D&D 4E Why I think the digital initiative doesn't herald 4E

[Edgewood]

I feel the same way. 4th edition is AT LEAST a year away, if not two years away; I believe that if they planned to announce it, it would be not at a Gencon or such, but one of the D&D experiences that run in February.

I do know that WotC did announce that they still had planned releases for 3.5 throughout 2007 and into 2008 so that does push back any release for 4 ed until that time. These are interesting times for our hobby, no doubt. However, whatever change does come, I feel that this hobby of ours will survive. As much as we abhorr change (and we do, let's admit it) the gaming hobby with thrive. We as a consumer and hobbyist won't let it die. I feel that the passion we feel for the demise of Dragon/Dungeon is evidence of that.

 

[Desdichado]

Yeah, I'm with the crowd that thinks all the 4e talk is pretty idle. If we take prior WotC at face value, D&D is at least almost two years away--until February to announce at the D&D Experience, and another year after that, since they've said that they'll announce it with at least a year's notice.

Of course, all that could change, and if my pet theory about D&D getting sold comes true, then all bets are off; the new owners will almost certainly begin work on a 4e edition right away if that happens.

But--even I have to admit that my pet theory isn't necessary all that likely.

 

[Arashi Ravenblade]

Didnt WOTC say awhile back that they had products through 2008 planned. Well if 4e is what the New Star Wars game is or could be based on sales then we would have to assume that it would take a year or more to judge it success and then another full year to plan 4e, and then another year to advertise and get people interested so I'd say 2010 for 4e.

 

[Glyfair]

I would think that killing off Dungeon and Dragon magazines in their current incarnation would be classified as a "major announcment".

The timing was limited a bit by when the license was ending. Renewing for a period of a few months would probably make it clear to Paizo that the days were numbered for the magazines, and these things do have a way of leaking out.