I would imagine that even if they put out softcovers, it will be something like a year after the hardcover release. That's the standard model for novels, at least. They have to make sure they've exhausted every possible sale at that price in that time period and they also have to make sure they aren't putting it out while there is still a warehouse with hardcovers. Personally, I'm not so sure on the softcovers at all. Softcover doesn't lend itself well to covering a 500 page rulebook.
Let's get waaaay head of ourselves. :D
- Thread starter steeldragons
- Start date
Jeff Carlsen
Adventurer
I love soft-covers, don't get me wrong, but my 3.0 hardcover is still holding up after a decade of abuse. That's valuable. I really think offering both might be worthwhile.
If the game is small enough, I'd like to see one book cover all the rules and classes, like Pathfinder does. If it isn't, then the traditional three would be good.
While I like the idea of a starter box, and I think Paizo has done a fantastic job on the one for Pathfinder, I would like to see a starter box that wasn't at all reduced. Include a softcover copy of the Player's Handbook, an adventure or three with DM advice, plus dice and counters/figure flats for monsters.
If the game is small enough, I'd like to see one book cover all the rules and classes, like Pathfinder does. If it isn't, then the traditional three would be good.
While I like the idea of a starter box, and I think Paizo has done a fantastic job on the one for Pathfinder, I would like to see a starter box that wasn't at all reduced. Include a softcover copy of the Player's Handbook, an adventure or three with DM advice, plus dice and counters/figure flats for monsters.
Stormonu
NeoGrognard
I'm hoping for a Starter set that covers 1st-5th. The full rulebooks can come later.
I'd prefer they break the rules out somewhat like essentials:
- Rule Compendium containing the base rules of play
- Hero's book, containing the class & race details
- Monster Vault, containing the monsters
I'd also like to see a "lite" version of the full rules, with as much of the 3 above books jammed into one volume, like the BECM Rules Encyclopedia.
I'd prefer they break the rules out somewhat like essentials:
- Rule Compendium containing the base rules of play
- Hero's book, containing the class & race details
- Monster Vault, containing the monsters
I'd also like to see a "lite" version of the full rules, with as much of the 3 above books jammed into one volume, like the BECM Rules Encyclopedia.
In my ideal world, the push for D&Dn will two-fold: digital and physical.
Digitally would have all the rules needed to play D&Dn be freely available online through website and can be downloaded in an pdf. This will allow new players and people who are simply curious about the new edition without having to go to a game store to figure out how to play the game. This should include tutorials how to play and 1st level adventure to play out (with all appropriate aids needed for the players and DM).
On the physical end, I would want the standard affair really. Solid Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual. I would prefer them being hardcover but I will be okay with softcover books.
Digitally would have all the rules needed to play D&Dn be freely available online through website and can be downloaded in an pdf. This will allow new players and people who are simply curious about the new edition without having to go to a game store to figure out how to play the game. This should include tutorials how to play and 1st level adventure to play out (with all appropriate aids needed for the players and DM).
On the physical end, I would want the standard affair really. Solid Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual. I would prefer them being hardcover but I will be okay with softcover books.
Tallifer
Hero
I think a boxed set is a good idea, but I would also like to see the same material reprinted in a single hardcover book since the total number of pages would be small. A hardcover copy would be more durable and more portable for the average hardcore gamer who is going to buy almost every rulebook anyway.
If the hardcover is delayed and published at the same as the Advanced Players' Handbook, then it would also be an opportunity to put in any necessary errata.
If the hardcover is delayed and published at the same as the Advanced Players' Handbook, then it would also be an opportunity to put in any necessary errata.
Tony Vargas
Legend
pdf download or dvd?
rogueattorney
Adventurer
Personally, I don't think this is getting ahead of ourselves at all and that this issue is far more important than minutia like how many hit points a first level character should have, how wizards cast spells, or how saving throws work. How the game is packaged will have the single most effect on whether I purchase it or not.
I will not purchase a game that requires me to spend $100 on over 1,000 pages of rules to be able to run a relatively robust campaign.
I will not purchase a crippleware product that gives me about 10 hours of game play and then requires me to spend $100 on over 1,000 pages of game rules to continue my campaign.
I would happily purchase a product (or products) that allows me to run a fairly robust campaign with about 150 pages of rules (give or take 50). Examples of the "density" of rules I'd be looking for would be the 1981 B/X rules, Tunnels & Trolls 5.5ed., Star Frontiers, Cthulhu Dark Ages, the first two Dragon Age boxed sets, and Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition. You get the idea.
If I like the game and play it, I will very happily purchase further supplements to the rules that I think will assist my campaign.
I will not purchase a game that requires me to spend $100 on over 1,000 pages of rules to be able to run a relatively robust campaign.
I will not purchase a crippleware product that gives me about 10 hours of game play and then requires me to spend $100 on over 1,000 pages of game rules to continue my campaign.
I would happily purchase a product (or products) that allows me to run a fairly robust campaign with about 150 pages of rules (give or take 50). Examples of the "density" of rules I'd be looking for would be the 1981 B/X rules, Tunnels & Trolls 5.5ed., Star Frontiers, Cthulhu Dark Ages, the first two Dragon Age boxed sets, and Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition. You get the idea.
If I like the game and play it, I will very happily purchase further supplements to the rules that I think will assist my campaign.
