Creating Data Files for Other Games

[FifthWanderer]

I downloaded the demo for Hero Lab today, and am duly impressed. However, I'd like to know when we'll be able to create data files for non-d20 games. One of my current favorite systems is FATE 3.0/Spirit of the Century, and I'd like to be able to use Hero Lab for it.

[Giddoen]

yeah support for aqny FUDGE game system would be great.

Giddoen

[MPHopcroft]

I am hoping for an update on the promised Developer's Kit myself, so I can do some oft hat on my own.

[wilcoxon]

I'm glad to hear they have promised a developer kit (at GenCon, they were not sure if they were going to).

Hero Lab looks like an interesting product but I will not be buying (or even trying) it until there is a developer kit. Most of the non-D&D games I play are small-press so I would not expect official support for them (and I use other programs/spreadsheets for D&D).

[rob]

At 05:12 PM 2/3/2007, you wrote:

I downloaded the demo for Hero Lab today, and am duly impressed. However, I'd like to know when we'll be able to create data files for non-d20 games. One of my current favorite systems is FATE 3.0/Spirit of the Century, and I'd like to be able to use Hero Lab for it.

I've got my copy of Spirit of the Century sitting here right next to my desk, so I wholly understand wanting support for it. :-)

As for users writing data files for other game systems, we have two key factors to reconcile with HL....

First, there is the need for documentation and the learning curve involved in creating data files from scratch. There is a LOT of complexity to start from scratch. Our current plan is to do a few game systems internally before we make it possible for users to do this. The reason is that we want to first identify where we can simplify and streamline the process, as well as get all the necessary pieces documented fully. That way, users will be able to get data files developed with the least amount of difficulty.

Second, RPGs are a different beast from miniatures and card games. For RPG publishers, the books are the key source of revenue (only source?) instead of just a vehicle for selling the minis/cards. So we have to be mindful to ensure that the RPG publishers are (a) onboard with the creation of HL data files and (b) get a piece of the action. If the data files are wholly created by users without any sort of controls, this could really tick off the publishers, since overly detailed data files could eliminate the need to buy the books. We still need to work out how to solve this in a way that works well for everyone involved. That's why everything we're doing so far is under formal license with the publishers. We're working on a solution to this one, but it's not all sorted out yet.

-Rob

[wilcoxon]

Originally Posted by rob

At 05:12 PM 2/3/2007, you wrote:
First, there is the need for documentation and the learning curve involved in creating data files from scratch. There is a LOT of complexity to start from scratch. Our current plan is to do a few game systems internally before we make it possible for users to do this. The reason is that we want to first identify where we can simplify and streamline the process, as well as get all the necessary pieces documented fully. That way, users will be able to get data files developed with the least amount of difficulty.

Completely understandable. Any data file format that can support multiple completely different game systems in a character generator will have complex files with a steap learning curve for creation of anything very intricate.

Second, RPGs are a different beast from miniatures and card games. For RPG publishers, the books are the key source of revenue (only source?) instead of just a vehicle for selling the minis/cards. So we have to be mindful to ensure that the RPG publishers are (a) onboard with the creation of HL data files and (b) get a piece of the action. If the data files are wholly created by users without any sort of controls, this could really tick off the publishers, since overly detailed data files could eliminate the need to buy the books. We still need to work out how to solve this in a way that works well for everyone involved. That's why everything we're doing so far is under formal license with the publishers. We're working on a solution to this one, but it's not all sorted out yet.

It would seem like the easy way of handling this would be to give guidelines for the amount of detail that is acceptable for user-created data files (less than what would be in a purchased one unless the company grants permission). If someone provides more information, disallow hosting/distribution via the offical HL site and possibly put a clause in the EULA disallowing distribution via other channels (not really enforcible but should cover Lone Wolf). There is definitely a fine line between too little info and infringing levels of info in a character creation application.

[rob]

At 09:31 PM 2/5/2007, you wrote:

It would seem like the easy way of handling this would be to give guidelines for the amount of detail that is acceptable for user-created data files (less than what would be in a purchased one unless the company grants permission). If someone provides more information, disallow hosting/distribution via the offical HL site and possibly put a clause in the EULA disallowing distribution via other channels (not really enforcible but should cover Lone Wolf). There is definitely a fine line between too little info and infringing levels of info in a character creation application.

I wholly agree in principle. The challenge is in drawing a line that would be considered equally "reasonable" by our judicial system AND by the myriad RPG publishers out there.

-Rob