Got the D&D 4e Starter Set...So whatcha wanna know?

[Delta]

LATE EDIT*** Imagine if character creation was in for a second. Imagine spending some time to get a character made (might seem complex to a D&D noob) and having him die in one of the encounters. The D&D noob might be put off at the time it took to create a character to only have it die in a short while later. Pregens give them a taste for the system without the prep or attachment of a self-made character.

You just described exactly how all my friends got hooked on Blue Box Basic, and made them want to play more, and do better. For 30 years.

 

[Delta]

What's wrong with WotC? How come EVERY 4th edition starters adventure module they've issued leans so heavily on the combat side? I mean, we're all fine here with D&D being combat-centric - but combat-exclusive?

Look, business-wise they're pursuing MMORPGs.

I read a great book by Mulligan/Patrovsky called "Developing Online Games: An Insider Guide". In their introduction they point out that once a company sets its sights on the revenue stream from a successful MMORPG (WOW), they cannot be dissuaded. They have to go through a whole years-long cycle -- the majority fail -- before picking up the pieces afterwards.

Ever since WOTC announced the digital-emphasis to 4E in August '07, it's as if they've been following that introduction as a strategic plan.

 

[Scott_Rouse]

BTW I am not necessarily trying to argue one opinion is more valid than another (e.g. char gen vs no char gen). I am just trying to provide some insight into why we made the product the way we did.

At the end of the day the product is out there and the market will ultimately determine it's success or failure. In my opinion it is a good product for new players because it teaches the basics, offering good value in both play and quality.

 

[justanobody]

Okay...have you ever tried to get five of your friends to pitch money in for something new? For you all to share? Not so easy, especially when you're 10.

Yeah. It was called AD&D 1st edition. My share got left with them shortly after when I moved too.

BTW I am not necessarily trying to argue one opinion is more valid than another (e.g. char gen vs no char gen). I am just trying to provide some insight into why we made the product the way we did.

At the end of the day the product is out there and the market will ultimately determine it's success or failure. In my opinion it is a good product for new players because it teaches the basics, offering good value in both play and quality.

Of course. That is why some are discussing what might have made it better. The chance you found your way to the thread and voiced any information, just means you have the luxury of the ideas found within to use during future product development.

In addition to actual sales and other comments about the product.

@Delta: How does the lifespan of Gleemax fit into that introduction and time scale?

 

[justanobody]

double post. delete

 

[Korgoth]

BTW I am not necessarily trying to argue one opinion is more valid than another (e.g. char gen vs no char gen). I am just trying to provide some insight into why we made the product the way we did.

At the end of the day the product is out there and the market will ultimately determine it's success or failure. In my opinion it is a good product for new players because it teaches the basics, offering good value in both play and quality.

I think it's nice that you stopped by to give us the explanation. It's just a different choice of strategies (a factor we're all familiar with here!).

For myself, I am probably such a strong proponent of the "Basic Classes, Levels 1-3" approach (best articulated by Imaro above) because it was such a triumphant marketing success in my own case. TSR gave me a taste with the Moldvay box (a very complete and robust taste) and I was hooked for life.

 

[Emryys]

They could direct people to the DnDInsider character build and allow it to be free up to 2nd or 3rd level... this allows a selection of characters and accomplishes exposure to the online content too...
Just a thought...

Level 1-3 in the online builder will be free to use for non-subscribers.

Very good choice... glad my guess turned out right

I'll probably use the starter set and make extra pregens to cover a vast selection showcasing many options... then if they are so inclined, I'll send them forth to make their very own...

 

[Baumi]

I think most of us are just disappointed that this set is not very useful for us existing players.

For completely new players the approach that they have done seems quite good to me and if the Character Generator is online (and simple enough) then the missing Creation-Chapter is not such a big problem.

But I have to admit that I would love a Basic Set that fills the void between that starter set and the full PHB/MM/DMG set, with more options then the starter and the full Heroic Tier, but still easier, quicker and cheaper than the full set. That would be awesome for One-Shots and for existing Roleplayers that want to try the new D&D Edition. Since less options doesn't mean that it has to be incompatible, they could still buy Adventures, Adventurers Vaults, etc even if they don't have the full set now. I think that would bring quite a few new players to D&D that stumble with the full set-price (and pagecount) but who needs more meat than the simple starter set.

 

[FireLance]

I think most of us are just disappointed that this set is not very useful for us existing players.

I dunno. I'd buy it just for the tokens. But that's me.

 

[justanobody]

I think most of us are just disappointed that this set is not very useful for us existing players.

For completely new players the approach that they have done seems quite good to me and if the Character Generator is online (and simple enough) then the missing Creation-Chapter is not such a big problem.

I strongly disagree. I understand WotC wants to sell its online package of stuff, but it should not be required from a physical product. Everything you need should be in the box labeled "Starter set".

Also not thinking if those kids that can afford the starter set can even use the character builder due to the high-end requirements of the complete package it is built around.

The PHB does not require online services, nor should the starter box.

An advertisement for DDI is one thing, but trying to force a sale due to neglected information or require an additional purchase is just downright offensive to me.

DDI and the physical products should not be tied so closely together no matter how much they are both wanted to be sold. You don't need DDI to play D&D, and many cannot use it due to system requirements not including OS.

I cannot get behind thinking the DDI tool is OK to satisfy the lack of presence of character generation in the starter. It seems like saying you had to buy E-tools, or Master Tools, or whatever for 3rd, or AD&D core rules for 2nd edition because the starter left them out. It just really dismays me to think that is the case.

@FireLance: I myself am tempted for that reason, but want to see them first outside of the box.