The Vin Diesel Dungeons & Dragons Scholarship

[Tsyr]

*slaps RW*

Get back to work!

 

[smetzger]

I can understand Business, English, and Graphic design, but why put mathematics at the top of the list? Roleplaying games definitely seem more of a literary occupation, requiring good storytelling skills. Of course, the ability to lay out a product to make it have good appeal is important, as is the ability to run a company that produces these things, but unless you're thinking just about general game-theory, I don't see how mathematics really fits in.

Are you assuming pen&paper RPGs? If not then we can consider CRPGs; and thus math, physics, engineering, and computer science would all be good majors.

Even if you don't consider CRPGs, there is a fair sized market for computer aids for pen&paper RPGs and for internet chat enabled programs for use in RPGs.

 

[RangerWickett]

Good idea.

 

[Arcane Runes Press]

I can understand Business, English, and Graphic design, but why put mathematics at the top of the list? Roleplaying games definitely seem more of a literary occupation, requiring good storytelling skills. Of course, the ability to lay out a product to make it have good appeal is important, as is the ability to run a company that produces these things, but unless you're thinking just about general game-theory, I don't see how mathematics really fits in.

Mathematics because nearly all system design requires at least a basic understanding of probabilities and/or use of mathematical formula.

Beyond all that, I just don't see this as a good idea, at least how it's loosely proposed now. Given the vagarities of getting into the business as a writer/creator, it's VERY probable that the recipients of each year's award will never be published, let alone become a game industry semi/full time professional.

Those with real intent to get into the industry would be better served by simply submitting work to Dragon or to the new ENworld magazine.

Personally, I think gamers would be better served if the money was used as a year end award/prize for published newcomers to the industry, as an incentive for them to keep working in an industry that isn't known for its great pay rates. Perhaps it could be given out at GenCon as part of the ENnies.

Of course, that would require that the ENnies, or at least the scholarship/award bit, be expanded beyond the borders of just d20 RPG publishing.

Patrick Y.

 

[Michael Dean]

Um, guys....I think you're being really naive about the value to a celebrity, any celebrity, of contributing to a scholarship for gamers. Typically celebrities do a lot of charity work, but it is usually of a high-profile nature, i.e. Aids research, Save-The-Rain-Forrests, end Apartheid. This is because it helps their career as well. High publicity, good public image and all . The idea of starting an rpg scholarship sounds self-indulgent and you have to remember that you're not talking to the celebrity but usually his business manager who's job is to promote his client to his best advantage at all times.

 

[RangerWickett]

Bah, Philistine! It never hurts to try. Contrary to popular belief, some people who have lots of money like to sponsor things for personal reasons, rather than simply publicity. I really doubt Jimmy Carter does Habitat for Humanity because he thinks it will help him get re-elected.