Gamenerd: *sigh*

[curgoth]

So, Wizards of the Coast made a big announcement at GenCon; D&D 4th Edition will be coming out in May 2008. Given that D&D 3.5 has only been out for a few years, it looks like the current business model for RPGs is;

1. Release core books for new version.


2. Release splat books (complete fighter's guide, book of elves, tradition book: whatever) over a two years.


3. Release new version, repeat.

White Wolf seems to be going with a similar model. It's working for now, but the length of the cycle seems to be getting shorter and shorter. The companies have figured out that they can't make money on adventures any more, and there is a limit to how many viable splatbooks a game can support.

Given that I haven't upgraded my core D&D books from 3.0 to 3.5, I don't see myself as likely to buy into 4e until I find myself playing with a group that uses it. I have doubts that the new core and splatbooks will have anything new and exciting; most likely, it'll be the same sort of stuff that 3e has with minor rules variations; there are a standard cluster of splats for each class and race that will get converted over.

Comments

[curgoth]

The most maddening thing for me is that I'm an RPG rules nerd. There is a part of me that wants to sit down and examine the new rules when they come out to see what's been changed, and why. I'm also a cheap bastard, though, so I'm cranky about the thought of replacing an expensive pile of books every three years if I want to keep up with the gaming industry.

[jackspryte.livejournal.com]

I'm with you there the need to read the rules just for the need to receive the "perfect rule set" via our evil overlords is overwhelming and seductive (with a DC 30 at minimum).

I hate this practice. I will just pick up the core books actually maybe just the PHB and DMG come to think of it (just enough to run a tourny at a con).

[curgoth]

I'll read all the previews when they come out. I may grab a PDF (legally if their sold cheap, otherwise if not) to peruse, and then, if I can't resist the pull, I'll start buying the books. Once I buy the core, I *will* inevitably end up buying the splatbooks.