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focus D20 has had on focusing on combats rather than roleplaying. Most of the mechanics in D20 system is focused on fighting enemies with weapons and spells, as defeating them is how D20 characters gain experience. However, there are other ways for characters to get around obstacles, such as diplomacy and intimidation and other social ways of defeating enemies. Traditionally, D20 games have had Diplomacy and Intimidation skills as a mechanic for social combat, but how well this is used is dependent on the play style of individual DMs and players - some prefer to focus on the mechanics of socializing, leaving it up to a roll, while others prefer to act it out through actual roleplay. Because of the focus on physical combat in previous editions, social combat took the back seat, which is why it was reduced to only two skills, while the rules for physical combat fills up most of the mechanics for the books. How much social combat will be developed or changed in 4th edition, or if it will be changed at all, has yet to be seen.

These are what I consider to be the primary problems that have afflicted the D20 system. If Wizards of the Coast were to address these problems, not only will the game experience be more enjoyable for players, it will also expand the opportunities and potential for how the game is played. With such creative people playing roleplaying games, that is what is most important to them. It will also get players more interested in the system and willing to purchase D20 books, which is what the publishers want. Making a well-balanced system that cross over multiple genres that can entertain roleplayers is the best way to do that.

Learn more about this author, Stephen Pate.
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