Some people. myself included, have stated that they like Pathfinder but prefer it to have a better name. In trying to get people to try it, a common misconception is that it is based on that Viking movie of the same name.
We all know "Dungeons & Dragons" and other names have been taken, so what would you rename it?
I like the name myself. Really not sure on anything that would give it that same feel.
I think the name is perfect. The awareness of the bad viking movie is very low within my circle - there's no danger of anyone making that mistake.
Same in my group. If they have heard of it or even saw it, they have already forgotten about it because it was so bad (or repressed their memory of it). I don't think people will confuse Pathfinder RPG with the movie in a few years, as no one will remember it or at least they won't even care.
The branding has already been put in for a year now. Changing a brand's name is a dangerous and risky strategy. Brand recognition is the Holy Grail of marketing, and by changing the name of a flegeling brand you risk confusion among the customer base, which can lead to decreased sales.
Pathfinder it is, and Pathfinder it will stay I am certain. If someone can't get over the name then there really is no winning them over.
I'm telling ya Mazes and Monsters is the way to go. It just screams out "credibility".
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... so what would you rename it?
I guess the World of Greyhawk people would not appreciate World of Golarion, would they?
Pathfinder is fine with me. "Pathfinder" does not immediately evoke images of a medieval fantasy game setting. But, it works. Those unfamiliar with Paizo's setting will figure it out.
I'm telling ya Mazes and Monsters is the way to go. It just screams out "credibility".
Hey, maybe we could get Tom Hanks to do the publicity then!
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Pathfinder = finding the adventure path
I like the name just fine. It doesn't conjure up images of a movie or a vehicle to me. Rather, I think of a ranger trailblazing and exploring.
As for newbies, yeah, a few have asked me if it was based on the movie, but as soon as I tell them that it's not, they forget about it.
Also, Pathfinder doesn't have the geek/devil worship associations to it that Dungeons & Dragons may have. I don't have to feel uncomfortable wondering what people are thinking when I say that I'm playing a game called Pathfinder.
Not 4
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I wouldn't mind switching it all to Pathfinder Chronicles. But I'm just as happy with just simply Pathfinder.
I think in the case of the fluff that Pathfinder is completely relevant.
oh and...hands up who has IMAGES of an old Indian man leading settlers to more land and his tribes eventual doom conjured in their mind by the name of the Pathfinder RPG? I mean...really?
Something more related generic fantasy. Keep the campaign setting and the adventure paths named Pathfinder but change the RPG rules to something not connecting to them. (Sort of like the relationship between "Eberron" and Dungeons & Dragons".)
I don't really have a better name though. Some of the ones I thought of are:
Fantasy Heroes
Swords & Spells
Fantastic Stories
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I think any name that is "something and something" is cheesy to include Dungeons and Dragons. Granted that D&D has a long history and is established but if they name of the game was something like Pathfinder I do not think it would have some of the funky associations it does for those that are new to the game or have never played it.
I think Pathfinder is a fantastic name and I think the OP is asking about an issue that does not exist.
OGL Revisited
Something more related generic fantasy. Keep the campaign setting and the adventure paths named Pathfinder but change the RPG rules to something not connecting to them. (Sort of like the relationship between "Eberron" and Dungeons & Dragons".
I agree; using the name Pathfinder for everything is overkill, IMO.
My suggestion: Paths & Perils
Gonna have to say again I love the name pathfinder for the game it gives it a good feel I think.
I like the name, but if I had to rename it, I think I'd go with something like.........hmmmmmmm?
MINE! MINE! ALL MINE!
Although I don't know how I'd market that.
TTFN Dre
Gonna have to say again I love the name pathfinder for the game it gives it a good feel I think.
I don't have a problem with the "feel" of the name, particularly. But there's not really a short way of referring to Pathfinder (the game). If you just say "I was playing Pathfinder", that's not really specific enough; you have to say "I was playing the Pathfinder RPG", which is a bit clunky (IMO). I'd rather say "P&P" or something like that.
Pathfinder is in the passive voice, whereas Trailblazers is in the active voice.How is the word "Pathfinder" passive voice?
Actually, it can't be passive voice. "Voice" is an element of verb type/usage; "pathfinder" is a noun.
That was my point.Actually, it can't be passive voice. "Voice" is an element of verb type/usage; "pathfinder" is a noun.Pathfinder is in the passive voice, whereas Trailblazers is in the active voice.How is the word "Pathfinder" passive voice?
I figured. Just wanted to add in my agreement.
Oh ... and "trailblaizers" is not active for the same reasons ... lol
Couldn't we just change it to a symbol?
"The RPG formerly known as Pathfinder"?
Some people. myself included, have stated that they like Pathfinder but prefer it to have a better name. In trying to get people to try it, a common misconception is that it is based on that Viking movie of the same name.
We all know "Dungeons & Dragons" and other names have been taken, so what would you rename it?
passagelocator
routediscoverertrailuncoverer
labyrinths and liches
messy :-P
How about Best Damn Role Playing Game Ever? Or BDRPGE for short....
I think the name is perfect. The awareness of the bad viking movie is very low within my circle - there's no danger of anyone making that mistake.
What he said.
By the way...
There are plenty of of roleplaying games out there where the setting and the rules are linked. It doesn't mean you have to play in the world presented, but they give you a backdrop of a world so that you can understand what the context of the game is.
D&D has used Greyhawk extensively in the past to illustrate basic world design.
Other games in which the rules and the setting are distinctly merged:
Earthdawn
Ars Magica
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Shadowrun
Flame Boy.