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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WizarDru" data-source="post: 4488600" data-attributes="member: 151">Someone did a thread here about magic item distributions throughout the printed core modules, comparing AD&D with 3e and generally found that AD&D had the potential to give MORE magic items, not fewer.  A lot of math was discussed, but the end result was that in general, magic items were no less or more commonplace in previous editions than in 3e.  The primary difference under 3e was that they were far more transparent about the necessity of them.  In 1e, if you encountered a creature that could only be hit by a +1 or greater weapon, you were out of luck.  This generally meant that players would invariably find such equipment unless the DM wanted his players to encounter a no-win situation or relegate the spellslingers to doing the fighting against some creatures.One of the key points of perception, I think, came from WotC's research data about play habits.  Most campaigns did not (and probably still do not) last long periods of time.  Therefore, many games never reached the loftier heights of AD&D's double-digits.  The slower advancement meant that many of the bigger, more dramatic items and spells stayed beyond many players reach, creating a perception of equipment never given out.  3e intentionally sped that advancement arc up and thus more groups were routinely exposed to higher levels and more magical loot, IMHO.</blockquote>