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So, I've had a chance to look at 4th edition since its release, and I've looked at the Pathfinder Alpha, and I find myself teetering on a very, very thin edge right now. I love the fact that Pathfinder is continuing with and trying to improve 3.5, and I adore the world of Golarion. On the other hand, while 4th edition is different in mechanics and feel now matter how you slice is, it's still a good system designed by talented game designers that I respect and admire. And before you think that this is about merely playing the game (since you could play both, if you have multiple groups), I must also say that I hope to get into game design, and already have a few things on the back burner while i'm trying to decide which of these very, very good versions I want to focus on. My dilemma is this, really...I honestly don't want to split myself between systems. I know 3.5, and yet, one of my dreams has been to work on stuff for D&D and, maybe someday, work on/write something for my favorite Campaign Setting and novel series, Forgotten Realms. As I said, I love Golarion's feel, but I don't want to just abandon my dream even after what's been done to FR...and I know the camps are divided, so it's even harder to make my decision with so much arguing going on about either edition. I suppose my point in posting this is the hope that someone might be able to say something encouraging to help me decide, either way. In the end, it's my decision, I know, and I'm not asking for it to be made for me...but I could use some advice.
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Dane,
To be honest, the FANS are sharply divided. The writers and creators? Rather less so. If you do good work, you are likely to get noticed by either. After all, Nick Louge is writing for Pathfinder, is active on these boards, has his own line with Sinister Adventures, but also has work in the current eDungeon for WotC. If you're good and/or popular enough, the companies won't care if you do work for the other. That's what being a freelancer is all about.
Having said that, I'd suggest starting under the OGL as the licensing terms are much friendlier than the GSL.
Dane,
I understand your dilemma, but remember. . .
. . . the decision you make today will affect the future control of your immortal soul.
But to be serious for a moment:
IJAG
It's Just A Game.
Go with what makes you happy. We all make a lot of mistakes and poor choices in our lives, but the only ones we regret when we get old are the ones where we didn't make a choice at all.
My 0.02?
If you really want to write get both (and lots of other games while you're at it). There's more to design than just imagination and knowing the rules for that particular game.
You must understand how everthing fits together.
That part is based more an intuition than logic. You just have to absorb it. The more mechanics you see, from different systems, the better off you will be. Plus, you should enjoy reading the stuff if you want to write it :)
Does Pathfinder have any kind of publication that accepts freelance proposals? I haven't been following it so I'm not sure.
I'm fairly certain Dragon and Dungeon still operate via freelancer submitted work, however.
That said, while I think 4E is a superior rule system, and while it will have the larger share of the market, the licensing terms of the GSL are pretty onerous currently. Although technically, without a backlog of OGL products, less onerous for you than for already established designers.
What kind of work are you interested in producing? Adventures? Splat books? Campaign settings?
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So, I've had a chance to look at 4th edition since its release, and I've looked at the Pathfinder Alpha, and I find myself teetering on a very, very thin edge right now. I love the fact that Pathfinder is continuing with and trying to improve 3.5, and I adore the world of Golarion. On the other hand, while 4th edition is different in mechanics and feel now matter how you slice is, it's still a good system designed by talented game designers that I respect and admire. And before you think that this is about merely playing the game (since you could play both, if you have multiple groups), I must also say that I hope to get into game design, and already have a few things on the back burner while i'm trying to decide which of these very, very good versions I want to focus on. My dilemma is this, really...I honestly don't want to split myself between systems. I know 3.5, and yet, one of my dreams has been to work on stuff for D&D and, maybe someday, work on/write something for my favorite Campaign Setting and novel series, Forgotten Realms. As I said, I love Golarion's feel, but I don't want to just abandon my dream even after what's been done to FR...and I know the camps are divided, so it's even harder to make my decision with so much arguing going on about either edition. I suppose my point in posting this is the hope that someone might be able to say something encouraging to help me decide, either way. In the end, it's my decision, I know, and I'm not asking for it to be made for me...but I could use some advice.
I am very much a hobbyist, but have had one book published by ZG and contributed to another. I have some small understanding of the design process and the business model. My suggestion is that you focus on your ideas. If either system is more effective for you in making them manifest, go with that.
As someone who also wants to break into game design I found myself tettering towards 4e because I like the system itself better. That being said since I also don't have to worry about a backlog of OGL stuff I am pretty much on a clean slate in this case. Of course I am trying to catch a niche market before 4e becomes what 3e was.
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Well, to answer the question of what sort of things I want to produce, I wouldn't mind having a bit of a hand in everything. I have my own ideas, my own campaign setting that I'm working on on the side for now, but I want to write adventures to. I have a pretty fair idea of what to do, no matter what I really decide, problem is deciding. I know there are those rather easily freelancing for both, and while I'll probably end up doing that if I can, I still am sort of...torn.
Well, to answer the question of what sort of things I want to produce, I wouldn't mind having a bit of a hand in everything. I have my own ideas, my own campaign setting that I'm working on on the side for now, but I want to write adventures to. I have a pretty fair idea of what to do, no matter what I really decide, problem is deciding. I know there are those rather easily freelancing for both, and while I'll probably end up doing that if I can, I still am sort of...torn.
My HONEST opinion is that you should go for 4E. If you want a job with Wizards then knowing their current system inside and out is the best way to start. Write anything you can based in their current system just to gain the experience.
Publishing isn't always about doing what you love. Even the guys at WotC will probably tell you they very often have to work on ideas that are #1 not their own, or #2 not that interesting. The fact is that they're still the biggest company around and will have more immediate opportunities, freelance or otherwise in the forseeable future.
BTW, I still love Paizo, but to me it's like you're asking if you should go to work for the Johnson & Johnson (a large corporation) or a small local soap manufacturer.
I don't want to post too much encouraging you to choose 4E, since that is obviously the way I am going, but I do think in terms of size, your audience with 4E is much wider and diverse.
Most publishers want to reach the largest possible audience they can manage, and you'll do that with 4E. Right now the 4E market is exceptionally hungry for new content, in fact.
I like the advice to check out many systems. Most freelancers will freelance in a wide number of different systems. almost all the well known freelancers have credits from all sorts of companies in all sorts of different systems.
Otherwise you should keep your eyes peeled for anyone accepting submissions and give anyone that is a submission.
Writing is good - do lots and lots of that. Dungeon Magazine has historically been a very popular way to break into the industry. Try submitting a good proposal to them. When the rotten miscreants reject your brilliant idea make it a point to submit two more good proposals as an alternative to ranting and raving that they have obviously been hit on the head with a heavy object as the only possible explanation for why they would reject your brilliant idea.
So yeah, my advice is if there is anyone in the industry accepting submissions make sure you send them submissions. Dungeon (and maybe Dragon) in particular is always accepting submissions so if your not sending some one else a submission you should be making one for Dungeon.
My suggestion would be to play both systems. Sit down with a group of friends over two days or weekends and play both for an extended bit of time ( 6-8 hours) and see how you feel after having sampled them.