D&D 5E Revisiting future product predictions (2021 and beyond)

[Mercurius]

Earlier this year I posted a thread (too lazy to search for it) with predictions about future products. Now that we're pretty certain about the complete lineup for 2021, and we've had several more months of speculation and quasi-rumors (sorta), I thought it would be a good time to revisit the subject. For reference, here's a chart of 5E releases so far:

Hopefully the color-coding and such is self-evident. I didn't want to muddy the image by providing a key.

So what can we gather from the above chart?

1. We've had three years in a row of four hardcover books.
2. We've had at least one setting book per year during that span of time.
3. We've had one rules supplement (if you include AI) every year since 2016; or every year if you include SCAG.
4. We've had at least one story arc book every year, and only once--this year--has there been only one.
5. For the last two years we've had at least one compilation/reprint/expansion of older material.

So it isn't bold to suggest that we'll get at least four hardcovers next year, at least one of which will be a setting book, one a rules supplement of some kind, and one a story arc. We may also get another compilation/reprint, although that's far less certain. It may be that the "fifth slot" is researched for a luxury or non-essential product of some kind.

What is less clear is what sort of setting book it will be. They've published Magic books in even-numbered years; will that trend continue, or will we see a third Magic book next year? (Zendikar?). Someone at WotC recently stated that we'll see more of three "classic settings," which presumably means TSR era; does that mean setting books or story arcs, or both?

So if we have "definitive" slots, what do you think we'll see in 2021? Here are my predictions:

Rules Supplement: a monster book. We haven't had one since 2018, so we're due. If they do Planescape, it could be roughly themed in that direction. It could also be that they do a Manual of a Planes-type book that is both rules, monsters, and setting all wrapped in one.
Setting Book: Who knows. Either Magic (Zendikar), or possibly Planescape. If the rules book is planar, then this will be a Magic setting book.
Story Arc: Possibly tied to the planes (if they take that route). Otherwise probably just another FR adventure. Dalelands/Anauroch?
4th Hardcover: Adventure compilation of some kind. If the story arc book is planar, they might do an "Adventures in the Dalelands" compilation, or a sandbox in the Dalelands/Anauroch region.

I don't think we'll see Dark Sun until 2022, until they know how "psionic spells" are received and solve PsionicsGate. If they do Dragonlance, 2023 would be my best guess as it ties into its 40th anniversary. If they do Greyhawk, 2024 for the 50th anniversary of D&D.

Obviously I have no idea - just vague guesses. You?

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

The favorites settings after FR are Dark Sun, Ravenloft and Planescape. Dragonlance and Spelljammer will be coming soon but not yet.

Ravenloft will continue with more modules. Maybe a spin-off based in the Mask of the Red Death but in the age pulp.

A monster compendium with creatures and races from Planescape and Spelljammer. Spelljammer will arrive later because there isn't enough experience for naval encounters where PCs can attacks against big monsters with canon or giant crossbows from a ship.

A planar handbook with a chapter about Sigil and the faction war.

The return of Dragonlance will be with a compilation of modules, and maybe with a videogame.

A future event about multiverse to justify possible future retcons (for example to add new races to old settings).

A second set of Magic: the Gathering based in a D&D franchise.

A Fortnite: Save the World d20?

 

[Mercurius]

@LuisCarlos17f , Ravenloft continuing in modules sounds right. I don't see a setting book.

I also agree re: the monster compendium and planar handbook.

How (or if) they handle Dragonlance will be interesting. For instance, do they adapt War of the Lance to 5E? That seems the most likely, but they could also advance the timeline, or do something completely different. Do they try to cram the entire story arc into one book or a two (or three) parter? Do they stick to Ansalon or dip into the perhaps more liked by afficionados, Taladas? Etc.

Fortnite...please, no. Or rather, don't care.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

If there's a Magic the Gathering setting it's usually the based on the set that's out at the same time as when the book will be released. So I'm guessing it would be Zendikar.

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

We could see a "heroes of horror" player handbook, but not only for Ravenloft but also for Innistrad. Maybe a monster book about gothic horror.

Dragonlance could be a fabulous cash-cow if Hasbro could produce the right blockbuster movie or serie, but they aren't ready yet. They have to learn to how to produce the right D&D movie and after the right Dragonlance serie.

The strategy about Dragonlance would be like record company selling the compilation of super-hits of a singer or musical band, not new songs. I think WotC still is planning about the idea of reintroduce the time spheres, something like parallel worlds, alternate timelines or uchronies. If the chronomancers come back, the fandom will publish lots of ideas in DM Guild based in these "what if"

 

[Laurefindel]

Dragonlance could be a fabulous cash-cow if Hasbro could produce the right blockbuster movie or serie.

I have a strong feeling that Dragonlance, or any live action D&D material really, would be much better served as a 8-12 part miniseries than a blockbuster movie.

 

[Enevhar Aldarion]

One thing to think about. Acquisitions Inc and Wildemount were not conceived and written by the core D&D team. They were outside products that WotC saw and said "Hey, those look cool! Let's help them finish them and publish them under our banner." So we may see another one like that in 2021. What setting/streaming group is getting really popular right now and might be working on publishing their own book, that WotC could take over?

Also, considering they plan out, or even write, these books a couple of years in advance, Dark Sun could be mostly complete and just waiting the final approval of psionics and some last-minute playtesting, like they have done with previous books, so Fall 2021 could still happen for it. I just wonder if they will give it the Eberron treatment and release a pdf of the core bits first and a hardcover later?

 

[Mercurius]

I have a strong feeling that Dragonlance, or any live action D&D material really, would be much better served as a 8-12 part miniseries than a blockbuster movie.

I'd do Chronicles as three seasons, one for each book. I don't think less would do it justice, and even then a lot would have to be cut. But yeah, it is my top choice for a D&D tv series. I'm really leery of them doing a light and trying-to-be-funny-but-not-funny-nerd-humor tv series.

 

[Mercurius]

One thing to think about. Acquisitions Inc and Wildemount were not conceived and written by the core D&D team. They were outside products that WotC saw and said "Hey, those look cool! Let's help them finish them and publish them under our banner." So we may see another one like that in 2021. What setting/streaming group is getting really popular right now and might be working on publishing their own book, that WotC could take over?

Also, considering they plan out, or even write, these books a couple of years in advance, Dark Sun could be mostly complete and just waiting the final approval of psionics and some last-minute playtesting, like they have done with previous books, so Fall 2021 could still happen for it. I just wonder if they will give it the Eberron treatment and release a pdf of the core bits first and a hardcover later?

The curious thing about Dark Sun and the Planes is that I'm fairly certain they are both going to happen, it is just a matter of when. Dark Sun is waiting for a proper version of psionics, and I'm not sure the Tasha's approach will be well received. If they had a psionics system that they were happy with, you'd think they wouldn't be releasing the psionic spells thing.

As for the Planes, I suppose the only hold up is how they do it--whether they go full-on Planescape, add in elements of Spelljammer, planeswalking, the Great Wheel vs. 4E version, etc. They're playing it pretty close to the hip (as usual).

As for Critical Role, I think it is possible that they continue publishing books by them, but I wouldn't think we'd see another Exandria expansion until 2022 or so.

 

[Burnside]

Wildemount adventure book or they’re leaving money on the table. Explorers Guide to Wildemount is their best-selling new book for years.