slated to debut at the same time, at least shortly thereafter).....well, it will take a while. Factor in the speed of the contest winner--how fast can they write a 100 page setting "bible" to WotC's satisfaction? And that's just the "bible" - not necessarily the actual book that would be published.