ManaNation has received a tip that Wizards of the Coast has decided to end the print run of the Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition Core Handbooks, instead aiming to turn the game in the direction of “Dungeons and Dragons Essentials”, a product to be released later this year. The first product for the Essentials line is starting with the ‘Dungeons & Dragons Fantasy Roleplaying Game’ also being called ‘the Red Box’ and is due to be released on Sept. 7th, 2010.
It is our understanding that they are not going to be reprinting any of the three main books, the Players Handbook, Dungeon Master Guide and Monster Manual from this point on to allow them to be phased out. No other books have been mentioned.
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Location:No More Core 4e Books?
A greater indication of the failure of the line would be hard to find.
ReplyDeleteThey released 3.5 after 3 years. It has only been 2 since release of 4e.
Well, looks like WotC knows they screwed up, even if they can't actually admit it out loud.
Not surprised, but I don't think it's a screw up. The game is constantly being revised and updated, it's just an update. The Essentials seem to be backwards compatible, and really the only people I can see getting dicked over are the completists/collectors, and the rules lawyers. The subscription is really all you need, and even then you can just get it one month, to a mega download sesh, and have all you need to game with.
ReplyDeleteBesides, they are coming out with a Rules Compendium. Between that and the subscription, that's pretty much all you need. Personally, I'm waiting for wotc to finish the damn game already, it's fun as hell, but it gets annoying when some gamers HAVE to be up to date on everything.Pretty much 4.75 is going to be awesome
I'm not sure about this, other than to say that I feel the game leaves me further behind with each iteration. I do hope it does well, though. As Steve Jackson once observed, a healthy D&D is good for the hobby as a whole because there are lots of gamers who might branch out and try new systems.
ReplyDelete@ Christian
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more
@ Aberrant
Scrapping a game line after just 2 years is definitely a fuck up.
This reminds me of a reboot. Sure, all your old books are valid but now they are out of print. Try our new, streamlined Essentials line, where you need a new boxed set every few levels.
ReplyDeleteIf u give the players everything in one book, they are one time customers. If you make them need a new box every few levels, they are repeat customers. Before, the DM was the main repeat customer. Now they expect the whole group will be repeat customers.
Precisely my point on my blog, Erik.
ReplyDeleteCrappers. I need a longer lunch hour to read everything ;)
ReplyDeleteI actually have a post in the can that I will put up later tonight, but the traffic swell from "WOTC - EPIC FAIL" is just too good to end prematurely. ;)
ReplyDelete