D&D (2024) Predictions for Playtest packet 7's arrival

[GMMichael]

When should we expect the next packet?

Right about when the marketing team decides that internet chatter about D&D is starting to wane.

 

[Nikosandros]

This summary is quite accurate.

I don't quite understand.

 

[Horwath]

Right about when the marketing team decides that internet chatter about D&D is starting to wane.

This is so depressing, yet so accurate.

 

[Gorck]

Is there any chance that, after they're finished with the PHB UAs, they'll stagger the release of the MM and DMG UAs? Like, release MM UA, two weeks later release DMG UA, two weeks later do MM survey, two weeks later do DMG survey, two weeks later do second MM UA, etc.

 

[Parmandur]

Is there any chance that, after they're finished with the PHB UAs, they'll stagger the release of the MM and DMG UAs? Like, release MM UA, two weeks later release DMG UA, two weeks later do MM survey, two weeks later do DMG survey, two weeks later do second MM UA, etc.

I wouldn't expect more than two for both combined, IMO.

 

[Horwath]

Is there any chance that, after they're finished with the PHB UAs, they'll stagger the release of the MM and DMG UAs? Like, release MM UA, two weeks later release DMG UA, two weeks later do MM survey, two weeks later do DMG survey, two weeks later do second MM UA, etc.

They need to focus 100% on PHB if they want to hit that christmas 2024 mark.
MM and DMG can wait for 2025.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

They need to focus 100% on PHB if they want to hit that christmas 2024 mark.
MM and DMG can wait for 2025.

The big difference is they're not doing surveys on the MM or really on the DMG - so they've clearly already decided what to do with those. Thus the idea that they need to "focus" on the PHB to the exclusion of those (which may well be mostly complete even now!) is not sensible.

 

[Charlaquin]

Now you say that I kind of remember it, and thinking it was optimistic. I guess we'll see.

They had a panel at a recent con where they talked about it. The plan is for UAs 1-10 to focus on the PHB, and for more UAs beyond that to focus on the MM and DMG. Didn’t specify how many of those there would be, but I expect that would mean a minimum of 11 total UAs, and more likely 12-14 (either 2 MM UAs and 2 DMG UAs, or 2 combined MM/DMG UAs.)

 

[Charlaquin]

The big difference is they're not doing surveys on the MM or really on the DMG - so they've clearly already decided what to do with those. Thus the idea that they need to "focus" on the PHB to the exclusion of those (which may well be mostly complete even now!) is not sensible.

When did they say they’re not doing surveys on those? What would be the point of doing UAs on them if they’re not going to have accompanying surveys?

 

[Ruin Explorer]

They had a panel at a recent con where they talked about it. The plan is for UAs 1-10 to focus on the PHB, and for more UAs beyond that to focus on the MM and DMG. Didn’t specify how many of those there would be, but I expect that would mean a minimum of 11 total UAs, and more likely 12-14 (either 2 MM UAs and 2 DMG UAs, or 2 combined MM/DMG UAs.)

Oh wow so WotC have completely totally lost their minds or entirely given up on 2024 releases or both?

That's insane. I missed that. That's absolutely demented out-of-their-minds insane though.

They haven't got time for that. They're going to be hard-pressed to get anything about by Q4 2024 at the current rate. If they delay DMG and MM printing several months further, those are easily going to slip into 2025, it won't even be a question.

God, I thought WotC were kinda dumb, but I didn't think they were outright insane. This is actual active "fire people now" mismanagement.

Also real talk - what the hell can they even ask about the DMG and MM? MM-wise, they've clearly chosen the direction of monster design now, as seen in every book featuring monsters since MotM. It's a much more streamlined and well-considered approach, more reminiscent of 4E than initial 5E approach. It's not top tier but it's solid. Why would they need to ask questions about that? With the DMG, they've actually talked about what they felt was wrong with it, and they were right - they nailed the major points. So what on earth could they ask? To my mind, it seems like asking a bunch of ultra-hardcore grogs what they think should be in the DMG would explosively counterproductive.