DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
If they sell pdfs or downloadable versions of some kind, I am okay with no print although I prefer it. If you can only purchase and access your books via sites like DND Beyond, then I would never play that edition.
Print not emphasized could mean the 3 core books only in print on a regular basis, and everything else only available in print for a limited time with a bunch of collector incentives.I don't think it is a binary decision. Print and digital will continue to exist side by side for a long time to come.
When I pick up my wargaming magazines each month I always lament there isn't a print RPG mag to throw my money at. the UK has at least 3 major wargaming mags but no RPG mags out there?
One thing to keep in mind is that D&D books are more than just game manuals; they are also read as books for inspiration and entertainment. (One of 4E's big mistakes was failing to recognize this.)
My group is all-digital as far as the gaming side is concerned--there isn't a single book at the table, and only one of us uses a paper character sheet--but I still buy physical books when I want to sit down and read them.
Still, I believe digital will be the emphasis. The tools are just too good now, are how a huge portion of new players are being introduced to the game, are more malleable, and IMOHO, speed up and improve the experience at the table.
More malleable? Dude, I can take a sheet of paper, and write anything I want on it, in any way. How is an electronic form going to be more malleable than that?
I don't know how many players are *introduced* to the game through electronic tools, and I would like to know how you come to that assessment. What evidence do you have for this?