Does D&D Next need to be a success for D&D to be a success?

[darjr]

It occurred to me that D&D Next might not need to be a huge success in the minds of Hasbro for D&D to be a success. With the IP supporting other products besides the RPG could it be that Next, even if it's not a success, could be part of D&D's success?

WotC has shown that they can be very successful with D&D board games* and their new interest in having more control over the movie rights might lead to a great movie as well and sales of novels and the retro products and pdfs**. Would that be enough for fans of D&D? Are the other products based on D&D enough of a success or possible success for D&D as a whole to be a success even if Next isn't?


* I love Lords of Waterdeep and have seen it raved and played by folks that I don't think would ever play any rpg.
** I have also bought more D&D in the form of PDF's than anything else recently.

 

[Tequila Sunrise]

I've no clue, but I'm not going to hold my breath for a good movie, or worry about WotC canning D&D the ttrpg if 5e does poorly.

 

[GMMichael]

What is "D&D's success" if you're not talking about its latest edition?

The intellectual property (I'll leave that term alone) is only a logo, three words, and several gaming terms that go with it, like dungeon master®, beholder®, terrasque®, and what-have-you®.

What D&D should be is a four-year reprint (of 2nd AD&D or 3.5) with errata, new illustrations, new flavor text, easter eggs, and a completely new mini section at the end of each book (PHB, DMG, and MM). The intervening three years can be devoted to accessories and modules.

This would make D&D, the books, a minimal effort promotional tool for the myriad other D&D related products that come out with the D&D name. Soon enough, it won't even be books; it'll just be a PDF. The books will be more expensive and special order only.

 

[DaveMage]

I think the power of the brand strength will be tested in the next 2-3 years, and we'll know the results at that time. I don't think that great RPG success matters as much anymore - but if the movie(s) and games bring success, that will be good enough.

 

[Morrus]

Gotta admit, I'd be interested in hearing what people think about those D&D-as-a-brand offerings. D&D is a role playing game to me. I've not interacted with any of the other stuff - comics and toys and iPhone games and stuff. I don't really feel any urge to.

 

[Derren]

Hasbro is known to set high profit/revenue goals for its products and considering how suddenly 4E was axed and the brain drain from the franchise I do have a feeling 5E is a last ditch attempt for D&D to fulfill the goals as 4E did not.
If 5E does not do well/meet the goals I think it quite likely that Hasbro cancels the RPG development, at least for a time, and makes D&D into an exclusive novel brand or maybe also some boardgames.

 

[Morrus]

Hasbro is known to set high profit/revenue goals for its products and considering how suddenly 4E was axed and the brain drain from the franchise I do have a feeling 5E is a last ditch attempt for D&D to fulfill the goals as 4E did not.
If 5E does not do well/meet the goals I think it quite likely that Hasbro cancels the RPG development, at least for a time, and makes D&D into an exclusive novel brand or maybe also some boardgames.

With that in mind, I bet it's quite some pressure for Mearls & Co. If the RPG were to end, they'd - rightly or wrongly - be remembered as the people who did that. Not shoes I'd like to wear.

 

[Derren]

With that in mind, I bet it's quite some pressure for Mearls & Co. If the RPG were to end, they'd - rightly or wrongly - be remembered as the people who did that. Not shoes I'd like to wear.

And of course they would lose their jobs (unless they also design the "Lords of Waterdeep" type games and/or write novels).

 

[Zardnaar]

May not be Mearls and co's fault as no one may be able to save D&D from the damage of 4E. If D&D tanks most likely it will be because of the damage already done.

 

[Derren]

May not be Mearls and co's fault as no one may be able to save D&D from the damage of 4E. If D&D tanks most likely it will be because of the damage already done.

I didn't want to say it, but that would also be my believe. But still, Mearls would get his name attached to it which will certainly not help with the job hunt afterwards.
"Shoot the messenger" (or "blame the guy who touched it last").

As for movies, I have no idea why Hasbro is after the rights so much. The previous movies weren't really stellar, giving the D&D brand a rather negative image among movie goers, and the market for fantasy movies doesn't seem to good either. Even the interest in Hobbit seems to wane and D&D can never match them.
D&D on the video game market is as good as dead. All studios which can produce AAA RPG titles have their own franchises now and the fantasy RPG market also seems saturated at the moment.

That leaves board games and books. And maybe a trading card spinoff. That always worked for quick money...