Cosmetics

[Treebore]

When we switched from 2E to 3E one of the big benefits, at least to me, was the HUGE improvements used in making the products. The full color part didn't really do anythng for me, I prefer B/W, but the improvements in the maps and over all presentation were absolutley HUGE over what we got from TSR/2E.

So is there going to be a comparably huge improvement with 4E? Or hasn't there been enough advancements in publishing technology, etc... to see such a huge improvement?

As far as I know we won't see it, since I am not aware of any big improvements. Now I do see some really cool stuff happening in the digital part, but I am specifically asking about the published material.

Do any of you know of any major improvements that can be used?

 

[Scribble]

When we switched from 2E to 3E one of the big benefits, at least to me, was the HUGE improvements used in making the products. The full color part didn't really do anythng for me, I prefer B/W, but the improvements in the maps and over all presentation were absolutley HUGE over what we got from TSR/2E.

So is there going to be a comparably huge improvement with 4E? Or hasn't there been enough advancements in publishing technology, etc... to see such a huge improvement?

As far as I know we won't see it, since I am not aware of any big improvements. Now I do see some really cool stuff happening in the digital part, but I am specifically asking about the published material.

Do any of you know of any major improvements that can be used?

Well, if you're like me, the improvement comes in the form of the DI...

Right off the bat access to digital versions of the book is a HUGE improvement in my eyes.

 

[takasi]

Now I do see some really cool stuff happening in the digital part, but I am specifically asking about the published material.

While I haven't heard anything about advances in the printed material, I think the advances in the last 10 years in online material is much greater than any print related changes in any previous edition.

In my online games, I use d20srd.org religiously.

 

[blargney the second]

The production values of WotC are already phenomenal. If they do improve, I'm not even sure it would be noticeable to the naked eye.
-blarg

 

[The Human Target]

I'm just spit balling, but I think we're going to see a lot of the "college textbook" look with the new edition. Easy to read, plenty of color and diagrams. Function over form if you will.

And I think that the digital initiative also counts a cosmetic advancement as well. Being able to access digital versions of the material and expansions of the material is a huge step forward.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I'm hoping for a scratch and sniff Monster Manual.

 

[The Human Target]

I'm hoping for a scratch and sniff Monster Manual.

<sniffs>

Smells kinda like a gorgon, but with a hint of something else.....ahhhh its half red dragon.

 

[takasi]

It's amazing how helpful hyperlinks are when reading reference material. AMAZING. If we see something as simple as this it would make it so much easier to resolve rules issues. Or SEARCHING through a document. High tech stuff.

 

[RangerWickett]

It's amazing how helpful hyperlinks are when reading reference material. AMAZING. If we see something as simple as this it would make it so much easier to resolve rules issues. Or SEARCHING through a document. High tech stuff.

I don't think the books will be that advanced.

I agree, though. Sites like d20srd are amazingly useful. Of course, I might not need them as much if the game weren't so complicated, but still, they're fun to have.

 

[Li Shenron]

I think it will keep on improving gradually rather than getting a noticeable step-up with the 4e core books.

It's amazing how helpful hyperlinks are when reading reference material. AMAZING. If we see something as simple as this it would make it so much easier to resolve rules issues. Or SEARCHING through a document. High tech stuff.

Yes, hyperlinks in printed books would truly be groundbreaking innovation!