I've been thinking about the recent backlash against WFRP3E. This is the second fantasy RPG that has faced a backlash over a new edition. Both WFRP3E ($100) and D&D 4E ($105) are very expensive games. One unarguable difference between Pathfinder and D&D is that the Pathfinder Core Rules cost $50 (or $10 for the PDF), while the PHB + DMG cost $70. Anadoctally, there is some evidence that the $10 PDF is selling the "luxery" of the printed rules.
I'm wondering if the difference between suck and brilliant isn't more a matter of price then quality. Fans of a game feel that they should keep up with the new product. When a new edition is priced out of affordability its fan base reacts by claiming that the edition is of poor quality, even if unaffordablility is the core reason. Had D&D 4th edition come out as three, $10 explorer edition sized books, might it have been hailed as new an innovative? Savage worlds has very few detractors.
I'm not saying that there aren't bad games out there (i'm sure most folks here have a couple on there shelf). On the other hand nWOD raised prices to cover the cost increase for hardcover volumes, and suffered a backlash citing quality. Exalted held prices relatively steady (even still printing material in softcover). Exalted may have lost players as the line has aged, but it hasn't suffered the fanbase issues that nWOD, 4E or WHFRP3E have.
Gaming has created the myth of the Grognard, the older gamer unwilling to try anything new. Somehow this doesn't seem to fit gamers who measure their collection by boxes and bookshelves.
Oh and before somebody brings up inflation, a book that retailed for $15 in 1990 should retail for $24.50 inflation adjusted today.
I'm wondering if the difference between suck and brilliant isn't more a matter of price then quality. Fans of a game feel that they should keep up with the new product. When a new edition is priced out of affordability its fan base reacts by claiming that the edition is of poor quality, even if unaffordablility is the core reason. Had D&D 4th edition come out as three, $10 explorer edition sized books, might it have been hailed as new an innovative? Savage worlds has very few detractors.
I'm not saying that there aren't bad games out there (i'm sure most folks here have a couple on there shelf). On the other hand nWOD raised prices to cover the cost increase for hardcover volumes, and suffered a backlash citing quality. Exalted held prices relatively steady (even still printing material in softcover). Exalted may have lost players as the line has aged, but it hasn't suffered the fanbase issues that nWOD, 4E or WHFRP3E have.
Gaming has created the myth of the Grognard, the older gamer unwilling to try anything new. Somehow this doesn't seem to fit gamers who measure their collection by boxes and bookshelves.
Oh and before somebody brings up inflation, a book that retailed for $15 in 1990 should retail for $24.50 inflation adjusted today.
