Why is H1 coming out a month before the PHB?

[Emirikol]

Why is H1 coming out a month before the PHB?

jh

Character Record Sheets Accessory Dungeons & Dragons 07/2008
Dungeon Master’s Screen Accessory Dungeons & Dragons 07/2008
Player’s Handbook Core Game Product Dungeons & Dragons 06/2008
Dungeon Master’s Guide Core Game Product Dungeons & Dragons 06/2008
Monster Manual Core Game Product Dungeons & Dragons 06/2008
4th Edition Core Rulebook Gift Set Core Game Product Dungeons & Dragons 06/2008
D&D Premium Dice Core Game Product Dungeons & Dragons 06/2008
H1 Keep on the Shadowfell Adventure Dungeons & Dragons Bruce Cordell and Mike Mearls 05/2008

 

[EricNoah]

To give people a taste of 4E before they completely commit?

 

[Morrus]

It's a "preview advanture". My guess is that it will contain only enough rules info for you to run the adventure, and a few pregenerated characters with their abilities explained.

 

[Dragonblade]

Since H1 comes out May 18, and the core rules come out on June 6, its only a little over a two week separation.

My group will run H1 but we'll wait for the core rules first so we can make our own characters.

 

[TerraDave]

Originally it would come out in April, the same time as the update of the minisgame, and the PHB would be in May, DMG, June, MM July...so it would have been out months before all the rules.

Now, I am not sure 2 weeks is that big a deal. But it will still serve as an easy intro to the game.

 

[vagabundo]

Since H1 comes out May 18, and the core rules come out on June 6, its only a little over a two week separation.

My group will run H1 but we'll wait for the core rules first so we can make our own characters.

I'll try and pick up H1 and a phb in store on release and then scout around for a good deal on another PHB and DMG/MM.

 

[Nikosandros]

Not only it's a preview for the whole game, it can also be used as easy introduction. Instead of learning all the rules, you can start a game just using the module and after having acquired some expertise you can approach the whole game.

 

[Wormwood]

For the same reason I was able to run a Vampire:the Requiem game a month before release.

Of course, White Wolf gave that (rather lengthy) scenario away absolutely free.

 

[Irda Ranger]

Why is H1 coming out a month before the PHB?

DM prep time?

So the local F4NBOY will have something to read and tell all his friends about prior to Core launch (viral marketing)?

Because sales will be better if it an adventure AND a 4E preview, rather than just an adventure?

 

[Wolfspider]

To make WotC bucketloads of money from eager fans who want a substantive preview of what's to come in the main rulebooks.