Brian Compton
First Post
I can see WotC being nervous about investing in something that may or may not happen. However, of all the RPG businesses out there, they could afford the risk. Also, Chapter 11 is not typically a sign of a massive problem- I believe you have to qualify for this by making a plan to pay back creditors and get the business back in the black. If you aren't able to make this happen, then you don't get to go into Chapter 11 (which shields you from creditor lawsuits to force you to pay back your debt irregardless of ability). Having business people, I'm sure WotC knows this. That they're still worried is a bad sign.
Also, I don't think 4E work is at fault. If anything, this should have been a well-planned massive roll-out of 4E, as this is the second major con (I'm guessing Origins will have 4E available) where it can be played in full and discussed, and the first one to really have strong ties with WotC. This should have been a grand climax of 4E's release, with big previews of upcoming material and chances to ask questions directly about rules and "Why did you..." decisions. Again, that WotC is worried about using this big of a platform to promote 4E could speak volumes.
2008 could be a very sad year for gaming- it has seen the end of Gary, and it may soon see the end of Gary's convention.
Also, I don't think 4E work is at fault. If anything, this should have been a well-planned massive roll-out of 4E, as this is the second major con (I'm guessing Origins will have 4E available) where it can be played in full and discussed, and the first one to really have strong ties with WotC. This should have been a grand climax of 4E's release, with big previews of upcoming material and chances to ask questions directly about rules and "Why did you..." decisions. Again, that WotC is worried about using this big of a platform to promote 4E could speak volumes.
2008 could be a very sad year for gaming- it has seen the end of Gary, and it may soon see the end of Gary's convention.