What makes a TTRPG purchase "worth it" to you?

[Bedrockgames]

It has to be at least interesting to read. That's all I really expect, though if it ends up looking like something I want to run, that's a bonus.

For me this is usually enough. I find if it is interesting to read, that still somehow makes its way to the table anyway, even if you don't literally run the thing (it is still gaming inspiration to draw on)

 

[sabrinathecat]

but the infringement upon trademarks still jealously guarded by Saul Zaentz Co d.b.a. Middle Earth Entertainment. Printing 6 will be life of Arneson+70, since he's coauthor, so 2079.

Is that the same Saul Zaentz who squats on trademarks and TMs other people's work by filing claims before they do? I seem to recall a number of musicians who got completely screwed over by someone with that name.

Just looked into the current history of who even makes a SW rpg. First Flight/Asmodee seem to be the current holders, but I don't see anything that has actually been published since 2020.

 

[aramis erak]

Is that the same Saul Zaentz who squats on trademarks and TMs other people's work by filing claims before they do? I seem to recall a number of musicians who got completely screwed over by someone with that name.

No clue, but it seems likely. he did legitimately buy the US rights to LOTR....

Just looked into the current history of who even makes a SW rpg. First Flight/Asmodee seem to be the current holders, but I don't see anything that has actually been published since 2020.

Fantasy Flight, not First Flight. the license was transferred to Edge when Asmodee decided to hack up FFG.
It's been reprints only, and considering the setting hack job in Edge Studios did on L5R's D&D5E compatible... it's probably a good thing.

 

[Committed Hero]

I feel like there is a non-pirate site solution to this problem. We need a solid game preservation movement in TTRPGs, like the movement that has started in video games.

The ransom model has creators set a price for releasing something with no strings attached, and if the public pays, it happens. There are obvious shortcomings. A creator might not be the best judge of the work's value, leading to no release or annoyance that they could have earned more. And contributors who pay for the work inevitably get mad about free riders who get it for free. We like to pretend we are rational individuals, but we typically aren't when we feel someone is getting a better deal than we are. But in the days before large-scale crowdfunding, some Delta Green material that wouldn't have seen daylight otherwise became available because of it; which arguably led to the writers creating the new edition.

Regarding the original question, I will typically know if a product is worth buying before I decide to buy it. There is enough information and interface with the creators to have questions answered. Generally, somethng must be part of a game line I play, or able to inspire those games.