The RPGnet Interview

Jonathan Hicks: Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself?

James M. Ward: I'm James M. Ward and I've worked in the hobby since 1974. I wrote the first science fiction role playing game: Metamorphosis Alpha released in 1976 and it's still selling online today.

JH: Tell us about your RPG history - what got you into the wonderful world of tabletop roleplaying?

JW: Gary Gygax was kind enough to teach me how to play D&D. I remember it took me six months to figure out the poly dice.

JH: What is it about the tabletop RPG hobby that attracts you? What do you enjoy most when playing a game?

JW: I like the challenge of surviving in a fantasy world. I enjoy learning new game systems and playing wizard style characters.

JH: What's your favourite game? What games that are out there at the moment float your boat?

JW: Metamorphosis Alpha is my game and I still love playing it.

JH: Do you still get time to play? What are you playing at the moment?

JW: I'm in the middle of playtesting a new adventure I've written called Squirrel Tower.

JH: The tabletop roleplaying hobby has been through a lot changes over the years and it seems that its death-knell is always sounded when newer hobbies come along, such as collectible card games and online computer games. It still seems to be able to hold its own, though – what do you see happening to the hobby in the future? What changes, if any, do you think will have to be made to ensure its survival?

JW: It's going to survive no matter what because you can't beat sitting around the table with friends and playing. I think there might be a lot more Skyping going on in the future.

JH: Out of all your projects, what are you most proud of?

JW: I have a lot of projects to be proud of. I think the original Gamma World was some of my best work.

JH: You’ve no doubt mixed with other great names in the roleplaying community – do you have any stories or anecdotes to share? Any horror stories? Be as frank as you like!

JW: I really like working with Steve over at Troll Lords, he has such a good and positive attitude about life that he's fun to deal with.

JH: What are you working on at the moment?

JW: I've just started blogging at www.eldritchent.com and that's interesting for me. I'm working on an OGL adventure called Bastion of Wolves that has the potential to be a big hit.