What do you think of the Starter Set for 5E?
I like the starter set, however, I do have my "quibbles" with it. Mainly two things, that center around one issue. The issue of character creation.
If it were me, I would have "amped up" the starter box a bit. Instead of the condensed version of the basic rules, I would like to have seen the full basic PDF in print. So basically, instead of getting the "Starter Set Rulebook" as is, I would have made it the full "Players D&D Basic Rules" in print form.
Also, I would have added a third book that is a print copy of the "Dungeon Master's D&D Basic Rules" in print form.
The LMoP book, I would leave alone.
I would have included a heavier stock (thicker/sturdier) copy of the full 3 page character sheet that can be photocopied to suit the groups needs, and explain character creation for those groups who want to go that route. I would also leave in the pre-generated characters, to allow for groups who just want to dive in as it is now.
Make it a TRUE starter set, not just an adventure in a box. The words starter set are a bit of a misnomer IMO. Yes, it gets people playing, but not their own characters. The reason I find this so important is because of my own group. Every single session felt like they wanted nothing more than to be done with the starter set , so they could roll up their own characters and play the "real" game. This is literally what I heard from my group, and it was frustrating because no matter how much I explained,they didn't feel like they were playing the "real" game when using pre-gen characters.
I would package the box so that the first thing you see laying under the dice is a piece of paper the says "Read Me First" in bold print. On this paper, it will explain some of the stuff I mentioned in my previous post, but go on to explain all of the various books inside the box. State what they are for, why they are there, and how to use them.
Since this is a hypothetical about how to keep D&D making money, there is something else I would add into the box, and to the WotC product line-up. That thing is paper pawns (ala PF). Yes, you read that correctly. I would LOVE to see WotC produce paper pawns. Include the pawns necessary for the pre-generated characters (male & female) + enough for all of the important NPCs + monster encounters. Then toss in a nice gridded playmat and call it good.
I actually bought the Pathfinder Starter Box prior to buying the 5E box and thought the PF box was nicer. It contains more "loot" (so-to-speak) and the included books are of a higher quality (production quality). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE 5E, but Paizo smoked WotC when it came to creating an enticing starter/beginner box.
I think WotC could make a bunch of money by making paper pawns. Do a pawn set for all of the adventure paths, a set for each monster manual (when released), etc. I know guys who buy the AP from Paizo, and then buy the corresponding box of pawns to run the AP. I would do exactly that myself and wish SO badly that WotC would offer the same. Ease of usage with their product by buying an additional product!!!
Minis are expensive (IMO) and are randomized. Pawns are MUCH more cost effective and NOT randomized. They would then have TWO products to sell for each adventure path or module created. As it is, I am using my PF pawns and playmat for my 5E games. It's like money for the taking if only they (WotC) would do it!!!