DMG II + PHB II + MM II-IV = 4th Edition?

[Torm]

Looking through the thread on WOTC's planned releases for May-August 2006, it suddenly occurred to me that there is no real need for WOTC to release a 4th Edition in name, at least not anytime soon: By adding additional volumes to their core books, they have effectively done this anyway for those who want it. And since the add-ons cost as much as the core books themselves, they're making the same money, more or less.

Thoughts?

 

[Pseudonym]

Awfully innovative of them ...

 

[Crothian]

These technically are not additional volumes of the core books as they are not core books.

 

[rvalle]

My understanding of the DMG II is that it is about HOW to be a good DM and not a set of rules about how to play the game.

rv

 

[Torm]

These technically are not additional volumes of the core books as they are not core books.

On one hand, I agree technically, but on the other hand, tradition says to me that when you take the name of one book and stick "II" after it, that is meant to indicate an additional volume of the same content.

 

[Psion]

Well, whereas I took 3.5 hard, I have no problem with the "II" volumes. Because I hate having support yanked out from under you, shifting details of the campaign forcing you to re-evaluate work you have already done, etc.

As I have said before and will say again, compatability with existing material is something that WotC (and other gaming companies, for that matter) should consider more seriously.

 

[the Jester]

Well, the difference is that the DMG II, PH II and MM2-4 don't change the game system in significant ways; they add on to it. 4e (when it eventually comes) will have revised things, rather than (or perhaps in addition to) adding more stuff.

 

[Silveras]

My understanding of the DMG II is that it is about HOW to be a good DM and not a set of rules about how to play the game.

rv

Chapter 1 is about how RPGs play (NOT so much how to be a good DM), the types of players, how to work with each (THAT might be about being a good DM), and so on.

The other 70% of the book is additional/variant game rules: the Mob template, Organizations in the game, magic item templates, locations as treasure.

 

[Silveras]

Well, the difference is that the DMG II, PH II and MM2-4 don't change the game system in significant ways; they add on to it. 4e (when it eventually comes) will have revised things, rather than (or perhaps in addition to) adding more stuff.

Exactly.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

I own the DMG II and the MMII. I could not throw out the DMG and replace it with the DMGII. It does not have CR charts, treasure tables, magical item creation rules or alot of other stuff. The DMGII expands on the DMG and tries to help tell you how to be a good DM. The MMII isn't even 3.5 and neither the MMII or the MMIII introduce any new rules just some new monsters and abilities but do not revise any of the old monsters which would be necessary for a new edition.
More stuff does not equal a new edition.

Any one who has seen the DMGII, the MMII or the MMIII can tell ya that it ain't a new edition. Though the titles do seem to imply as such they are simply misnomers (spelling?).