Pathfinder 1E Is PAIZO becoming the next Wizards?

[ggroy]

It always makes me a little bit sad every time I read that one of the major factors for the demise of TSR is the multiple settings. I'm not disputing the fact, but the thing is I loved all those 2E settings and I still consider that period before the fall as one of the golden periods of D&D. Perhaps my group was a bit different than most because between us all we probably purchased every setting box set, adventure or supplement. Anyway, it makes me a bit sad because it means that no publisher is ever likely to repeat what I fondly remember as the golden age of campaign settings.

Perhaps Paizo's solution to this "multiplicity" of settings problem, is to just incorporate everything of interest into a big "kitchen sink" setting like Golarion. How well this will work in practice, we'll know in a few years.

In the already mapped out "Inner Sea" regions of Golarion, it can already approximate various TSR/WotC and 3PP settings like:

Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk -> various places in Avistan
Al-Qadim -> Katapesh, Qadria
sub-Sahara Africa, Nyambe -> Mwangi Expanse
ancient Egypt -> Osiron
undead -> Geb
low magic, Midnight? -> Mana Wastes?
Ravenloft -> Ustalav?
wild west? -> Alkenstar

In future Golarion setting books, perhaps:

Kara-Tur, Rokugan -> Tian Xia
Maztica -> Arcadia?
Atlantis -> Azlant?
Dark Sun -> planet Akiton?

 

[Votan]

But if that support can be very inexpensive (I'm looking at out of print PDF sales, for example) then I think it can work and may generate enough revenue to be self-sufficient, even profitable.

This type of passive support is the main thing that I'd like. Or, alternatively, they could license the older editions to a third party if the overhead costs of supporting PDFS were considered excessive.

 

[Wicht]

As was brought to my attention last night - here is something Paizo has that Wizards doesn't yet (at least not that I know of): a book so in demand [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Rise-Runelords-Chapter-Offerings/dp/1593968353/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267534976&sr=1-2] some seller thinks he can get $1000 for it.[/ame]

If I had the money, I would sweep up the same copy going for $150 right now.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

It always makes me a little bit sad every time I read that one of the major factors for the demise of TSR is the multiple settings. I'm not disputing the fact, but the thing is I loved all those 2E settings and I still consider that period before the fall as one of the golden periods of D&D. Perhaps my group was a bit different than most because between us all we probably purchased every setting box set, adventure or supplement. Anyway, it makes me a bit sad because it means that no publisher is ever likely to repeat what I fondly remember as the golden age of campaign settings.

The question might be - did you need all the supporting material for each setting, or would one big setting book have been enough?

 

[Wicht]

The question might be - did you need all the supporting material for each setting, or would one big setting book have been enough?

Is one book ever enough?

i.e. When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes

 

[AllisterH]

I think it depends on the nature of the edition changes. An edition change that is highly compatible with previous editions (several Hero editions, most Call of Cthulhu editions) probably does very little to fracture the customer base. The old materials are still mostly usable with the new rules, the new materials are still mostly usable with old rules. There's very little seem between groups using any particular edition.

.

You know...I never understood how CoC actually made any money on new editions.

As you mentioned, differences between editions of CoC were smaller than even the changes between 1e and 2e.

So why would any CoC fan actually bother buying the NEW edition of CoC? I certainly wouldn't.

 

[DracoSuave]

Discussions on whether Paizo can become the next WoTC should probably occur after they invent a brand new kind of game never seen before that becomes so popular it's like printing money.

 

[billd91]

You know...I never understood how CoC actually made any money on new editions.

As you mentioned, differences between editions of CoC were smaller than even the changes between 1e and 2e.

So why would any CoC fan actually bother buying the NEW edition of CoC? I certainly wouldn't.

Books go out of print. New players pick up the newest edition to see print and it's then quite easy to share the changes with the rest of the gaming table.
Out of print books wear out. Replacement books come from the newest edition to see print.
Some people buy new editions of stuff like they buy new software versions.
Some people just like to stay current.


Chaosium also has been known to bind in various sourcebooks with their core rules. The 3rd edition hardcover I have had for about 2 decades now incorporates some sourcebooks that were separate when the immediately previous edition was published.

 

[El Mahdi]

deleted

 

[Wicht]

"Hi. My name is Wicht, and I have an RPG addiction."


*group*: "Hi, Wicht."

I can quit anytime I want.