Who are the big 3rd party publishers?

[Pinotage]

I'm thinking about both 4e and Pathfinder here.

** Updated with some additional publishers

Pathfinder

Open Design
LPJ Design
Super Genius Games
Rite Publishing
Frog God Games/Necromancer
EN Publishing
Dreamscarred Press
Purple Duck Games (Not really a big publisher, but mentioned below)
Green Ronin (Pathfinder Freeport Companion)

4e

Goodman Games
Open Design
EN Publishing
Dias Ex Machina
Expeditious Retreat Press

I really can't think of any. One Bad Egg, Alluria and Alea Publishing used to do a lot, but can't think of anybody at present doing anything?

Any big publisher of 3rd party content I'm missing?

Pinotage

 

[Crothian]

How about the company that owns the site you are currently on?

 

[Pinotage]

How about the company that owns the site you are currently on?

Doh! Of course. I had them on the list in my mind, but forgot in the end to add them.

EN Publishing

Pinotage

 

[TerraDave]

Open Design/KQ also does 4E stuff.

 

[Nebten]

Paizo isn't a 3rd party publisher for Pathfinder. They are the orginal party

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Goodman Games. They committed to the GSL when no one else would. And only Joseph Goodman can say for sure, but I suspect they took a big financial hit in doing so, compared to the halcyon 3E days.

 

[gamerprinter]

Ones not yet mentioned.

For 4e: Dias Ex Machina, Goodman Games

For Pathfinder: Dreamscarred Press, Purple Duck Games, Rite Publishing

 

[Pinotage]

Goodman Games. They committed to the GSL when no one else would. And only Joseph Goodman can say for sure, but I suspect they took a big financial hit in doing so, compared to the halcyon 3E days.

Yes, although they haven't really released anything much for 4e in the past year - something like 3 or 4 products (Crime Pays, I think was the most recent one). Understandably they've been busy with the DCC RPG.

Pinotage

 

[jimmifett]

I've been looking at including Pathfinder in my library of books, but the sheer number of products (just 1st party) is daunting. Add in the 3rd party stuff and it's overwhelming.

I'm glad 4e has had a slower release schedule then 3.x, and it's even slower now (or at least feels slower). As much of a hornets nest essentials stirred up, I feel it was a great idea to have a lower cost entry point for newer players. I need to find a good buy path for Pathfinder. (yes, i know about the srd, I want dead trees that suffered horribly as blades cut them off at the knees and them chopped them into pulp for my pages, the screams of flowers plucked just to produce the ink for my pages.)

 

[Wicht]

I need to find a good buy path for Pathfinder.

Start with the Core and the Bestiary.

Add in the Advanced Player's Guide and the Bestiary II next.

After these four there are, imo, no real "must buy" items, just a lot of shiny you can use to customize to your heart's content.