English Version
"Have a great time!"
Interview with Monte Cook, Game Designer Guest of Honor 2009
By A. D'Urso
Q: As one of the greatest living Role-playing Games designers, You've seen a lot of conventions worldwide. One year after your participation in 2009, what are the aspects of Lucca Games that you consider the most representatives of our convention?
A: At Lucca, we received a warm reception from both the convention organizers and the attendees. Further, I was honored that the convention created and presented a showcase showing examples of my work over the years--no one has ever done such a thing for me before.
The convention itself is different from any that I've ever attended in that it was held within a Medieval walled city of great beauty, so that we strolled through history even as we explored the convention and attended the
various events.
Q: Your presence at Lucca Games marked the comeback of the RPG as a main theme for the convention guests, after some years spent at the background; this continues in 2010, with Steve Perrin as guest of honour.
Do you think the gaming industry is shifting back towards an RPG dominance after the rise of boardgames in Europe?
A: Not entirely. RPGs, I think, will always be more of a niche of the hobby than boardgames, which appeal to a wider audience. At least in the US, most boardgame players are casual players, but RPG players are often more fanatic (like me!).
Q: About you: during the public meeting at Lucca Games you exposed some of your future projects (I remember, for example, a plan for a space-opera oriented RPG, and planned "incursions" in the computer RPG world). How much of these ideas has been concretized? What we can expect from you for 2011?
Is there something you're working on that can be anticipated?
A: This year I helped create a Facebook game called Age of Champions and a card game based on Super Hero Squad, a Marvel-based TV show. I've also been working a lot on writing fiction, some of which will be available in 2011.
Q: Gaming and videogaming, one of the most discussed topics in recent times: it's never simple to combine both worlds. Lucca Games, although only recently opened to the world of videogames, tries to blend the two worlds
with the use of fantasy art as a buffer. Do you think the system works well? Do you have any suggestions for us?
A: More and more gaming moves into the electronic world, and it's good that Lucca Games embraces that. However, most computer games still cannot replace the social aspect of traditional games, where you see your fellow players face to face. Since the convention is a social gathering, I hope that the focus will remain on traditional games. Fantasy art, as you point out, is a nice common ground for both types of games and is a wonderfully visual way to showcase all kinds of games.
Q: Again on the gaming&electronics topic. Given your experience, is there a merger in sight between RPGs and CRPGs, or the two categories are gonna maintain their peculiarities for a long time? We are already experiencing the first "crossover" products, but what will represent the future of gaming
in your opinion?
A: CRPGs progress more and more toward a true role-playing experience, which is great. From the perspective of traditional RPGs, however, I think we'll see more and more web-based tools for creating characters and adventures, but ultimately the game will remain in the imagination of the players, which is still greater than any graphics a computer can currently display. Also, traditional RPGs will always be more flexible and open-ended because the GM can create anything he or she wishes right there on the spot, rather than waiting for a programmer.
Q: The workshop you held on settings&rules design in RPG achieved a critical success, with participants ranging from variuos tipologies (expert gamers, designers, gaming enthusiasts and so on) all underlining the confrontative atmosphere developed during the debate. What "special ingredient" you put in that made it possibile?
A: I think that one of the great things about gaming is the creativity involved. Even those not interested in actual professional game design jobs appreciate learning how games are created and can gain valuable insight into
the creative process. The difference, for example, between a game designer and a GM is often blurred. Tips for one work for the other as well. I think realizing that people come to the process from many different perspectives
helped bring the group together and made for some great discussions.
Q: We're now at the end of the interview. Is there anything you want to say to Lucca Games 2010 guests and
participants?
A: To the guests, I would say, you are in good hands. The crew behind Lucca Games are friendly, well-organized, and very willing to help provide you with a great time. Enjoy!
To the participants, I would say, take advantage of the great opportunities you have. Talk to the guests. Try a game you've never played before. Meet some new friends. Have a great time!
