D&D 4E Hasbro, Greyhawk, and 4E speculation

[Sanguinemetaldawn]

You might be able to glean some insights from Monte Cook, who just posted at http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=148452&page=3

Yeah, his comments are definitely worth reading for the perspective they confer. But bear in mind: my speculation is that D&D is going on the block in the near future or will be shut down, not that 4E is imminent.

 

[francisca]

Yeah, his comments are definitely worth reading for the perspective they confer. But bear in mind: my speculation is that D&D is going on the block in the near future or will be shut down, not that 4E is imminent.

And have been repeated by him more than once. Monte needs a macro.

 

[Sanguinemetaldawn]

While quite a few people did get laid off, those specific three left of their own free will, if memory serves. I'm certain Monte did and 99% sure Valtera did, at any rate; less so Reynolds.

Monte I don't know about...I could definitely see it, given the ambitions expressed in the amount of material he has created.

Valterra...it didn't sound that way. I probably shouldn't have brought him up though...something of a special case.

SKReyn would probably be most representative. It would good to get the perspective of the lesser-known/lower profile people who exited the company in the the two waves of layoffs. Especially the second wave. My impression is that many of those were involuntary...which is my working model right now.

 

[Monte At Home]

And have been repeated by him more than once. Monte needs a macro.

Really? Where else?

 

[Truth Seeker]

Well, if I win an insane amount in the lottery, I might be tempted to join in a buyout of WotC from Hasbro.

Currently, the MEGA Millions for my area, has hit 200 million dollars. I am hoping, that no one get it for another month or two. Then...go in for the kill ...*One can dream, can't they?*

 

[philreed]

Scenario 2:
Someone comes in and buys D&D. Guess what they will do first? Maybe what Wizards did right after they bought TSR?

I don't see this as a likely option. D&D is so much more than the books that we buy. While it's possible Hasbro may elect to cancel RPG support (but likely not minis) I don't see them selling the brand. It's too valuable an IP to let go.

I find it more likely that Hasbro will release D&D 4e -- as primarily a minis game -- and then continue to license the brand out for computer games, film, television, and anything else they can draw money from.

It's my opinion that D&D, as a brand, is at a point where the pen-n-paper RPG is no longer necessary to the success of the brand.

 

[dargoth3]

I dont think Hasbro/WOTC would be able to do that with the Forgotten Realms though

Apparently Ed Greenwoods deal with TSR/WOTC/Hasbro includes a clause where the setting reverts back to Eds control if the current holder of Licence doesnt stops publishing realms products.

So basicly if hasbro did what Sanguinemetaldawn said they'd loose the FR licence

 

[Sammael]

It's my opinion that D&D, as a brand, is at a point where the pen-n-paper RPG is no longer necessary to the success of the brand.

Considering that DDM Skirmish as a game is nowhere near being a huge success, and that the vast majority of minis are being bought by role-players for role-playing purposes (just check which minis are popular and expensive on eBay), I fail to see where you're drawing that conclusion from.

 

[philreed]

Considering that DDM Skirmish as a game is nowhere near being a huge success, and that the vast majority of minis are being bought by role-players for role-playing purposes (just check which minis are popular and expensive on eBay), I fail to see where you're drawing that conclusion from.

Compare console/computer game numbers to the RPG industry. After the core 3 books there's not as much demand for products.

And even if most of the minis are being purchased for roleplaying (which I agree with, BTW) that doesn't mean that people will stop buying the minis if the pen-n-paper support stops. It likely just means that they'll buy more minis.

 

[Tinner]

This theory completely ignores the normal MO of Hasbro.

I can't find a single historical case where Hasbro has completely sold off IP.
This is the company that sat on GI Joe and Weebles for 20 years before reviving them.
The same company that only pushes certain toys/games (Lite Brite) during the holdiay season as annual favorites.

Hasbro knows things come and go, but IP is always valuable.
Could they change the production level/support for D&D? Probably.

Are they likely to ditch the D&D brand?
I highly doubt it. It doesn't fit the character of the company.

Hasbro has been around for a long time. They are not a sort-term cash-making operation. They understand long-term value of IP.

That said, they are also not afraid to shake things up to generate more money.
I can accept that 4e might be coming soon.
No way do I buy Hasbro selling off the brand.