ZedCodex

The "big three" of kickstarter RPGs (WL2, TToN, PE) can all be seen as a continuation of the RPG traditions of the late 90s. Fallout, Infinity Engine, deep character systems, intricate narratives and stats-affecting-outcomes, and so on.

But there was a time in between the late 90s and now. We had (what I consider quasi-)RPGs in the form of Mass Effect and Witcher, but also attempts to harken back to the classic, in the form of Dragon Age.

I personally think they have too many superficial choices and consequences, and too much focus on romantic power fantasies, among other glaring flaws.

So what are your opinions on the AAA CRPGs of the 00s-10s? Did you enjoy them? What did they do well, and what could have been done better? What would you say are the primary reasons why we need WL2, TToN and PE?

Why is open source development important to games? (I wanna hear you guys lay it out :D)

I guess gaming media is good for something.

I guess this question is mostly for the writers.

It's clear that more funds lead to more creative resources (e.g. writers) and possibilities (e.g. pre-rendered backgrounds, orchestrated music, etc). This could very well lengthen the game. But there is also the aspect of re-playability, and to play through the game with different outsets.

How do you strike a balance between alternate paths and re-playability, and having an "epic" story? How deep can you make the consequence of a player choice, before it becomes too difficult (as developers) to handle? Do you structure the game by separating "small" and "big" choices?

What are your favorite shows on TV right now? Would you agree if I said that we lived in a golden age of TV drama (even tho there's no X-files)?