We primarily rely on playtests to fine tune things. One thing to keep in mind is that we do see a sometimes big disparity in how a more detailed, mathematical analysis might show as compared to actual play. AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.

mikemearls17 points21 days ago
Keep things simple. It’s better to run a short but fun scenario than bit off more than you can chew. Remember that the PCs are the stars – don’t overshadow them or give them questions/problems that only have one real answer. Comment from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.

mikemearls61 points19 days ago
I usually start with a solution in mind, then work backward to how to present it. I like the solutions to be relevant to a location or dungeons’s flavor. For instance, in an ancient library you might need to find the specific book that the ghostly sage wants. Comment from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.

mikemearls6 points21 days ago
No plans yet, but I do feature the Raven Queen in my home campaign, so you never know when I might tilt at that windmill again. Comment from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.

That said, we try to balance against where things should be rather than where they ended up. Player perception is also very important. Since D&D is coop, the perception of imbalance takes priority over mathematically proven imbalance.Comment from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.

One of the great things that has led to the success of 5th Edition is that it takes some of the best ideas from previous editions and updates them. However, each edition added something new — how present in your mind is the need to create something new for 5e that will become part of its unique legacy down the road? (New settings, new monsters, new races, new classes, etc)

mikemearls112 points19 days ago
Nothing in the sense of a new thing for the sake of a new thing. We usually think more in terms of what players and DMs might want or need, then look at how that might manifest as a story.

Classic stuff is easier to get a handle on. People know they like Ravenloft and want it, so we tackle it.

Really, for something new I want to create – new players and DMs. Comment from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.

Sometimes, you just gotta billow. Comment from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.

My question is a two-parter. I’m a fan of the WotC Chainmail skirmish combat game. I have all the figures and supplements save one of each (damn you Zombie Minotaur and Shadow of the Drow sourcebook!). But I can’t get my hands on the Core Rulebook (ISBN: 9780743004763), which was published briefly in pdf format on DrivethruRPG and then pulled when the game was cancelled.

I’ve emailed the folks at DtRPG who, rightly, say it’s WotC’s choice whether or not to re-list the book. And reaching out to WotC staff online has been unhelpful. Could you prevail upon management to re-release the book? It wouldn’t sell a ton, obviously, but it might help to re-ignite interest in skirmish combat set in the Greyhawk universe.

Second, and longer-term: is there any interest in developing mass-combat or skirmish-combat miniatures rulesets for 5e?

mikemearls12 points21 days ago
I can see about the Chainmail rulebook. I loved that game, too!

Yes, we are talking to a designer about tackling it in 2018 in UA. from discussion AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director.