D&D General Are you aware that the New Edition (5.5 whatever) is a part of the 50th Anniversary of D&D?

[DarkCrisis]

If anything, D&D has proved NOT to be timeless, it very much influenced by the pop culture around it.

“We should put a martial artiest in this fantasy game.”

“Why?”

“Because those kung fu films are really popular.”

“Sounds good.”

 

[Oofta]

If these books are supposed to last another 10 years, they shouldn't have leaned so heavily into this "50 year" nostalgia trip, IMO. They should have just putout special 50 Year Anniversary Edition covers and would have made a bunch of money. D&D is supposed to be timeless, because it is what you make it, no matter whoever or whenever you are.

I think the inspiration for the characters on the cover don't really matter all that much. What else are they going to use? Drizzt is just about as old as the cartoon, even if he's had more staying power. There aren't a lot of iconic PCs floating around nowadays. Why not use these that tie it back to ye olden' days for those that remember?

 

[Stormonu]

Maybe they should put something like this on the covers? All the D&D named heroes ever made on the PHB, all the named villians on the DMG?

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Maybe they should put something like this on the covers? All the D&D named heroes ever made on the PHB, all the named villians on the DMG?

View attachment 365252

And get Alex Ross to paint it.

 

[TheSword]

Someone has to be on the cover. It’s a pretty picture. Why not have someone on it we recognize. I can’t believe folks are so jaded that they can’t bear to see something familiar.

It goes back to the tyranny of novelty I’ve mentioned a few times now. The constant drive to be original and new. WotC IP has value… but only if it gets used. Otherwise it’s just wasted asset.

 

[overgeeked]

My money is on 6e in 5 years or less.

It all depends on the sales. The new stuff keeps selling, they'll keep making it. The new stuff doesn't sell, they'll stop making it and put out a new edition. They don't care about the design, only the sales.

 

[Frozen_Heart]

Wait were people really complaining at the cover art for being traditional fantasy?

 

[MGibster]

You don't see Warduke needing glasses! (Im just joking, nothing wrong with fantasy heroes in eyewear.)

I can't help but think at his advanced age Warduke does in fact need glasses.

 

[overgeeked]

I can't help but think at his advanced age Warduke does in fact need glasses.

It's part of the helmet. That's why his eyes glow. It's magic.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

It all depends on the sales. The new stuff keeps selling, they'll keep making it. The new stuff doesn't sell, they'll stop making it and put out a new edition. They don't care about the design, only the sales.

I have a weird feeling it won’t sell as well as they hope. Then again, 5e and my failed predictions about technology.

But what I wonder is now that this many folks still play 5e, how many will really buy the 2024 versions? Do casual players care about the “improvements?”