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Sean K. ReynoldsProfessional game designer
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Sean K. Reynolds
- Early Life and Introduction to 'D&D'
- Early Career
- Work at 'Wizards of the Coast'
- Becoming a Game Designer
- Focus on 'Greyhawk'
- Contributions to 'D&D'
- Pathfinder Roleplaying Game
Biography of Sean K. Reynolds
IntroductionSean K. Reynolds is a professional game designer and co-author of several additions to the role-playing game 'Dungeons & Dragons' ('D&D') for the company 'Wizards of the Coast'. He has also worked on game products for other companies.
Early Life and Introduction to 'D&D'
Sean K. Reynolds was born and raised in Chula Vista, California. He first encountered the 'D&D' universe in 1980 when he was introduced to the 'Basic Set' in a red box and the 'Expert Set' in a blue box by a relative. He soon started playing the more complex version, 'Advanced Dungeons & Dragons' ('AD&D').
Early Career
In 1994, Reynolds began working for 'Time Warner Interactive' where he was responsible for developing their websites and the 'America Online' division. In 1995, he entered the role-playing game industry when he was hired as the Internet Network Coordinator for 'TSR', replacing Bruce Cordell. Reynolds recalls, "I had two goals: to make the 'TSR' website and to change the company's restrictive online policies to something more reasonable."
Work at 'Wizards of the Coast'
When 'TSR' was acquired by 'Wizards of the Coast', Reynolds relocated to Washington and began working on enhancing the existing 'Wizards of the Coast' website. One of his greatest achievements during this period was his influence in relaxing the online policies of both 'TSR' and 'Wizards of the Coast', which had often led to conflicts between the companies and fans of role-playing games.
Becoming a Game Designer
The situation at 'Wizards of the Coast' improved to such an extent that Reynolds applied for a position as a game designer in the Research and Development department. He authored 'The Scarlet Brotherhood' supplement for 'AD&D', 'Beyond Science: A Guide to FX' for the game 'Alternity', and 'The Green Goblin's Guide to Crime' for the 'Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game'. Reynolds also contributed to projects such as 'RPGA' and the game 'Children of the Night: Ghosts'.
Focus on 'Greyhawk'
By 1998, Reynolds stopped taking on web projects and fully immersed himself in his design interests at 'Wizards of the Coast', particularly in the fictional world of 'Greyhawk', one of the settings in 'Dungeons & Dragons'. He was part of the creative team known as 'Team Greyhawk', which was tasked with revitalizing the oldest setting of 'TSR' and 'Wizards of the Coast'.
Contributions to 'D&D'
Reynolds also made contributions to the third edition of the 'D&D Monster Manual', introducing new characters such as the mythical creature called the krenshar. However, he was let go from 'Wizards of the Coast' in 2002 and went on to establish his own publishing company called 'Sean K Reynolds Games'. He continued working in the d20 role-playing game system as a freelance IP developer for the private company 'Upper Deck'.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game
In July 2008, Reynolds was invited by 'Paizo' to develop the role-playing game 'Pathfinder Roleplaying Game'. Some of his notable books written for the third edition of 'Dungeons & Dragons' include 'Living Greyhawk Gazetteer', 'Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting', 'Savage Species', and 'Ghostwalk', co-authored with Monte Cook.
