I must admit as a software developer I don't see this as always bad. Eventually one or two standards move to the top of the pile after version updates whereby they "are inspired by" other good features in other standards. While it would be nice to have a single unifying standard, it shouldn't be until a technology is largely stagnant that such appears.
For example, at work my desktop uses IE6-9, Netscape Navigator 8 and 9, Chrome (current version only), Firefox 3 and above, Opera (current version) and Maxthon 2 and 3. Its irritating to test things against all browsers when I get stuck doing something web facing. But when I look at all the competing standards and their evolution it becomes obvious the benefit gained from their competition. I have no doubt that RPGs likewise benefit from such competition (even if there are some bad detours)
Wow. Yes, indeed, it does.
ReplyDeleteI must admit as a software developer I don't see this as always bad. Eventually one or two standards move to the top of the pile after version updates whereby they "are inspired by" other good features in other standards. While it would be nice to have a single unifying standard, it shouldn't be until a technology is largely stagnant that such appears.
ReplyDeleteFor example, at work my desktop uses IE6-9, Netscape Navigator 8 and 9, Chrome (current version only), Firefox 3 and above, Opera (current version) and Maxthon 2 and 3. Its irritating to test things against all browsers when I get stuck doing something web facing. But when I look at all the competing standards and their evolution it becomes obvious the benefit gained from their competition. I have no doubt that RPGs likewise benefit from such competition (even if there are some bad detours)
I must admit Zzarchov. Sometimes you really, really worry me.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably even more poignant when it comes to RPGs.
ReplyDeleteI have never understood the drive to claim you have a unified mechanic, crazy talk.
Color me guilty.
ReplyDeleteAnd crazy.