D&D 3E/3.5 How does the rollout of 4e teasers compare to 3e?

[Crazy Jerome]

So we'll get our real previews in the December teaser books, and the details of the 4e system will be leaked from those attending D&D Experience, aka Winter Fantasy. It seems like the only real difference will be the timing of the actual book release - in May rather than August, done to facilitate things at Gen Con. And that is a good thing. The worst part of the 3e rollout was the spring of 2000, when we pretty much knew what the rules were like, but we couldn't quite play yet.

So basically, people should pace themselves as if the game was coming out for Gen Con 2008? Then, when WotC suddenly releases the PHB "early", in May, they are pleasantly surprised.

Sounds reasonable to me. The whole preview/expectation/anticipation game is only as fun/dismal as one chooses to make it.

 

[Riley]

So basically, people should pace themselves as if the game was coming out for Gen Con 2008? Then, when WotC suddenly releases the PHB "early", in May, they are pleasantly surprised.

That sounds like a good idea to me, too. I like a little healthy self-deception.

 

[Jhaelen]

Somehow, I don't think that 4e is the fundamental rewrite that was 3e. So I'm not too bothered. Perhaps also, at 40, I've learned patience.

That's what I think, too. The learning curve for someone who's been playing 3E will be more gentle than the complete overhaul that was 3E for AD&D 2E players.

We've already seen most of the 'new' mechanics in SAGA and some of the more recent 3.5 releases.

 

[Varianor Abroad]

I think Eric's point #2 is spot on.

 

[Mokona]

If we look at time-from-release and compare the information available today, 7 months prior to the release of 4e, with what was available in January 2000, 7 months prior to 3e's release, we're way behind the curve.

I don't subscribe to conspiracy theories and I understand that Wizards of the Coast feels that milking previews is somehow "good".

Given the facts dug up by Riley I hope that we start getting 4th edition information faster and in greater volume, ASAP.

 

[Riley]

I don't subscribe to conspiracy theories and I understand that Wizards of the Coast feels that milking previews is somehow "good".

Given the facts dug up by Riley I hope that we start getting 4th edition information faster and in greater volume, ASAP.

Again, January 2000 was the post-Winter Fantasy deluge, so I don't think that is a fair comparison. I expect post-D&D Experience, we'll know just as much.

 

[Mokona]

Again, January 2000 was the post-Winter Fantasy deluge, so I don't think that is a fair comparison.

I care nothing for Winter Fantasy and I really don't want to wait almost four (4) more months for greater information.

 

[TerraDave]

Go to this thread:

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=209443

 

[Riley]

Go to this thread:

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=209443

One complete stat block - makes this the best preview yet. Looks very nice, and boy it confirms/reveals a lot.

(For those keeping score, the first stat block of 3e was posted ~Feb. 20, 2000.)