Is 3.5 experience a sales renaissance?

[JoeGKushner]

The way some people have posted on various subjects regarding third edition makes me wonder, is 3.5 experiencing a sales renaissance?

Just because no one I know is buying anything 3.5/OGL doesn't mean other people aren't.

 

[Filcher]

I don't know if I'd call it a renaissance, but I do think that very specific lines (Pathfinder) continue to do well, defying expectations. I've read mixed responses to the 3rd Era announcement, so it will be interesting to see if they can recapture their previous market share, or if Paizo is the only one that is immune to 4E.

But if it were a renaissance, I'd think it would be a good time for new 3pp to jump into the fray. I can't imagine recommending that to someone, but what the heck do I know.

Like the OP, no one I know continues to play 3.5+. We're all 4E+.

 

[Darrin Drader]

I'm still buying the odd PDF product here and there, much as I've done over the past couple years, and almost all of it is derived from the 3.5 game and uses the OGL.

 

[DaveMage]

I don't think I'd call it a renaissance, but sales of 3.5 stuff are still occuring in what would seem to be significant numbers.

Checking out the amazon bestsellers in RPGs (here) always has some 3.5 stuff in the top 50. Many times the 3.5 stuff is outpacing some of the 4E stuff.

 

[JoeGKushner]

I don't think I'd call it a renaissance, but sales of 3.5 stuff are still occuring in what would seem to be significant numbers.

Checking out the amazon bestsellers in RPGs (here) always has some 3.5 stuff in the top 50. Many times the 3.5 stuff is outpacing some of the 4E stuff.

Interesting. First one I spot is at 24, the old Magic Item Compendium, one of the most useful 3.5 books I own. Number 26, Player's Handbook, is out of print so I'm not sure how useful that data point is. Ditto for 35, DMG. Heroes of Horror at 48.

Can't say I agree with you though. For WoTC it appears that they've still got some legs but I don't see any 3rd party d20 stuff there.

Amazon.com Books Bestsellers: The most popular items in Dungeons & Dragons. Updated hourly.

Shows slightly more favorable for the older stuff but its still dominated by 4e where #2 is preorder on Manual of the Planes.

 

[DaveMage]

Can't say I agree with you though. For WoTC it appears that they've still got some legs but I don't see any 3rd party d20 stuff there.

Well, there's no 3rd party anything there - 3E, 4E, or otherwise.

You mentioned 3.5 in your original post, not 3rd party 3.5.

 

[Ghostwind]

I know that I am still getting consistent sales for backlist DragonWing and Bastion products so I would say that there is still somewhat of a demand.

 

[JoeGKushner]

I know that I am still getting consistent sales for backlist DragonWing and Bastion products so I would say that there is still somewhat of a demand.

Do you think that is generated from people who picked up the books on sale and were intrigued with the line?

People who are looking for a 3.5 fix now that new material has slowed down?

Something else? Just general demand?

 

[JoeGKushner]

Well, there's no 3rd party anything there - 3E, 4E, or otherwise.

You mentioned 3.5 in your original post, not 3rd party 3.5.

Sorry Dave, I thought I was clear in intent, "Just because no one I know is buying anything 3.5/OGL doesn't mean other people aren't."

 

[Ghostwind]

Do you think that is generated from people who picked up the books on sale and were intrigued with the line?

People who are looking for a 3.5 fix now that new material has slowed down?

Something else? Just general demand?

I think it is a combination of everything. We've got folks who have picked up the deals and liked what they've read. Others are finishing their collections and yet others are from general demand.