Who are these guys: Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, James Wyatt

[Glyfair]

Given the changes announced so far, I had a strong feeling Mike Mearls was a developer there, too.

Robin Laws states as much in my quote from him.

 

[TerraDave]

In the credits listed at the presentation, it seemed like everyone in development was listed as a developer.

But, yes, in what has been described as being in 4th ed (Bo9S type stuff, redesinged monsters and encounters, less magic item dependence..) there is a strong "Mearlsian" influance. And, yes, according to other posts, Mike Mearls seems to be acting as the main developer. (David Noonan, from the same podcast, also seems to be doing a lot, at least in terms of play-testing).

On the other hand, he was not listed as the (or a) lead developer. Has their been actual confirmation on this?

Maybe they have not decided on how to assign credit?

 

[Greatwyrm]

The only thing I can add is that James Wyatt was also a pretty cool person when I met him. He DM'ed our second round game in the GenCon D&D open the first year Eberron was the setting for the tournament (2004 or 2005?).

 

[Nebulous]

Given the changes announced so far, I had a strong feeling Mike Mearls was a developer there, too. Though I may disagree with some of the per-encounter stuff, Mike has a VERY good head for rules on his shoulders. The others' credits are equally strong.

The per encounter stuff sounds like a major diversion from the D&D we know and (usually love). I'm curious to see how this pans out in the final version, or if it pushes D&D even further into "video-game" mentality.

 

[Wormwood]

The per encounter stuff sounds like a major diversion from the D&D we know and (usually love). I'm curious to see how this pans out in the final version, or if it pushes D&D even further into "video-game" mentality.

And anime. Don't forget anime.

 

[(contact)]

So when asked what I think about the new master plan, I don’t need to lay out one of my usual long-winded, either-or scenarios. All I have to say is: “Heinsoo. Wyatt. Mearls*. It will rock, end of story.”

Pretty much my sentiment as well. From what I took away from GenCon, Mearls is the lead developer.

The lead designer is going to bear a lot of responsibility for herding the cats and keeping the project "on vision." You want your experienced designers in that role, and Andy Collins seems perfect for the job.

The developers will be the ones making the mechanics work well, and again, Mike Mearls is the guy in RPGs that would have topped my wish-list to do that job.

The pen and paper elements of this game are going to be fantastic!

 

[EricNoah]

The only thing I can add is that James Wyatt was also a pretty cool person when I met him. He DM'ed our second round game in the GenCon D&D open the first year Eberron was the setting for the tournament (2004 or 2005?).

He is such a great guy. Back when I first started my news site and he wasn't employed by WotC yet, he and I touched base via e-mail (he'd quoted something I wrote in one of his DRAGON magazine articles or something, plus he'd seen the website). Then when he was in Madison for a job he was working on he invited me and my wife out to eat and talk. I felt a real kindred spirit there and I was thrilled when not too much later he was picked up by WotC. He's been just so pleasant every other time I've run into him at GenCon. And he's really excited about the game.

 

[EricNoah]

And don't get me started on Mearls and Noonan -- they are just frickin' sharp. I just can't imagine better people running this part of the show.

 

[Awakened]

Andy's personal site:
http://www.andycollins.net

You should note that this is his PERSONAL site. Right now he has some political views up on the main page some may not agree with but read his campaigns and his posts on the boards.

This makes me like him more. 4e it is!

 

[theredrobedwizard]

And anime. Don't forget anime.

Also, don't forget to include that bloody Rock 'n' Roll and Hip Hop crap in there too.

Also television and the radio. And fire.

-TRRW