D&D 5E When do you think 5E will come out?

[Mercurius]

We haven't heard anything other than "not this year." We also know that we'll be seeing playtest stuff, so we'll be seeing more of it early on than we did with 4E, probably than with 3E.

But what's your guess as to when the product(s) first hits the stores? It also seems likely that they'll start with a starter set--Mearls mentioned learning their lesson from not starting with a starter set and building from there.

I'm giving some options. Vote!

 

[Piratecat]

I'll guess Q2 2013. (On an iPad, so I can't see the voting choices.)

 

[grimslade]

Basic rule set in time for GenCon 2013, the option loaded Advanced Players Handbook, Advanced Dungeon Masters Guide, Advanced Monster Manual, and Ed Greenwood's Forgotten Realms: Waterdeep will be released one a month to round out the year.

 

[ferratus]

My prediction is that the playtest will start in June, and the game will be released August 2013.

If they are smart, they will start releasing 5e content in DDI (particularly adventures) to go along with the playtest rules, to try to get as many people signed up as possible while they wait for the physical D&D books to release.

I would also raid the vault and start printing their old modules and prior edition products on ebook format to keep any and all cash flowing in while their 4e sales take a hit.

But then I'd support 1e on an ongoing basis (electronically rather than through physical product) alongside 5e. I probably wouldn't support 3e though, as that market has pretty much been taken by Pathfinder. A more acceptable new edition to pitch to 3e loyalists is probably the best bet to take back market share, as I don't think they are as hard to please as 1e fans.

 

[Mercurius]

I voted early 2013, although I could see a June release. First the starter set and an adventure to tide people over a couple months, then the core three "advanced" handbooks at GenCon.

What I'm wondering is what exactly they're going to release between now and then - that's a year and a half and we've heard about only a few items, and I certainly can't see a whole load of 4E products on the way.

 

[JRRNeiklot]

Gencon 2012. The same date I predicted in 2008.

 

[was]

January 2013...New Year...New Edition

 

[brehobit]

Gencon 2012. The same date I predicted in 2008.

I've not seen the "not this year" claims, but I agree that GenCon 2012 is likely.

 

[Piratecat]

Gencon 2012. The same date I predicted in 2008.

I'll go out on a limb and say not a chance! To hit that date they'd have to be nearly done with the rules by now, and according to the seminars they're still pre-Alpha.

 

[Mercurius]

The quote I saw was from the most recent D&D Experience transcript and goes like this:

We're not ready to start talking about dates yet. We're still in the early stages of playtesting. I can tell you it won't be this year for sure.

You never know, but that sounds pretty definitive.