D&D (2024) The future of edition changes and revisions

[UngainlyTitan]

Nothing is stopping me, and I am and will continue to use the older material, houseruled as I see fit.

On DDB, WotC has begun moving content that they have replaced (including the entirety of Volo's and Mordenkainen's, among a few other things) into "legacy" content that in the next few days will no longer be available for purchase. As far as they're concerned, that is clearly a direct replacement of content (and in some cases a removal of such). There is no reason to believe that WotC won't follow suit with AL and eventually physical product, including the 2014 core books when they get around to replacing them.

That of course doesn't have to affect whether or not a particular person or group can use that content, but it is a clear indication of WotC's intentions, and where they want the community to go.

I think we are going to have to agree to differ, at a minimum for me to regard something as an edition change to PHB and DMG would have to be replaced with some significant changes. Colo's and Mordenkainen's going out of print while the basic rules of the game is defined by the 2014 rule books is not an edition change.
Now if a new PHB and DMG are printed in 2024 that can be legitimately called a new edition but if I and my player can play characters from the 2014 book along side I am not going to be bothered.
It we cannot then we will consider the changes at the time and whether or not to follow them.

 

[Hussar]

Nothing is stopping me, and I am and will continue to use the older material, houseruled as I see fit.

On DDB, WotC has begun moving content that they have replaced (including the entirety of Volo's and Mordenkainen's, among a few other things) into "legacy" content that in the next few days will no longer be available for purchase. As far as they're concerned, that is clearly a direct replacement of content (and in some cases a removal of such). There is no reason to believe that WotC won't follow suit with AL and eventually physical product, including the 2014 core books when they get around to replacing them.

That of course doesn't have to affect whether or not a particular person or group can use that content, but it is a clear indication of WotC's intentions, and where they want the community to go.

I'm going to question your definition of "large".

I mena, even if you replace Volo's and Mordenkainen's, how big of a change is that actually? Most of the changes are pretty minor - some language cleanups and whatnot. I mean, if they change how archmages work, for example, how much will that actually impact most people's tables? Most creatures DON'T cast spells right now. Creatures with actual spells are already the minority of creatures in the game. If we then exclude creatures that have magical abilities that aren't classes as spells already (like a dragon's breath weapon, or an Aboleth's Enslave), we're talking about even fewer creatures.

To drill right down to it, exactly how many changes are we actually talking about? "A lot" is pretty vague and doesn't really tell me anything. I think there's a danger here of seeing a bunch of small changes and thinking, "Wow, they are changing so much" when, in actual fact, most of the changes will not matter at all to most tables at any given time.

 

[JEB]

To drill right down to it, exactly how many changes are we actually talking about?

Since you asked:

Races: Compilation of Race Changes from from Monsters of the Multiverse Leaks
Monsters (ongoing Let's Read): D&D 5E - Let’s Read Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse.

 

[MichaelSomething]

WOTC has no incentive to make major changes to the books. Those arn't the money makers. The books are just an IP farm to support merchandise.

Expect things like D&D themed restaurants, a cinematic universe, and a streaming service!

 

[Hussar]

Since you asked:

Races: Compilation of Race Changes from from Monsters of the Multiverse Leaks
Monsters (ongoing Let's Read): D&D 5E - Let’s Read Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse.

Interesting. And, honestly, pretty in keeping with what I said. Most of those changes will have very little impact on most tables.

Looking through those links, most of it is simply clarifying language. A few bits and bobs and frankly, mostly stuff that no one is actually going to notice.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Interesting. And, honestly, pretty in keeping with what I said. Most of those changes will have very little impact on most tables.

Looking through those links, most of it is simply clarifying language. A few bits and bobs and frankly, mostly stuff that no one is actually going to notice.

Almost every spellcaster suffered a drastic cut to spells known, and replaced commonly used spells with abilities that are somehow no longer spells. Yes, its a small percentage of total monsters, but the ones it does affect are in many cases often used or spotlighted in games. Its a serious blow to process simulation, which as you know is very important to me and already an area where D&D needs more help than it used to. Combined with a series of major lore changes (most of which I also don't like), and everything WotC is doing points to a future i don't want.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Expect things like D&D themed restaurants, a cinematic universe, and a streaming service!

so far we have a movie... and as much as I hope it is seen by general audiences to be awesome, I think that your dream of D&D themed restaurants, a cinematic universe, and a streaming service is premature (not saying WotC isn't ALSO counting there chicks before they hatch they may be)

 

[Parmandur]

Almost every spellcaster suffered a drastic cut to spells known, and replaced commonly used spells with abilities that are somehow no longer spells. Yes, its a small percentage of total monsters, but the ones it does affect are in many cases often used or spotlighted in games. Its a serious blow to process simulation, which as you know is very important to me and already an area where D&D needs more help than it used to. Combined with a series of major lore changes (most of which I also don't like), and everything WotC is doing points to a future i don't want.

5E already isn't a process simulation system, ao it's not a fundamental change.

 

[MichaelSomething]

so far we have a movie... and as much as I hope it is seen by general audiences to be awesome, I think that your dream of D&D themed restaurants, a cinematic universe, and a streaming service is premature (not saying WotC isn't ALSO counting there chicks before they hatch they may be)

How about we start with a D&D themed fast food combo?

 

[HammerMan]

How about we start with a D&D themed fast food combo?

I want a FR or GH themes midweek times with special effects for magic.