First, let's see your release schedule for the rest of 2014 (including product details).
June:
Dreams of the Dragons in the Red Wizard City of Menzoberranzan along the Sword Coast starring Minsc mega-adventure using the old playtest rules for 3e.
July:
Intro Set is released. It is a boxed set that, when the lid is removed, sprays confetti everywhere and has a card inside in a secret code that says "Play More Dungeon World!" when deciphered. Ralphie goes on the WotC forums to flame this as the worst intro set ever since one of the umpteen Red Boxes or whatever.
August:
Player's Handbook is released. Somebody hates the art.
September: WotC tanks roll into the Paizo offices and demand their unconditional surrender. Also, a 5e version of
Keep on the Borderlands is released to milquetoast acclaim.
October: In order to collect on an obscure dead uncle's fortune, Mike Mearls and Erik Mona must spend a night together in a mansion haunted by E. Gary Gygax's remarkably chill ghost. Monte Cook spies on them from the outside and twirls his moustache with sinister intent while snickering at his loyal canine companion, but he's no match for the clever mystery-solving skills of Ghostgax!
Also, a
Monster Manual. But it's only about 50 pages and includes only the monsters beginning with the letter "D." It has no art.
November:
DMG is released. Somebody REALLY hates the art. Especially that one piece.
December: A gift set of the first three books is released with all new art that somebody somewhere still hates, but for different reasons than before. Gift set contains the phrase "Happy Holidays," which, along with all the demons and devils in the MM, gets it mentioned on the hit news show
Angry Judgemental Old Cacausain, where it is said that this is part of what kids these days like instead of Jesus. Sales skyrocket.
Second, what is the electronic plan for 5e? A DDI-type system? Will all hardcopy releases also get a simultaneous PDF release? Will there be hardcopy-only and/or PDF-only releases?
They're planning on an NSA-style internet plan that will make sure they know exactly how you are using all of their products and how long you spend looking at that re-print of the 1e Succubus picture, you perv.
Third, what will the licensing be like. OGL? GSL? SRD?
WotC just licenses the game for free to Paizo and Ron Edwards. Everyone else must write a 100-word application for a license that describes how much they love the new art.
Edit: what's up with the magazine too.
iPad-exclusive membership for really artistic and unique individuals grants them a badge that says "World's Best Nerd!" on it. Also, some house rules for jesters.
Let's get some answers to these important questions your customers want to know.
Yeah! Like what is this growth on my neck? Tell me THAT, WotC!
