D&D 4E Was Monte's decision to retire influenced by 4E?

[Odhanan]

I suspect that if it was really that big of a factor, he'd willingly have said so. Monte's pretty straightforward about such things.

-The Gneech

Correct.

 

[Glyfair]

Regarding Monte on 4E, from his blog:

Of course, I got asked a whole lot of times what I thought about the big announcement from Wizards of the Coast regarding 4th edition. My answer is, basically, that I can't think one way or another about it yet. Now that it's finally announced, I doubt that I know any more than anyone else. I'm excited for my friends that worked on it (and are still working on it) though, because I know first hand that it's got to be a fun and thrilling time for them. Not without its own unique challenges, of course, but then that's part of the fun.

Of course the 4E issue came up both quickly and, in fact, often, but I don't know if I really have anything interesting to say on the topic. It seems as though when I get the question, people almost want vitriol or condemnation, but I don't have any to give.

 

[Greatwyrm]

I'd imagine that after spending X years in the rpg business, where X > the time most of us have spent in it, he's just looking for a change of pace. Plus, he's totally bankable in rpgs. It's not like he can't come back and show us something new whenever he feels like it.

I imagine it's kind of like when movie stars get really big and then do a bunch of independent movies. They've made their money, now they want to make a movie that's just cool to make.

 

[DaveMage]

He's probably just grown up.

 

[Holy Bovine]

6.5

 

[Delta]

Monte sure is diplomatic.

 

[Styracosaurus]

Since Monte Cook doesn't work at WotC, he is pretty much going at it alone. While it sounds cool and is no doubt rewarding, putting out books like Arcana Evolved and Ptolus would wear you down.

I hope that Mr. Cook is off refreshing his creative juices. He may come back to contribute to the hobby again if we are lucky.



John

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

He's probably just grown up.

He finally got kicked out of the basement!

 

[(contact)]

Writing fiction can be a full-time job, and perhaps Monte decided it should be. If I wanted to write novels and had an opportunity to no longer run my start-up publishing company in order to focus on my writing, I would do the same.

Therefore, when he says he doesn't have an opinion, maybe the cigar is just a cigar, and he doesn't have an opinion.

And for the record there will be a fan playtest for 4e. The release is nine months away, which means, what, seven or eight months of tweaks, changes and polishing before it goes to press?

 

[(contact)]

He finally got kicked out of the basement!

Damn you, Mom! Damn you to Baator!