The Most Under-rated figures in the "Gaming Industry"

Caesar Slaad · September 13, 2006, 12:52:30 PM

Matt Forbeck. He seems to be absent from the scene lately, but he seems like the sort of guy who everything he has done I've liked.

Blackleaf · September 13, 2006, 12:58:39 PM

QuoteTom Moldvay. Masterfully edited the '81 Basic Set, the one that really kicked off the D&D boom among schoolchildren.

Yes, we need more Moldvay edition D&D love.

Zachary The First · September 13, 2006, 05:55:31 PM

Quote from: Dr Rotwang!I concur heartily.

I will also add Chris Engle to the mix. Not an RPG designer exclusively, but a very good designer with some fun, broad-spectrum games and catchy ideas.

...

...I can tell by the blank looks on your faces that he is, indeed, underrated.

No, he always has some interesting ideas--I like his new games with the laminated maps included, too.

Dominus Nox · September 13, 2006, 06:08:33 PM

Sean Punch. He doesn't jump from company to company, flittering from one 'hot fad' to another constantly, he's stuck with gurps for 11 years and consistently worked with it to make it as good as it is.

In fact he did more work on the 4th ed than steve jackson did, even tho jackson gets 'top billing'.

Lawbag · September 14, 2006, 08:00:36 AM

John Wick

JongWK · September 14, 2006, 12:17:00 PM

I'm not familiar with several names posted here. How about adding a little bit of information about them?

One Horse Town · September 15, 2006, 12:04:44 PM

Quote from: Caesar SlaadUnderrated: Rob Schwalb

It would be remiss of me not to agree to this one. Especially as i'm working for him at the moment!

I pointed this thread out to him and he was fairly chuffed to see it, although a 'well thought of' badge would probably be received a little better!

ColonelHardisson · September 15, 2006, 12:19:13 PM

Quote from: JongWKI'm not familiar with several names posted here. How about adding a little bit of information about them?

David Chart has done work on Ars Magica (is now the line editor for it), and has produced some really good d20 supplements. Splintered Peace and Love and War are d20 books that explore diplomacy and character interaction. My favorite is the Medieval Players Manual, which does some really innovative things with d20, and evokes the era quite well.

One Horse Town · September 15, 2006, 12:22:23 PM

David Chart has also written The Knights of the Grail for WFRP and is the main author on the upcoming WFRP title detailing the Border Princes.

I'm writing with him on my next project, which is an honour (and a little scary!).

(EDIT: I've become a name dropper! Apologies, i'll get my coat.)

flyingmice · September 15, 2006, 12:45:32 PM

Quote from: BalbinusAgreed, I would add John Snead.

After working with him on FTL Now, I would too, He's got an RPG resume as long as my arm, yet never gets mentioned. It's all good stuff, too.

-mice

ColonelHardisson · September 15, 2006, 12:53:08 PM

Quote from: One Horse TownDavid Chart has also written The Knights of the Grail for WFRP and is the main author on the upcoming WFRP title detailing the Border Princes.

I'm writing with him on my next project, which is an honour (and a little scary!).

(EDIT: I've become a name dropper! Apologies, i'll get my coat.)

No, that's awesome. It's a good name-drop. I wasn't even aware of Chart's work on WFRP.

By the way, if it makes you feel better, I'll make an egregious name-drop also (sort of; not a person but an award). I was one of the ENnies judges for the year Splintered Peace won an ENnie. I was really impressed with that book.