D&D 4E 4E: What we think we know

Korgoth · Aug 16, 2007

Baron Opal said:
And I bet they're giving Wiz_DaveG a spanking...

Oy. Let's hope no one posts a picture of that!

WayneLigon · Aug 16, 2007

takasi said:
It's interesting that the forums had a listing for 4E Eberron and 4E Forgotten Realms, but no mention of Greyhawk, Dragonlance, etc.

Not really a surprise at all. I would not be surprised if we don't hear from them again for some time to come. If ever.

Asmor · Aug 16, 2007

WayneLigon said:
Not really a surprise at all. I would not be surprised if we don't hear from them again for some time to come. If ever.

Not like they had much support to begin with.

I can understand Wizards focusing support on only the two settings (honestly, I kinda wish they'd nix Forgotten Realms), but I think they should lease the rights to other popular old settings to other publishers.

Ruin Explorer · Aug 16, 2007

Asmor said:
Not like they had much support to begin with.

I can understand Wizards focusing support on only the two settings (honestly, I kinda wish they'd nix Forgotten Realms), but I think they should lease the rights to other popular old settings to other publishers.

I'll actually be rather surprised if they don't do that, in 4E. Really, they could hand them out to the various "chosen" licensees, very easily.

I just hope whatever dark gods guide their hands lead them to giving Planescape to someone good (Green Ronin come to mind, but others may have better ideas). Also Dark Sun. Please Dark Sun.

Zeit · Aug 16, 2007

Can't say I'm happy about this. WotC so far has shown a good instinct of pissing off a lot of fans, I don't think this will be too different.

Whizbang Dustyboots · Aug 16, 2007

MerricB said:
4E will not be a Open Gaming Licensed property.

/snicker

If 1E can be reverse-engineered under OGL, so will 4E.

But thanks for playing, WotC. The horse is already out of the barn.

And as for The Fork, bring it on. I'd love to see one of the major D20 players step up with a replacement core. My preferences would be Malhavoc, Goodman Games, Paizo or Green Ronin, in that order.

Frostmarrow · Aug 16, 2007

catsclaw227 said:
Check out this screenshot for an idea of what was in the forums.

http://www.daggergate.com/wizards4e.gif

Lol, they have one Doomsday and one Halellujah thread prepared. That feature alone will make it easier for people to whine about the new edition. I love it when people plan a head.

Sell your books! 4dventure is coming!

Arashi Ravenblade · Aug 16, 2007

So what does this mean for the current OGL?

Agamon · Aug 16, 2007

thundershot said:
They probably built the boards and just didn't hide them fast enough.

Reminds me of '99. Someone at WotC created a 3rd Edition newsgroup on the Monday before GenCon. It was there for a few hours and then gone again. Caught a lot of people by surprise....

Charwoman Gene · Aug 16, 2007

From theminiaturespage.com

August 16, 2007 (Renton, WA) – Whether you storm a mad wizard's tower every week or haven't delved into a dungeon since you had a mullet and a mean pair of parachute pants, one thing is certain - millions of D&D players worldwide have anticipated the coming of 4th Edition for many years. Today, Wizards of the Coast confirms that the new edition will launch in May 2008 with the release of the D&D Player's Handbook. A pop culture icon, Dungeons & Dragons is the #1 tabletop roleplaying game in the world, and is revered by legions of gamers of all ages.

The 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons game includes elements familiar to current D&D players, including illustrated rulebooks and pre-painted plastic miniatures. Also releasing next year will be new web-based tools and online community forums through the brand-new Dungeons & Dragons Insider (D&D Insider) digital offering. D&D Insider lowers the barriers of entry for new players while simultaneously offering the depth of play that appeals to veteran players.

The 4th Edition rules emphasize faster game play, offer exciting new character options, and reduce the amount of "prep time" needed to run the game. D&D Insider includes a character creator that lets players design and equip their D&D characters, dungeon- and adventure-building tools for Dungeon Masters, online magazine content, and a digital game table that lets you play 24/7 on the internet — the perfect option for anyone who can't find time to get together.

"We've been gathering player feedback for eight years," said Bill Slavicsek, R&D Director of Roleplaying and Miniatures Games at Wizards of the Coast. "Fourth Edition streamlines parts of the D&D game that are too complex, while enhancing the overall play experience. At its heart, it's still a tabletop game experience. However, D&D Insider makes it easier for players to create characters, run their games, and interact with the rest of the D&D community."

Wizards of the Coast will release two 4th Edition preview books in December and January — Wizards Presents: Classes and Races and Wizards Presents: Worlds and Monsters. The first live demos of 4th Edition will happen at the D&D Experience gaming convention in Washington D.C. in February 2008. The full scope of 4th Edition books, miniatures, and adventures will be available in the spring and summer of 2008.

Since its first release in 1974, the fantasy roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons has taken millions of players on imaginary adventures of epic scale. Today, D&D is universally regarded as the original game that created the roleplaying game category, and the inspiration for generations of game designers. D&D is enjoyed by millions of players worldwide, while countless more remember it with fond nostalgia.