D&D 5E (2024) Predict WotC's 2026 D&D releases

[Artamo]

The beauty of a cynics perspective is that you can rationalize away pesky facts that get in your way.

Not releasing new stuff? Working on 6e.
Releasing new stuff? Trial balloons for 6e.
Crunch light? Filler while busy working on 6e.
Crunch heavy? Testing new stuff/throwing stuff at the wall for 6e.
Partnered content? Letting them do the work while they're developing 6e.
Etc, etc.

Given the trashy video YouTube just tried to send my way, I have to agree with this. The other thing is if one keeps harping about 6e long enough, one day they’re going to be right and then be able to proclaim their foresight and genius.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

The beauty of a cynics perspective

I wouldn’t call this a cynic’s perspective. A cynical perspective would be “5e is terrible but WotC are too lazy to fix it and the game will die”. “5e is terrible but they are busy working on another version that I will like better” is more of a cloud-cuckoolander perspective.

 

[mamba]

FYI, if you look elsewhere on this forum you will see that there is recent and decent evidence that WotC will be releasing a campaign book this year (in the usual late summer / early fall slot).

is it? Don’t B&G also release these deluxe versions for older WotC adventures rather than just shortly after the official release?

I am expecting an AP, I just am not sure this is good evidence for one

 

[bedir than]

is it? Don’t B&G also release these deluxe versions for older WotC adventures rather than just shortly after the official release?

I am expecting an AP, I just am not sure this is good evidence for one

They haven't released Platinum for old products.

They have done Legendary for decade+ old products (Tyranny and Strahd)

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Don’t B&G also release these deluxe versions for older WotC adventures rather than just shortly after the official release?

They do, but their press release specifically stated that this is a new adventure.

I wouldn’t think they would do it unless they had good reason to believe the new adventure was a safe bet though. And the closest thing to a safe bet I can think of.

 

[Rainbow Scissors]

There aint going to be a sixth edition this year, next year, or the year after that. And when there eventually is, it will take the game in the exact opposite direction to the one you want (because you aint going to be any younger or more in touch).

My prediction is not based upon what I want. I can understand that there may be emotions attached to 5.24 that prompt people to be upset. Those are not emotions that I share. It is true that I had hoped for something different (as did much of the people with whom I play,) but I do not have any ill will toward the game. I simply do not feel a desire to spend more money on the current state of WotC's product. As said already, my group has discussed trying A5E. We also talked about Tales of the Valiant, but, to be honest, we are still confused about what exactly Tales of the Valiant offers that would be "better."

Wanting a different direction is not unique to a particular age group. Many of the people advocating for other systems, OSR games, and other flavors of D&D are younger than I. I also imagine that the new hires to the WotC design team have different ideas about how the game should be than what the game currently is.

Many of the replies assume negativity on my part. There is none. The dice, books, and gaming room table that I have are tangible products, and I can continue to use those products without needing a licensing agreement or permission from WotC.

Yes, I do feel that I would be more inclined to want to spend money on and invest in a WotC 6E than to spend more money on 5E (as it currently is). Right now, my group feels the same way. The next product we buy to add material to our game will likely not be a WotC product because we have discussed it, and we feel that is the best path for our group, our game, and our fun. I would hope that other groups make whatever decision they feel is best for them. It in no way harms me if a different group, at a different table, with different people want to financially support what WotC is currently doing.

For this thread, I was asked for a prediction. I gave one.