AU vs PHB3.5

[Breezly]

If you've only got 30 bucks to spend in July on a game product, I'd expect you'd probably buy 3.5 (actually, you're hosed because you can't buy 3.5 for $30, but that's another issue). It would be unrealistic for me to think otherwise, and perhaps counterproductive in the long term as well. That's why I've said previously that it's both fortunate and unfortunate that AU is coming out at the same time as 3.5. Fortunate, because everyone's already sort of geared up for change. Unfortunate, because gaming dollars are going to be stretched thin.

And this was really the heart of my argument. AU and 3.5e are different, so as people have said, they do not compete directly. It is a symbiotic relationship.

The competition is for gaming dollars, as Monte said. And in these days, gaming dollars are even more thin than before. I own all things WotC and Malhavoc. I trust what is put out by these companies and I like what they have to offer. But, like it or not, these compete with each other when it comes to getting up to the register, or the checkout page of your favorite game store.

Knowing me, the AU book will jump into my hand and somehow make it out of the store with me and find a nice place along side my 3.5e books. Despite the benefits, detractions and motivation, 3.5e is the future of DnD. And, it is in the best interest of WotC, and everyone else for that matter, for them to put out a good product.

Breezly

 

[Desdichado]

The competition is for gaming dollars, as Monte said. And in these days, gaming dollars are even more thin than before.

Do you mean personally, or collectively? 'Coz I don't see how they'd be more thin than before collectively...

Personally? I've been a bit thin on gaming dollars recently, having just closed on a house that required substantial savings to get into, and now going through the relatively minor (but still costly) renovation that comes when you buy someone else's home. But, at the same token, I'm not hurting for product anymore. So, I buy stuff that interests me, rather than just whatever is out this month.

 

[Breezly]

Do you mean personally, or collectively? 'Coz I don't see how they'd be more thin than before collectively...

Well, I meant both actually. And I am basing this on sales numbers for friends that own gaming stores, and the basic state of the economy. I don't have hard numbers to back up this claim, just my opinions and those of my nervous Weird Petes. My impression of the gaming community in general is that gamers are notoriously short of funds, particularly when these funds have to support multiple game systems. Again, just MHO.

For me, I am going through the house purchase thing at the moment myself, so I am not as free spending as before. Being of the, "what? GW is updating my Warhammer Army, send my two army boxes" type, I tend to over buy. So now, I am much less of a free spender. There are a lot of AEG products and other game books that I would like to buy, but simply won't right. One reason being price, the other being, well, I have enough information to run my games now. No need for more.

Therefore, I am a much more focused gamer and game buyer and I reserve purchase for the truly important stuff. I rank 3.5e and AU among those purchases. But, 3.5e will be first.

It is like when Austin Pwers came out the same time as Star Wars...The Austin trailer said, 'If you are going to see one movie this summer, see Star Wars...but if you are going to see 2, see Austin Powers!"

If you are going to buy one gaming product this summer, buy 3.5e, but if you are going to buy 2, get AU. I think my game is going to be a combination of the two.

Breezly

 

[2d6]

having just closed on a house that required substantial savings to get into, and now going through the relatively minor (but still costly) renovation that comes when you buy someone else's home.

little OT, but congrats on the house! and isn't that the truth.

2d6

 

[Desdichado]

Thanks! And yes, it's the truth -- especially with my wife! She's on her third iteration of what she wants to paint the family room!

Breezly, I see your point, but unlike movies that have fairly limited theater runs, AU and 3.5E will both be on sale for a long time to come.

 

[Sulimo]

Well, I meant both actually. And I am basing this on sales numbers for friends that own gaming stores, and the basic state of the economy. I don't have hard numbers to back up this claim, just my opinions and those of my nervous Weird Petes. My impression of the gaming community in general is that gamers are notoriously short of funds, particularly when these funds have to support multiple game systems. Again, just MHO.

Yeah. I'm not sure if they are all coming out in July, but it is looking pretty busy for me with 3.5, AU, Babylon 5, Angel all being released. And thats just the major purchases. And thats pretty much the reason why I'll not buy 3.5 and just grab the SRD...of course with several people in on D&D group grabbing 3.5 there isnt a great urgency to grab 3.5 myself...at least not right away.