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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ExploderWizard" data-source="post: 4755311" data-attributes="member: 66434">I don't think WOTC is actively trying to force gamers out of the hobby, but thier decisions of late appear to support a very borg-like mentality of mandatory assimilation of D&D players into thier current product line. Rather than realize that the customer base is fragmented and attempt to offer more variety to capture the wider market, they seem to be trying to herd players toward the one size fits all product line. Perhaps they do have plans for different offerings, it might just take a while to get the wheels turning. A large corporate environment moves very slowly. In the meantime I don't see any reason for needless hate. Keep playing with whatever makes you happy and see how things turn out.  If WOTC decides to push only one offering then they will lose some customers, and may gain some new ones. The retro-clone movement is proof that if there is a desire for a type of product, then it will find its way to those that want it.  The bigger problem is that the rpg product format isn't the way to get the most money out of a popularly held IP such as D&D. Gamers want a stable set of rules with a constant stream of supplements which are optional and can be used with game as desired. This model is not the way to get the most money out of the IP. Planned rules/supplement/revise/repeat is the current model but that can't last much longer. Either the revisions aren't radical enough to warrant change in the eyes of the consumer or they go way too far and split the player base. Its the basic rpg distribution model that stands in the way of higher profits.  The DDI looks like an attempt to get joe gamer to accept online rules presentation as the default method to present game rules. 5E will probably be sold as packs of cards, minis, dice, and maps with the rules being subscription based. This leaves little to no printed text products to pirate and errata a snap because the online data can just be edited . The success of the pilot model (4E DDI) will determine the ultimate direction for the next edition.</blockquote>

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