WotC says "Return of the Red Box"

[dreamthief]

http://www.gamespy.com/articles/july03/gencon2003/day1/

Today was a big news day, and one of the biggest things was the "welcome to D&D3.5" session. A panel of WotC luminaries told us all how great the new edition is. For those of you not necessarily convinced, they also revealed the accessory update which presents conversion material for a pile of 3rd edition books: The Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, Monster Manual II, Deities and Demigods, Epic Level Handbook, Fiend Folioand Manual of the Planes.

If that's all too much more you, then rest assured that they've got you in mind, too. Promises of the "return of the red box," a term that takes many back to their first adventuring experiences in D&D. They also talked about a brand new D&Dboard game created by European Hasbro game designers, presumably to replace the venerable Dungeonboard game from ever so long ago.

At the end of the presentation, the Wizards crew also discussed the new D&D Miniaturesgame, featuring pre-painted plastic minis, for all of us who don't want to have glue and paint our own metal minis together. Premiering in September, the minis game comes in a box packed full of stuff. A good value for your gaming dollar, the first set contains old D&Dfavorites like the umber hulk and mind flayer. Check it out in September at your friendly local gaming store, or look for it online at Amazon.com.

 

[William Ronald]

I think the Return of the Red Box is a GREAT idea. It can help give people who might want to try gaming, but might be hesitant about buying a $30 book to start with. I remember the boxed sets from my own youth. Let's hope that it can draw more people into the hobby.

 

[Eternalknight]

BUT when they say Return of the Red Box do they mean something like The Adventure Game that came out a few years ago?

 

[William Ronald]

I hope it is something like the Red Box from the 1980s. Just enough to give people a taste of RPGs without going into too much detail and overwhelming people.

Hmm, maybe they can have an adventure with the iconics as sample characters and maybe a few web enhancements. Including one on what RPGs are, FAQs, and other products beyond the Red Box. (Marketing is crucial for a product like D&D. It is not a necessity like food. So, it is key to make it a highly desired want.)

 

[Darkness]

It can help give people who might want to try gaming, but might be hesitant about buying a $30 book to start with.

*nods* Or even 3-4 such books in case you're starting a gaming group from scratch. (I.e., 3 core books and possibly a campaign setting.)

 

[William Ronald]

I suspect the costs of the books can deter a few potential gamers. Of course, this may be an issue for 3.5.

Another key concern for potential gamers might be the complexity level. A good Red Box set would give them enough of a feel forthe hobby to decide if they wish to invest more in it. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by new rules.

I like this to someone who tries something simple at a new restaurant when it opens. If they do not mess up on iced tea or coffee, it might be okay to order a meal.

(A word to WotC: No 4th Edition for SEVERAL years. A lot of people whom I respect would be quite upset with the company for such a move.)

 

[Darkness]

Another key concern for potential gamers might be the complexity level. A good Red Box set would give them enough of a feel forthe hobby to decide if they wish to invest more in it. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by new rules.

Very true. A lot of people I've met over the years - even experienced role-players - very much prefer to be able to start with just one book or box. Which is something that's just not possible with D&D. (Though if you know what you are doing, you might be able to get by with just the PHB and take whatever monsters and magic items you need from the SRD. Not that that's too helpful for a completely new role-player, of course...)

(A word to WotC: No 4th Edition for SEVERAL years. A lot of people whom I respect would be quite upset with the company for such a move.)

4e in 5 years, maximum - I'm sure of it.

 

[William Ronald]

Darkness wrote:

quote:
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(A word to WotC: No 4th Edition for SEVERAL years. A lot of people whom I respect would be quite upset with the company for such a move.)
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4e in 5 years, maximum - I'm sure of it.

If it is just two to three years, some of my friends may decide 3.5 is as far as they go with WotC. There is a lot of cynicism about WotC's motives, and perhaps some promise not to release a new edition for at least four years might help soothe some skeptics. (Then again, they might not be convinced. Still, keeping long term customers is crucial to any business.)

I think I will start a poll on this topic.

 

[Agamon]

Yep, the Adventure Game was not well done, at all (it did have some handy counters, however). They indeedy-do, need to return to the Red Box. A simpler oD&D-style, d20 D&D game, but not dumbed-down. That way, kids and adults alike can get their foot in the door.

I know, back as a kid, I hated be talked down to. I doubt I'd be playing D&D if the original books read to me like I was some video game obsessed, Pokemon playing statistic (not that there were many video games or Pokemon around back then, but you get the picture...).

 

[Agamon]

If it is just two to three years, some of my friends may decide 3.5 is as far as they go with WotC. There is a lot of cynicism about WotC's motives, and perhaps some promise not to release a new edition for at least four years might help soothe some skeptics. (Then again, they might not be convinced. Still, keeping long term customers is crucial to any business.)

If it's 2-3 years, I doubt I'll play D&D again, outside of Living Greyhawk, before 4th Edition (good thing I only bought the 3.5 PHB). 5 years maximum sounds about right though, with easy money going on about 4 years, maybe even 3.