Another idea I've toyed around with is a character avatar generator where someone can choose a species, adjust height, weight, looks, weapons and whatever else to create a character. Unfortunately, art isn't in my skill set. However, if anybody out there can draw it up, we should talk.
Next up is an interview with Marcelo of the Star Wars RPG Shop tool
How did you get into creating random generators?
I'm a programmer most of the time and so I'm always looking for ways to solve issues with apps and it usually revolves around current games we're playing.
We came across a shop generator made by MacKenzieHnC called "DUECredits" which worked out great but was limited to needing a PC.
I needed a project to pass the time and the group needed a way to generate shops using tablets or phones. So, I spent a couple weeks getting a workable app that we could use and shared it on the forums. Surprisingly, others found it pretty useful and it's been attracting a handful of users per day.
What generators are you most proud of creating and why?
I've really only created the one so I would have to say SWRPG Shop. It took a fair amount of work converting data to something more usable and trying to efficiently and quickly generate shops.
The first couple versions of generation were pretty CPU taxing and took way too long. After that trying to come up with new features that were needed or useful from user feedback.
What is the most fun thing about creating random generators?
Making it "random" enough and seeing the end result of what combinations you get.
What is the most interesting generator or tool you've seen?
I'm usually a player and not a DM so I don't usually go looking for generators but I've ran into DunGen recently and its super neat! (there is also an interview with Nick of DunGen)
What are your next big projects (generators or otherwise) that you can talk about?
At the moment there's nothing in mind. We've started a D&D session but there are so many great tools out there already that finding an area that isn't covered yet might be a challenge.
I've also kicked around the idea of building a mobile app for the shop generator but since the site is usable on mobile already I haven't explored it too much yet.
Another idea I've toyed around with is a character avatar generator where someone can choose a species, adjust height, weight, looks, weapons and whatever else to create a character. Unfortunately, art isn't in my skill set. However, if anybody out there can draw it up, we should talk.
Where can people find you on social media?
I mostly complain about JavaScript over on Twitter: @celo_fett. (At time of publishing Marcelo was 'making the move into "TypeScript all the things!"')
More Interviews...
You can find more more Creator Interviews on Rand Roll.
I'm also on instagram as rpg_generators. And you can always help keep the site running.
