The ENnie Awards

 

 

Jeramy Ware

  Jeramy Ware

aka Master of the Game, MotG

Introduction
A gamer for more than 25 years, I have run numerous campaigns using many different systems. I have extensive experience as a GM and a player, and though I have never been a part of the industry, I have been a member of the community for most of my life.

I believe that I am a good judge because I enjoy a variety of games, and can see through their differences without having any preconceived notions about the inherent superiority of any system. I also have the time and desire to read through the books that I would have to review as a judge. The flexibility of my work allows several hours each day to dedicate to fulfilling my responsibilities.

During my previous terms I have proven myself capable of handling my duties, and I promise to bring the same work ethic and sincerity to my term this year.

Finally, I'll not only commit myself, but each of my weekly games to judge as many games as possible through playtest, rather than simple study. I have a dedicated group of experienced players who have proven to be just as excited as I am to be a part of this process.

Anyone wanting a detailed description of my previous terms please visit my blog at http://ENniejudge.blogspot.com/ where I list the products I received and the reasoning behind the choices I made. If elected again I'll continue that blog with the same openness and willingness to answer questions and hear opinions.

1. When did you join the RPG hobby and what inspired you to become involved and stay with it?
I was first introduced to gaming by my older brother, who used me as guinea pig to try out his campaigns back in 1982. I've stayed involved for all these years because there's nothing I enjoy doing more than roleplaying, and I can't imagine a better hobby to spend my time on.

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've been a GM for most of my gaming experience, though I've played a great deal as well. I often homebrew my own systems and always my own campaigns, but have never really had an interest in publishing. I also served as an ENnies judge in 2007 and 2009, and last year I did some playtesting for the (as yet unreleased) Dresden Files RPG by Evil Hat Games.
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?
I have a great deal of flexibility in my work, allowing me to spend 10 to 12 hours a day working on my ENnies responsibilities. My group has also proven willing to help me playtest the materials, and I often turn to them to discuss their perspectives on the products.
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 have time and energy, solid judgment, and a commitment to fulfill my responsibilities; as well as experience from my previous terms as a judge.
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”?
At the moment I'm pretty heavily into pseudo-historical fantasy, but my favorite genres change pretty frequently. Currently I’m running a post-apocalyptic game using Spycraft 2.0, a noble house game using the Song of Ice and Fire RPG, and a modern fantasy horror game using Scion. Usually I find myself wanting to play whatever I'm not currently running. I don't know that I have a huge preference for a particular company or system, but GURPS, D&D, Fate, and Shadowrun are my go-to games.
6. What system do you think is best designed? Is it the one you play most?
Ouch, that's tough. I like systems that are written to evoke a specific style of play. Especially those that are written for a particular game setting. FATE has my all-around vote, because I feel like it can be used for anything, but I play d20 most frequently.
7. What games have you played in the past year? List up to 10 RPGs you have played the most.
I play a a lot of games, but I guess the systems I’ve used the most lately are FATE, Song of Ice and Fire, DnD 4e, Shadowrun, Spycraft, GURPS, Burning Wheel, and Traveller.
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?
Much of my voting preferences have been discussed in length on my blog, but most importantly it comes down to judging each product on its own merit, not worrying about how it stacks up against something else. Innovation has its place in judging, especially in the rules-specific categories, but it certainly shouldn’t be the sole determining factor.
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?
As I have done in the past when I have judged, I will get my hands on core materials for any system I don't already own wherever possible. If I simply don't like a system I will seek out reliable sources that do. Usually I look to reviews and actual play posts extensively during my reviews to try and understand what other people find to be fun about the system.
10. How would you like to see the ENnies change (categories, policies, etc)? What should remain inviolate?
Mostly I think communication between the ENnies staff and publishers needs to be improved. There needs to be a quick easy way for entrants to see any decisions or changes that have been made that might affect their products. Beyond that, I think the ENnies need to keep their fan-based focus. Keep open communication with anyone interested about each product and why they are being considered. For categories, I'd like to see the inclusion of a blog category to showcase the growing number of bloggers out there.
BONUS: (optional) If you were an RPG, what would it be, and would you play it?
I’d be some terribly complex Frankenstein homebrew. I'd play it, but always know in my heart that no one else would likely enjoy it.

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