AFGNCAAP
First Post
I apologize if there's already a thread like this, but I'd just thought I'd ask.
Though 4e seems to have some interesting changes in store (from the bits & pieces of rumor floating about), I have to wonder if this will not be good for sales of current D&D products (at least until mid-2008).
As it is, I know I will not purchase any more D&D products until 4e is released. I have budget limits as it is, and I don't care to spend money of stuff that'll be deemed outdated within a year. I may start selling off books that I don't use anymore, and I'll recommend my friends to do the same (since many of them are broke cheapskates like me).
Also, I wonder if sales of existing products (other than minis) will sharply decline with this announcement, &/or if obtaining electronic copies of works "illegitimately" may increase, since folks may feel more motivated to obtain materials at no cost, esp. since it'll be outdated in a year. Esp. with the statement of "starting campaigns fresh will be better" from the WotC folks.
Also, what about CRPGs & the like? Sure, if they're entertaining enough, folks may buy them. But IMHO a good game that uses/works with the current rules set seems to be a great recruiting tool for new players (and, those players will be somewhat familiar with the tropes & system of the game thanks to the CRPG).
I'm also curious to hear what some of the 3rd-party publishers around here have to say about the prospects of 4e's OGL. Will the new method be good to keep quality products? Will the licence's cost (which I guess there will be) keep everyone except the big fish out of the pond?
Also, with 4e looming, how will this affect stuff like Paizo's Pathfinder series? It seems like that was going to be their new thing, but will it change & be updated to 4e, or will it suffer because people may not be interested in buying something for a soon-to-be-obsolete system?
I'm just wondering what sort of financial impact this may have in general.
Though 4e seems to have some interesting changes in store (from the bits & pieces of rumor floating about), I have to wonder if this will not be good for sales of current D&D products (at least until mid-2008).
As it is, I know I will not purchase any more D&D products until 4e is released. I have budget limits as it is, and I don't care to spend money of stuff that'll be deemed outdated within a year. I may start selling off books that I don't use anymore, and I'll recommend my friends to do the same (since many of them are broke cheapskates like me).
Also, I wonder if sales of existing products (other than minis) will sharply decline with this announcement, &/or if obtaining electronic copies of works "illegitimately" may increase, since folks may feel more motivated to obtain materials at no cost, esp. since it'll be outdated in a year. Esp. with the statement of "starting campaigns fresh will be better" from the WotC folks.
Also, what about CRPGs & the like? Sure, if they're entertaining enough, folks may buy them. But IMHO a good game that uses/works with the current rules set seems to be a great recruiting tool for new players (and, those players will be somewhat familiar with the tropes & system of the game thanks to the CRPG).
I'm also curious to hear what some of the 3rd-party publishers around here have to say about the prospects of 4e's OGL. Will the new method be good to keep quality products? Will the licence's cost (which I guess there will be) keep everyone except the big fish out of the pond?
Also, with 4e looming, how will this affect stuff like Paizo's Pathfinder series? It seems like that was going to be their new thing, but will it change & be updated to 4e, or will it suffer because people may not be interested in buying something for a soon-to-be-obsolete system?
I'm just wondering what sort of financial impact this may have in general.
