gamerprinter
Mapper/Publisher
What distresses me about this news is that it indicates that the hobby is not getting new players. If this were true.
Hear me out.
4E was designed to appeal to new players. Simplified system. Getting the word out through new channels.
Pathfinder is the safe haven for older players - the dedicated fans who will purchase their products directly from the company or at hobby stores (it's not like PF has a real presence outside of the niche market). Their books are luxury priced, daunting for new players, etc.
Despite your personal example, I think appeal to new players was a design goal, but due to its complexity is a failure at that. 4e is really for disgruntled 3.5 players wanting something different. WotC hopes to attract new people, and though that may still happen, I think it really hasn't yet.
I've got four new players in my game and they are all playing in our PF game, and have no intentions of going 4e... basically both our personal experiences have no place in this discussion and offer no particular insight.
Also I don't see 4e as being the required 'gateway drug' for new players, any more than PF will be with its 'basics box set' coming soon. I think both Essentials and the Basics will target that audience and both will do well. One won't be the default new players game.
I think this report shows that both will be attracting new blood and that this is a great thing!
GP
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