I actually want a 4th edition! [semi-rant]

[Droogie]

Admittedly, I'm disappointed as well. I was looking forward to seeing what kind of improvements a 4e would bring.

Actually, my biggest disappointment was to hear that wotc has no software in the pipeline. They pulled the license from Code Monkey, and yet they have no plan B.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

The current edition of D&D is suffering greatly from rules glut. Every new book has to introduce more feats and more prestige classes. Prestige classes were originally a good idea - the first prestige were generic enough to include in most campaign settings; now prestige classes are getting to the point of being absurd. Feats, originally a great way to custimize a character, have gotten out of hand with the 1,000+ feats we have (I never thought that I would get tired of seeing new feats)! Then we have so many optional rules introduced with each supplement that I yearn for a time of simplicity.

I agree with Hussar. Don't use them. All the things you mention are optional.

And if you have too many feats, play Iron Heroes. You'll run out fast.

 

[Shadowslayer]

I was looking forward to a new edition as well. Not because the current ruleset sucks though. More like wanting to see it freshened up and made new again...and curious about what they'd change.

I wouldn't see it as a waste. I don't have to burn my 3e books when 4e comes out. I'd also guess that if I had $2500 worth of books rendered useless by a new edition, I'd probably take that as a lesson in buying $2500 worth of game books.

(I had 2e to teach me that lesson...Complete Gnome and Halfling Handbook anyone?)

 

[WayneLigon]

OK, I want a show of hands. Who actually believes that, when 4E comes, it will not follow the same pattern of releases that every popular RPG has since the beginning: there will be core books, and then more books: supplements, adventures, equipment, spells, monsters and NPCs and locations and etc etc. And still more. Until people quit buying them.

Five or six years after 4E is released, we'll have the equvilant number of splat books, environment books, additional monsters, spells, or whatever 'extra things that can be added' there are in 4E. Lets say that, just to pick something out of the air, 4E will have templates for spells you can lay onto spells to change their features. Does anyone really, truly think we will not see The Book of Spell Templates? And probably Book of Spell Templates II, if that sold really well?

If 'number of books and rules' is a problem with 3E, then 4E will not solve this problem. It's a matter of simple common sense. As long as D&D remains as popular as it is, you'll see more books until most major niches have been filled.

 

[JRRNeiklot]

*whap*whap*whap*

Bad rumormonger! Naughty!

Who is this "they" that always crops up in these 4e convos?! They seem to be even able to cross companies...they were once at TSR, where they knew of the buy-out. They're now at WotC, where they know of 4e being just....around....the....CORNER!

Hehehehe.

Well, I believe this they was Sean K. Reynolds, who is admittedly not a part of they anymore, but is definitely still a part of them.

 

[EyeontheMountain]

Pretty much, a release of 4E at anytime will start a huge schism in the gaming community. You'll have those that stay at 3.5E, those that quit D&D entirely, and those few that stick around to pick up the pieces and try and get 4E D&D running.

I really have to agree with this. Though there are a goodly number of OD&D and 2E diehards, they are a definite minority. And they are none too happy being ignored by WOTC in favor of the new edition.

I think that a 4E now, or in the next year could cause a major split in the market whith a lot of people opting out (And I think there is a very high chance I will be joining them) I am interested in 4E, I really am, but i jsut cannto see how htey can make a different 4E without making it basically a whole new game.

I will wiat and see, but it does concern me.

 

[jezter6]

I was hoping for 4e...just to revive the d20 modern line. I figured a new core rules set would bring along a new print of the modern variant.

I'm depressed...d20 modern is dead.

 

[shadow]

I have a little problem with the "if you don't like the options, don't use them" argument. The problem is that there are players that demand that they get to play a duskblade/warlock/battledancer or they quit the game. It seems that recently all the optional classes from the splatbooks have suddenly become "core". Many players that I know demand that they get to play the latest thing from the latest book, campaign coherency be damned. Luckily, the people that I game with are not this extreme, but it's very hard finding new gamers where I live.

I also find it interesting that so many people seem "content with 3.5e". I remember several gamers that were "content with 3e" until 3.5e came out. The next thing I know, these same gamers sell their entire collection of 3e books and started complaining how "broken" 3e was. It seems that gamers will go along with whatever the current edition is.

 

[Hussar]

OK, I want a show of hands. Who actually believes that, when 4E comes, it will not follow the same pattern of releases that every popular RPG has since the beginning: there will be core books, and then more books: supplements, adventures, equipment, spells, monsters and NPCs and locations and etc etc. And still more. Until people quit buying them.

Five or six years after 4E is released, we'll have the equvilant number of splat books, environment books, additional monsters, spells, or whatever 'extra things that can be added' there are in 4E. Lets say that, just to pick something out of the air, 4E will have templates for spells you can lay onto spells to change their features. Does anyone really, truly think we will not see The Book of Spell Templates? And probably Book of Spell Templates II, if that sold really well?

If 'number of books and rules' is a problem with 3E, then 4E will not solve this problem. It's a matter of simple common sense. As long as D&D remains as popular as it is, you'll see more books until most major niches have been filled.

Shhhh, quiet. Do not let logic interfere...

I have a little problem with the "if you don't like the options, don't use them" argument. The problem is that there are players that demand that they get to play a duskblade/warlock/battledancer or they quit the game. It seems that recently all the optional classes from the splatbooks have suddenly become "core". Many players that I know demand that they get to play the latest thing from the latest book, campaign coherency be damned. Luckily, the people that I game with are not this extreme, but it's very hard finding new gamers where I live.

I also find it interesting that so many people seem "content with 3.5e". I remember several gamers that were "content with 3e" until 3.5e came out. The next thing I know, these same gamers sell their entire collection of 3e books and started complaining how "broken" 3e was. It seems that gamers will go along with whatever the current edition is.

That's a player problem though. If a DM doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to say no to the players, he should possibly be looking for a new hobby. A new edition will certainly not stop whining players.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I have a little problem with the "if you don't like the options, don't use them" argument. The problem is that there are players that demand that they get to play a duskblade/warlock/battledancer or they quit the game.

The interpersonal issues at your table are not WotC's problem.

I also find it interesting that so many people seem "content with 3.5e". I remember several gamers that were "content with 3e" until 3.5e came out. The next thing I know, these same gamers sell their entire collection of 3e books and started complaining how "broken" 3e was. It seems that gamers will go along with whatever the current edition is.

How do we go from "several" to all gamers?