James Gasik
We don't talk about Pun-Pun
The changing nature of the fanbase. Sales are in a slump, so now is the time to make more, more, more!I agree. WotC in 5e clearly feared changing their own books back in the day. Of course, now they are, IMO, changing them too much, so what do I know?
Every time we get a new edition, there's a paucity for sourcebooks early on, but the instant sales start to slump, it's time to crank out more options! More settings!
Don't let players realize they can build their own things, or heaven forbid, use old settings and lore!
TSR did it with 2e, and WotC has always followed a similar model. And even if they didn't want to, Hasbro is sticking their hand out saying "hey kid, gimme your lunch money!" at every turn.