Third edition is kind of infamous for the large power disparity between some classes. This has changed dramatically since then and modern D&D is much more balanced. In the development of 4E, how did you gauge power level, and how did that change the way you approached D&D design for 4E and 5E?
Was there ever any thought in 4E to making a Martial controller class?
Eberron was designed specifically for 3.5 and it turned out to have a dedicated fandom. Was there any thought to doing the same thing with 4E and 5E?
D&D has a lot of campaign settings that are not currently supported in 5E. What’s your favorite campaign setting that you think is unlikely to receive support?
And thanks again.
mikemearls15 points20 days ago
4e power balance was more spreadsheet and number based. 5e uses some of that, but there’s a much bigger emphasis on letting people feel powerful.
Not really. I think in the original design the idea was to leave that box empty.
4e’s setting was supposed to be the Nentir Vale. For 5e, we wanted the rules to be less impactful on what a setting should or must look like. We wanted the rules to be more transparent or flexible.
I think we will eventually get to them all, but Greyhawk will be the toughest nut to crack to keep it true to its roots while also making it standout as something interesting to new players. from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.
