D&D (2024) Pulse check on 1D&D excitement level

[Micah Sweet]

Or you switch over to the new version, because that will be what most beginners will be using going forward

Not never. I might use some stuff from the new edition, if they come up with good ideas. That why I'm paying attention to the playtest at all. Well, that and morbid curiosity.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

That's my point.

The 2012-2014 playtest had more grognards and due to the 80% satisfactory threshold, their opinions had more sway than the groups that would eventually be the majority of 5e players.

If there were 20%+ grognards replying to surveys in 2014, anything they collectively didn't like would not make into 5e.

Orcs and Goliaths would not make it into the PHB as PC options in 2014.

I have my doubts about grognards agreeing on anything. That said, the 2014 game has been proven very popular, and the nature of UA popularity test is that they tend to be conservative. If radical change is what you want, then may be WoTC D&D is not the place to look. You have a better a bet with third parties publishers.

 

[mamba]

Not never. I might use some stuff from the new edition, if they come up with good ideas. That why I'm paying attention to the playtest at all. Well, that and morbid curiosity.

Didn't realize you can @Clint_L are the same person

 

[Micah Sweet]

Didn't realize you can @Clint_L are the same person

I'm going to assume that means I'm in good company.

 

[Minigiant]

I have my doubts about grognards agreeing on anything. That said, the 2014 game has been proven very popular, and the nature of UA popularity test is that they tend to be conservative. If radical change is what you want, then may WoTC D&D is probably the place to look. You have a better a bet with third parties publishers.

My point is that it is possible that some of 5e's popularity today is not fully due to its mechanics.

5e can be popular and a lot of 5e fans not being in love with a lot of its mechanics can both be true.

Especially since a lot of 5e players tend to be new, not knowing about other games, and not participating in the original playtest.

 

[mamba]

I'm going to assume that means I'm in good company.

No idea, you are already not playing 5e, they are…

 

[Lakesidefantasy]

I think the chassis should be simple, with optional complexity. The more WotC does that, the more likely I'll use their VTT someday.

Yes! Optional complexity.

However, at the beginning of just about every option containing book that Wizards produces there is a page explaining that the contents are optional. Yet, it gets touted by the community as official content.

Maybe instead of explaining that the material is optional, it should be called unofficial. Or, maybe or maybe some other damn word that I can't think of while sitting on the toilet at work.

 

[mamba]

However, at the beginning of just about every option containing book that Wizards produces there is a page explaining that the contents are optional. Yet, it gets touted by the community as official content.

Official and optional are not mutually exclusive

 

[Scott Christian]

Now, what I do appreciate is "simple rules with complex implications".

This.

Simple beats complex in every session I've played in the last ten years. I mean, sure, sometimes it's nice to have a table debate about the physics of a magic missile getting a gelatinous cube to release something inside its gooey digestive system. But for the most part it is simple moves the story, narrative, and players in all the right directions.

But it is the "complex within its simplicity" (a quote about Louis Armstrong, I believe) that lets those simple rules shine.

 

[Lakesidefantasy]

Official and optional are not mutually exclusive

Your right.

There is also the issue with the dichotomy of the word 'option'. Some people see an optional class or race in an official book and think, "Oh, what a cool option, I think I'll take it." While others see the same thing and think, "Oh what a cool option, to bad it's not a part of the game I'm playing in."

Wait, sorry, what is this thread about again?