D&D (2024) So what happened to the new and classic campaign settings? (and what's next?)

[Henadic Theologian]

I would bet for Mystara, but don't hope more one sourcebook.

The new worlds form MtG seem to be designed to be adapted as future D&D settings, even Duskmourn, the haunted-mansion plane.

Today WotC would rather to sell crunch, because players don't need spend money to get fluff, lore or background thanks fandom wikis.

They have not done a MtG setting since Strixhaven, which did not do well.

They did minor monster D&D Beyond product for Eldraine, but it doesn't even count as the setting for dmsguild. A mention for Tarkir and Kaldheim each in Fizbans and Bigybys respectively.

Ask yourself why?

Its because MtG setting crossovers no longer fit their goals going forward. Maybe they make an exception for Tarkir.

No with rare exceptions, like Tarkir, products going forward will be for classic settings and D&D version of Universes Beyond (Think Diablo, Zelda, Bayonetta, Lodoss War, Marvel, etc...?

 

[Mercurius]

They tried that in 4e with Nentir Vale setting, it did not work out.

But did they, though? I didn't see much range, just very much the starting area. Anyhow, I think the reason Nentir Vale "didn't work out" had more to do with it being 4E than the setting itself.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I'm inclined to believe it, but what statistics are you referring to that most players are Gen-Z?

WotC's previously released survey data. This is the largest group of D&D players in history, and they're very young.

Your list seems both accurate, yet tongue-in-cheek (but I don't think it is!)

Some of that is just my default state. But take a look at what's selling in fantasy today, across books, TV shows, etc.

Stuff like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones is, for the most part, what today's young people's parents and grandparents like. (It's been 20 years since Peter Jackson's LotR movies came out.)

I'm not suggesting that WotC pack up the Forgotten Realms, never to discuss it again, but creating an additional new setting for the new audience seems like simple common sense to me.

 

[Distracted DM]

WotC's previously released survey data. This is the largest group of D&D players in history, and they're very young.

Some of that is just my default state. But take a look at what's selling in fantasy today, across books, TV shows, etc.

Stuff like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones is, for the most part, what today's young people's parents and grandparents like. (It's been 20 years since Peter Jackson's LotR movies came out.)

I'm not suggesting that WotC pack up the Forgotten Realms, never to discuss it again, but creating an additional new setting for the new audience seems like simple common sense to me.

Strixhaven seemed to play into that, no? Magic wizard school?

I looked up the data, definitely a lot but not overwhelmingly GenZ.

You're right of course, a setting and/or ruleset that appeals to that group specifically seems like a good idea.

 

[Hexmage-EN]

But did they, though? I didn't see much range, just very much the starting area. Anyhow, I think the reason Nentir Vale "didn't work out" had more to do with it being 4E than the setting itself.

4E had hints about other places beyond the Nentir Vale all the time, but maps of the rest of the world didn't show up until the Conquest of Nerath boardgames, which subsequent magazine articles expanded upon in a segment called Nerathi Legends. IIRC a gazetteer was planned but was never released, though the Threats to the Nentir Vale release had new details and organizations in the Nentir Vale region.

 

[Reynard]

I looked up the data, definitely a lot but not overwhelmingly GenZ.

View attachment 364410

They are literally the biggest cohort. What more do you need?

 

[Distracted DM]

They are literally the biggest cohort. What more do you need?

What?

 

[overgeeked]

Less cozy, but still focused on the modern fantasy fan -- who typically has consumed a good amount of Asian-inspired fantasy, like Avatar: The Last Airbender -- is Ryoko's Guide to the Yokai Realms, the best selling RPG crowdfunding campaign of all time with 26,000 backers and $3.3 million in pledges.

Avatar: The Last Airbender RPG pulled 81,567 backers pledged $9,535,317 to help bring this project to life. I think that beat Ryoko's Guide. Ryoko's is #5 on the list.

 

[Mercurius]

4E had hints about other places beyond the Nentir Vale all the time, but maps of the rest of the world didn't show up until the Conquest of Nerath boardgames, which subsequent magazine articles expanded upon in a segment called Nerathi Legends. IIRC a gazetteer was planned but was never released, though the Threats to the Nentir Vale release had new details and organizations in the Nentir Vale region.

View attachment 364421

Yep, I'm aware of it. It is really too bad it wasn't developed further.

 

[Reynard]

What?

I'm not sure what you are asking. Your question seemed to minimize GenZ in the customer base and I was simply pointing out that they were the single biggest cohort. Maybe I misunderstood you.