The ENnie Awards

 

 

Christopher W. Richeson

Christopher W. Richeson

aka C.W. Richeson

Introduction
I'm an attorney and hobbyist RPG reviewer from Tennessee, and since I seem to consistently be playing the games that are nominated for awards anyway I might as well help with the process. I enjoy playing a broad variety of RPGs, and my gaming groups have always been good about trying new things whenever the opportunity presents itself.

1. When did you join the RPG hobby and what inspired you to become involved and stay with it?
Around 1995 I started regularly playing D6 Star Wars and AD&D, and I've been playing ever since. The fantastic people I've met and many hours of fun have kept my interest going.

2. Since you joined the hobby, what roles have you played (e.g. vending, professional writing and publishing, freelancing, reviewing, convention organizing, homebrewing, playing, GMing, etc.)?
I play and GM, of course, but I've been peripherally involved with the hobby. I regularly post RPG reviews at RPGnet, and occasionally post them to ENWorld and other boards. I've written columns on the industry as well. Ultimately, though, I just really love getting to play the games with my friends and am content to be a game participant and occasional critic.
 
3. The ENnies require a major commitment of time and mental energy. What resources do you bring that will help you discharge these responsibilities? Will your gaming group or other individuals be assisting you? Does your family support you?
My entire gaming group stands ready to work with me to playtest anything that comes through the door, and I have the ability to build a second group to run one-shots of games as well. My friends and family are very supportive of my hobby, and I have plenty of time to engage in judging while also playing what I receive.
4. Judging requires a great deal of critical thinking skills, communication with other judges, deadline management, organization, and storage space for the product received. What interests, experience and skills do you bring that will make you a more effective judge?
I'm an attorney and am accustomed to coordinating with others, meeting deadlines, and organizing my tasks.

I also bring the skills of a long time game reviewer, along with those of someone who endeavors to play as many different and interesting RPGs as possible.
5. What styles and genres of RPGs do you enjoy most? Are there any styles or genres that you do not enjoy? Which games best exemplify what you like? Do you consider yourself a particular system’s, publisher’s or genre’s “fanboy/girl”?
I like games that encourage players to engage in exciting roleplay at the table and be awarded for it, which means I tend to like games that have a meta currency that supports proactive play. I very much enjoy games where mechanics support theme and playstyle, such as horror games with mechanics that make the game world scary.

I think both versions of Dread do a good job of exemplifying what I like, in that they both have mechanics carefully designed to support a certain style of play. More than simple dice modifiers, these systems encourage tense horror and splatterpunk gore, respectively, and are well thought out.

I have favorite games, but I don't have any that are flawless. I don't consider myself to be a fanboy.
6. What system do you think is best designed? Is it the one you play most?
I think systems are designed for different goals and play styles. Without a doubt, Starblazer Adventures is best designed to fit my play style and preferences, though I think there are plenty of other expertly designed games. I do play Starblazer the most, for now, and I'm having a ton of fun.
7. What games have you played in the past year? List up to 10 RPGs you have played the most.
D&D 4E
Starblazer Adventures
Swashbucklers of the Seven Skies
Mouse Guard
Hunter: The Vigil
Hollow Earth Expedition
Angel
GURPS 4E
Mutants & Masterminds 2E
Wild Talents
8. Briefly summarize the criteria you will use for judging products in the different categories. How will you deal with comparing products of vastly disparate lengths, medium (PDF vs. print), or mechanics to prose ratios? Will innovation and originality play a major role?
I keep the purpose and goal of a product firmly in mind when judging it, which allows me to more easily compare whether a given product has succeeded at what it set out to do. When comparing the products head to head I will draw from such considerations as fun in play, originality, quality of writing, production values, and similarly subjective criteria.
9. How will you judge supplements or adventures for game systems whose core rules you are unfamiliar with or you believe are badly designed? What about for systems that are out of print?
I'll acquire a copy of the core rules and become familiar with them. Whether I favor the system or not I can still evaluate the contribution a supplement or adventure makes with that system in mind. I'll disclose my bias to the other judges and discuss my reasons with them, so that they may assist me in being as objective as possible.
10. How would you like to see the ENnies change (categories, policies, etc)? What should remain inviolate?
I'm content with the current status of the ENnies awards.
 

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