D&D (2024) Revised 6E prediction thread

[BookTenTiger]

Based on current trends, I think 6e will be a mobile app that gives you 3 classes and 5 levels for free, but requires microtransactions for anything above that.

OR 6e will be a Social Media site where you post from the perspective of your character, interacting with enemies and NPCs. However to get your post noticed by the DM you've got to figure out those viral hashtags!

OR 6e will be the next season on Fortnite!

OR 6e will be a Choose Your Own Adventure series on Netflix.

OR 6e D&D will require each group to produce a live play podcast, and players who post 20+ minute videos of analysis will gain bonus experience points.

OR 6e will be so streamlined and simulationist that it will wake us up to the fact that we are all living in an advanced computer simulation and humanity will finally be free!

 

[Aldarc]

I think the challenge will be, when the 5e is selling this well and continually growing, what is the incentive to change it up.

Again, I think that the likeliest case would be maintaining the base chassis of 5e (more or less) but then revising/updating/balancing the window dressing (e.g., classes, subclasses, races, etc.), possibly adjusting retroactively applying newer mechanics (e.g., proficiency bonus replacing short rest mechanics, etc.). I could even see a new PHB that incorporated the more popular subclasses, races, etc. that were created or replace some of the duds.

 

[Oofta]

So let's see

• There will be no more classes
• People will just do what they want for the sake of flexibility
• Get rid of ability scores
• Get rid of alignment along with the concept of good and evil.
• All monsters are now just "misunderstood victims of colonialism".
• There are no penalties or benefits to playing specific races except for culture.
• No more mono-cultures. In fact no more assumptions on behavior for any race or monster.
• No more feats.
• No more bonus actions, maybe have a 10 step program that starts with PCs apologizing to the monsters for invading their home.
• Stealth rules will cover every possible situation and require 10 TB storage for all the options and rules. People will still complain they're incomplete.
• Dungeons will be renamed to "legal residence of indigenous peoples" and no longer an option for looting.

I think I covered most of it.

P.S. Obvious sarcasm disclaimer.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Back to the topic of the OP:

1. I think that any release of a completely new edition will be driving by sales; as such, I don't think that it will happen for some time.

2. I also think that it is entirely possible that Hasbro/WoTC will move away from the idea of editions entirely. When they have referenced this as an "evergreen" edition, maybe they meant it? In other words, perhaps there will be a 6e, but not marketed as such. More of a streamlined 5e with increasing rules errata. Or maybe they will pump out different versions of 5e, like they do with Monopoly. Are you ready for [Insert Your Alma Mater Here] Dungeons & Dragons?????

3. That said, I do think that @Sacrosanct is mostly correct in his observations as to what 6e might entail. The fundamental issue most people have (including me!) is that when they think about what the next edition of 6e will have, they are wishcasting- they are thinking about the features that they want.

But that's not what is likely to happen. D&D is the "big tent" TTRPG. Which means that the people who want it to completely eschew the past (get rid of classes! get rid the standard six ability scores! use a Blades in the Dark inventory system!) will be disappointed, because a huge selling point of D&D is the legacy and the nostalgia.

By the same token, the people who demand more and more crunch will also be disappointed, because that's not the sweet spot of the mass market any more.

It's going to muddle along, modernizing a little here and there, while keeping a tether to the past. Maybe untether race and bonuses, and continue to de-emphasize alignment for humanoids, but not get rid of alignment, and not get rid of the "standard" races.

Plus ca change.

 

[embee]

If I was doing 6e:

-Streamlined rules:

Everything needs to be done so that the rulebooks are almost never need to be opened in play.

No looking up spells/powers for creature/ NPC stat blocks. And if you got a GM screen you are good for everything else!

...

NO Feats no multiclass. Streamlined action economy.
...

The mechanics need to be streamlined and integrated so that you only need your character sheets at the table and magic sheets for magic users.

Can be run pure pen and paper, no apps or software needed. At all!

Double down on bonded accuracy; Embrace a E6 mechanical play paradigm.

....

All Books, modules, AP, and sourcebooks released to the D&D VTT simultaneous with print releases – available on no other platforms.

So you don't need to buy the rulebooks. You don't need to buy the Monster Manual. You don't have feats or multiclasses to fill up sourcebooks to buy. You don't need an app which would have a subscription and ads. You don't need to buy a software license. And there will only ever be one print version and one virtual version, as opposed to 4 or 5 virtual versions.

Congratulations!

You have run WOTC out of business.

 

[Vaalingrade]

What is even left the streamline?

At this point, the rules could be 'roll 1d20. If it is 11 or higher, you win' and people would be going 'TOO MUCH MATH'.

Of course then, they would just say 'you win' and people would be going 'WHY DOENS'T IT INVOLVE ROLLING A d20? THIS ISN'T D&D ANYMORE!'

 

[Stalker0]

Why yes, I do want to go back to good game design.

Yeah, the criticism of 4e gets overblow around mechanics. The main problem was "packaging".

The idea in 4e of giving everyone encounter and daily abilities was fine, good even. But the way it was presented as "powers" and put in little boxes and everyone had the exact same amount and got them at the same levels....it just looks and feels incredibly "gamey". 5e still uses the same fundamental tenant of encounter and daily "powers" but the flavor and description is much more evocative.

Design is important....packaging even more so.

 

[Nebulous]

I also wonder how Level Up will influence 6e.

 

[Oofta]

What is even left the streamline?

At this point, the rules could be 'roll 1d20. If it is 11 or higher, you win' and people would be going 'TOO MUCH MATH'.

Of course then, they would just say 'you win' and people would be going 'WHY DOENS'T IT INVOLVE ROLLING A d20? THIS ISN'T D&D ANYMORE!'

Don't forget that for a lot of people the big complaint is that there's not enough complexity AKA tactical options.

 

[Vaalingrade]

Don't forget that for a lot of people the big complaint is that there's not enough complexity AKA tactical options.

That's my complaint, actually.