D&D 4e PDFs at RPGNow

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Didn't the Rouse say last year that the plan was that people who bought physical 4e D&D books could buy a DDI pdf version for something like the cost of a cup of coffee (remembering that he works in Seattle)?

I don't remember any follow up contradicting that other than the complete absence of DDI.

That was one of their original goals, but they weren't able to find a suitable way to make this work. The idea of a coupon in each book didn't seem feasible due to the ease of fraud and the resulting consumer frustration (fraud: People just copy the coupon id; frustration: people buying their books finding their coupons already being redeemed)

On the other hand, this also lead to them deciding that the Rules Compendium would show all material, regardless of whether you bought it or not. Of course, the value of this service is lower then originally anticipated since (at least for now) it only contains player-related stuff, not monsters.

 

[catsclaw227]

Didn't the Rouse say last year that the plan was that people who bought physical 4e D&D books could buy a DDI pdf version for something like the cost of a cup of coffee (remembering that he works in Seattle)?

I don't remember any follow up contradicting that other than the complete absence of DDI.

Yes, I think he did. It's possible that the PDFs on RPGNow are intended for those that don't want to buy the physical book, but prefer PDFs.

Since they needed to make then available for the buyers of the core (for a price more like a cup of coffee) they might as well sell them to those who don't have the print books.

Scott? You there?

 

[catsclaw227]

That was one of their original goals, but they weren't able to find a suitable way to make this work. The idea of a coupon in each book didn't seem feasible due to the ease of fraud and the resulting consumer frustration (fraud: People just copy the coupon id; frustration: people buying their books finding their coupons already being redeemed)

Right, but are we sure that they have abandoned the idea that PDFs will be available to those that bought the hardback?

 

[am181d]

Will strongly consider buying the PDFs of the core rules. Would also greatly prefer to buy the PDFs of additional books in lieu of the hardcovers. Hopefully, once they've got the specifics worked out, new PDFs will come out on or close to the hardcover sale date.

 

[Pinotage]

I am seriously considering buying it, but your mention of UPDATEs lets me reconsider. I can wait...

If these pdfs are like all the others of RPGNow, you get notified if the product is updated and you can just download the updated copy again. I seriously doubt WotC would charge you for the update!

Buy once, get all the updates free.

Pinotage

 

[Crothian]

I'm downloading the PHB now

 

[Darkwolf71]

Didn't the Rouse say last year that the plan was that people who bought physical 4e D&D books could buy a DDI pdf version for something like the cost of a cup of coffee (remembering that he works in Seattle)?

I don't remember any follow up contradicting that other than the complete absence of DDI.

That idea was scrapped. We have the D&D Compendium instead.

 

[malraux]

I think I'll wait for the pdf gift set with file folder slipcase.

 

[Baumi]

[sarcasm] Of course, I will gladly pay more for a PDF than for the Books at my FLGS. [/sarcasm]

While I am glad that they are selling the PDF's, I think the price has to drop drastically especially for the one's who have the physical books already (I really liked the original Idea with the code in the books).

 

[greatamericanfolkher]

Any info on if these pdfs will include the errata?