Since T5 will be the first Traveller game of the 21st century, maybe it's time to update what is actually included with the game. In particular, if you are going to have mind-bogglingly complex design systems, great, but include software, at least a spreadsheet to automate the process. There is absolutely no reason that T5 should reflect the game technology available in the 1960's and 70's. Update it.
Software Support for T5
- Thread starter Since1977
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Granpafishy
SOC-12
Has there been any progress made in this area?
E
EvilDrGanymede
Guest
In what area? There isn't even officially a final concrete T5 yet. No-one with a modicum of sense would want to develop software for something that isn't even finalised. I think this T5 software suggestion is somewhat over-optimistic at this stage.
Speaking as someone who has created complex software for a living, doing so for a system (specification) that is not yet fixed and that is likely to change and have errata (let's look at T4 as an example...), it is rather premature to be cooking up the software for release. Sure, a few development/analysis tools, but serious software should wait until the rules stabilize.
Gallowglass
SOC-12
I thought that was the definition of a large commercial project, or is that just the UK Rail Industry?
Cheers
Nick Middleton
Andrew Boulton
The Adminator
Speaking as someone who has created complex software for a living, that's exactly what tends to happen!
Yah, software for Traveller is bound to be
fanbase-written and supported, rather than
published, at least until saavy marketing
unites with a software publisher to create
something to accompany a popular RPG line.
I'd say GURPS or T20 currently have the best
shot at producing Traveller software, and even
then such software probably can't make money.
At least, I don't think so. Industry-standard
software is expensive nowadays I think.
fanbase-written and supported, rather than
published, at least until saavy marketing
unites with a software publisher to create
something to accompany a popular RPG line.
I'd say GURPS or T20 currently have the best
shot at producing Traveller software, and even
then such software probably can't make money.
At least, I don't think so. Industry-standard
software is expensive nowadays I think.
When I worked on a MMORPG, I recall that the standard computer game was reckoned to cost well over 1 MCr U.S. so take that as a referent.
As for the other comments, I agree both that the situation is typical of what happens and that it seems to be the definition of many large projects.
However, I'm not sure that that invalidates what I said. It is still premature, despite the ubiquity of this method of project development. Note that the state of today's software engineering practice should probably NOT be taken as an example of how things *should* be done.
As for the other comments, I agree both that the situation is typical of what happens and that it seems to be the definition of many large projects.
However, I'm not sure that that invalidates what I said. It is still premature, despite the ubiquity of this method of project development. Note that the state of today's software engineering practice should probably NOT be taken as an example of how things *should* be done.
I'm thinking GRiP integration is what we'd be most likely to see. Even if QLI doesn't do T5, they still have a good relationship with FFE. The most likely thing we'll see is either a d20 or GURPS software engine. Making a software engine for a standalone system makes no sense, but making one for a widespread system like d20 or GURPS would. If T20 does well, having a software implementation might be something seen in the next revision. GURPS Traveller might already see a software version in GURPS Online. SJ Games and WA might decide that the GO engine could be modified somewhat to be used for standard RPing.
What would be easy to do is to include a CD with searchable PDFs with any hardcover release. It would certainly be handy to have it as an option. CDs aren't that hard to make. Hard copy works well if you just need to flip somewhere (as well as being portable), PDFs work for quick searching. The only thing I dislike about PDFs is that Acrobat is some serious bloatware, but it's the only cross-platform solution that's financially feasable.
What would be easy to do is to include a CD with searchable PDFs with any hardcover release. It would certainly be handy to have it as an option. CDs aren't that hard to make. Hard copy works well if you just need to flip somewhere (as well as being portable), PDFs work for quick searching. The only thing I dislike about PDFs is that Acrobat is some serious bloatware, but it's the only cross-platform solution that's financially feasable.
I'm thinking GRiP integration is what we'd be most likely to see. Even if QLI doesn't do T5, they still have a good relationship with FFE. The most likely thing we'll see is either a d20 or GURPS software engine. Making a software engine for a standalone system makes no sense, but making one for a widespread system like d20 or GURPS would. If T20 does well, having a software implementation might be something seen in the next revision. GURPS Traveller might already see a software version in GURPS Online. SJ Games and WA might decide that the GO engine could be modified somewhat to be used for standard RPing.
What would be easy to do is to include a CD with searchable PDFs with any hardcover release. It would certainly be handy to have it as an option. CDs aren't that hard to make. Hard copy works well if you just need to flip somewhere (as well as being portable), PDFs work for quick searching. The only thing I dislike about PDFs is that Acrobat is some serious bloatware, but it's the only cross-platform solution that's financially feasable.
What would be easy to do is to include a CD with searchable PDFs with any hardcover release. It would certainly be handy to have it as an option. CDs aren't that hard to make. Hard copy works well if you just need to flip somewhere (as well as being portable), PDFs work for quick searching. The only thing I dislike about PDFs is that Acrobat is some serious bloatware, but it's the only cross-platform solution that's financially feasable.
