[Design] Character Generation: Detail vs Opportunity Cost

[David Cake]

At 12:14 PM +1100 16/11/05, Curufea wrote:
>A success of D&D?  I don't think so - not for long term appeal. 
>Certainly it's great for new players, but it will soon lead to 
>dissatisfaction.  It may be a reason, but it is a very small reason 
>for its success.  A far larger reason is the marketting.
>
>Kyle Schuant <kyle3054 at iprimus.com.au> wrote:
>
>     I think it's one reason for the success of systems like D&D, 
>class-based systems. Players' choices are limited. Lets you get into 
>play fairly quickly.

	It works for D&D, and very much works for D20 (the designers 
of which have, as with so many other aspects of D&D, amplified the 
bits of the rules that make them enjoyable) because you start of with 
a relatively quick, not all that unique, character but by things like 
choice of feat and using prestige classes you character gets to feel 
much more unique and interesting. Bearing in mind that D&D (and 
again, especially D20) is a nice solidly gamist game, so the aspects 
of your character that matter are what you character can achieve in 
problem solving/tactical situations, rather than reflections of your 
back story and/or deep inner turmoil.
	So the D20 system actually does have long term appeal, and 
doesn't quickly lead to dissatisfaction. In fact, D20 is a pretty 
good game for long term appeal, as the tactical stuff become really 
interesting and challenging.
	Of course, if you aren't looking for a solidly gamist game in 
the first place, in the long tem you will work that out and decide 
its not what you are looking for, which is probably the real reason 
many people find D&D dissatisfying in the long term.
	But make no mistake, D20 is a good solid game design for what 
it sets out to do. D&D was not, but Jonathon Tweet, Monte Cook, et al 
are much better game designers than Gary Gygax. Of course, Gary Gygax 
and Dave Arneson had the excuse that no one knew anything about RPG 
design way back then - but GG can't use that excuse for his 
subsequent efforts, which have also been poor.
	cheers
		David
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