Upset about another edition!

[Incenjucar]

D&D 4E was released June 2008, so to Feb 2012 would be almost 4 years not Two.

From what I've heard, they decided on 5E during October 2010. It's probably part of why we've been getting so many freelancers backing major product lines, and almost certainly why they've been doing so much semi-random experimenting.

 

[BluSponge]

I would like to get everyones opinion on this?

If 5e lives up to it's promise, you'll be able to use some of that 4e library with a 5e game.

Otherwise, no jack booted thugs are headed for your door to take your books away. If WotC doesn't sell you on 5e, you can play 4e til the day you die. Some folks haven't bought new D&D books since 1989 and are still playing quite happily. That's what makes RPGs a HOBBY. it's not about buying every little thing the publisher spoon feeds you, it's about taking the core game and building your own unique "campaign", whether that includes other published materials or not.

Tom

 

[Stormonu]

Remember when WoTC said during the initial 4E launch that there would be no further editions? That its exception-based design made it so generic that all future development could be done as add-ons?

I don't remember this quote. I do seem to remember them saying exception-based design should make it longer between editions, but not that there would never be new editions.

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

Remember when WoTC said during the initial 4E launch that there would be no further editions? That its exception-based design made it so generic that all future development could be done as add-ons?

Cite? I most certainly don't remember them saying that at all. Don't recall anyone discussing it at the time nor having mentioned it even once since that time. If anyone HAD made that claim - that no new edition would ever be needed nor was expected because the present version was just such tasty awesomesauce - I'd have said quite loudly and at length that they were "grievously short-sighted", only I wouldn't have used such a kind euphemism.

Before 4E ever hit the shelves it was ABUNDANTLY clear that it was not universally loved, wanted, or appreciated for any number of reasons. People were still playing 3.5, they were starting to play Pathfinder, C&C, Osric, going back to 1E, 2E, etc. 4E was NOT percieved by any believable stretch to be the D&D that would end all other D&D editions - nor will 5E.

 

[Scribble]

If I remember correctly Mike Mearls at one point indicated he would like to have a base set of rules that would almost never update (kind of like Magic) and "new editions" would be the higher level stuff.

Which is a bit different then saying that's what we have.

 

[Halivar]

I really hope WotC announces a 6E a few years down the road just so the 5E fans get a taste of the "lol wotc won't come into your house and steal ur books lololol" train that every old edition gets.

First, it's not meant to be funny. It's a simple statement of truth, and one born out by 3.x's continued success in RPG mind-share. As it turns out, no one came for the 3E books, and people still use them to this day.

Second, you might have a harder time dismissing sound advice from fellow gamers if you didn't choose to translate them into mentally deficient leet-speak first.

 

[underfoot007ct]

From what I've heard, they decided on 5E during October 2010. It's probably part of why we've been getting so many freelancers backing major product lines, and almost certainly why they've been doing so much semi-random experimenting.

Where did you hear that, More rumors that cannot be proven? Any one who could say something like that would be under an NDA, thus NOT be able to say anything.

I did read a blog that claimed a large number of free lancers were invited to WOTC HQ in Sept 2011, but none f them said why (NDA?). So that would be reading between the lines at best.

As far as I can tell, Sep 2011 is when WOTC hired (re-hired) Monte cook who at the time quoted "Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes, kind words, and congratulations. Fun and interesting times ahead!,"

 

[kitsune9]

I realize 4th edition has been out for about 5 years, but i just recently got into 4th edition and spent over $200 on all the books needed for 4th edition. Now I am sure they will coming out with a new set of rules books we all will have to get.

Hopefully the modularity of the new edition will allow you to keep your 4e books and continue buying their support books and/or modules to keep you vested.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

Where did you hear that, More rumors that cannot be proven? Any one who could say something like that would be under an NDA, thus NOT be able to say anything.

I did read a blog that claimed a large number of free lancers were invited to WOTC HQ in Sept 2011, but none f them said why (NDA?). So that would be reading between the lines at best.

As far as I can tell, Sep 2011 is when WOTC hired (re-hired) Monte cook who at the time quoted "Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes, kind words, and congratulations. Fun and interesting times ahead!,"

D&D 5th Edition: What We Know About "D&D Next" - first paragraph. So, it is from someone at WotC, not just rumor. *EDIT* Correction - the quote is from Mike Mearls, pretty danged official.

Locally 4e peaked earlier than I thought - in late 2009. Christmas sales of the game were lower than expected. Which fits, if WotC began contemplating 5e in late 2010. If so, then 4e peaked before Pathfinder started hitting its stride, which is not a good thing for the hobby.

The Auld Grump

 

[Incenjucar]

Thanks for finding the info for me, Auld. Busy busy day.

--

This whole thing has made me wonder if it's time for a new breakout all-encompassing fantasy system that isn't tied so to the D&D legacy. I understand countries outside of the US - especially those who WotC hasn't bothered translating for - have their own major fantasy RPGs.

Something that is strongly contemporary, designed to evolve, and without reservations and traditions to worry about. Certainly, it's impossible to escape inspiration, but the handlers (and certain fans) of D&D keep saying that some people just don't get to have D&D work the way they want it to... so someone needs to give us something else.

Legend isn't a bad example of this sort of thing, though it has a long way to go.