NOTE: You will see that this thread is posted in the TTRPG General forum. it is here for a reason. I am not interested in arguing about 1D&D being compatible with 5E. This thread is about compatibility in general -- between editions of games, and between separate but related games.
With that out of the way:
What does "compatible" mean to you in the context of RPG materials? Does it mean "seamlessly useful"? Does it mean "minimal conversion"? Does it mean "close enough is good enough"?
For example, if you bought an adventure module labeled as "compatible with" your favorite RPG, what would your expectations before for the game related information presented within (stat blocks and challenges and such)? Would your expectations be different for different kinds of products -- a monster manual versus a rules supplement, for example.
With that out of the way:
What does "compatible" mean to you in the context of RPG materials? Does it mean "seamlessly useful"? Does it mean "minimal conversion"? Does it mean "close enough is good enough"?
For example, if you bought an adventure module labeled as "compatible with" your favorite RPG, what would your expectations before for the game related information presented within (stat blocks and challenges and such)? Would your expectations be different for different kinds of products -- a monster manual versus a rules supplement, for example.