Since Wizards’ press releases page is four months behind, I’ll link you to . Short version is, there will be new editions of the three core D&D books released next July, with rules changes. Read More for the details.
From the press release:
After gathering this invaluable input from the fans and putting it together with our own observations, it was clear that some targeted revisions in the three core rulebooks would go a long way towards creating these requested improvements in the D&D roleplayer’s gaming experience. Therefore, we have incorporated fan comments and suggestions into upcoming revised editions of the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual. While the overall rules system will remain intact, these targeted changes have been designed to help with character play, convey consistency, and improve overall game flow.
You know, to play Warhammer 40K these days, it takes the core rulebook, one “Chapter Approved” book full of addenda, another “Chapter Approved” book with bits designed to be xeroxed and pasted over bits of your other books, and the Codex for your army, to say nothing of all the figures. At first glance, these D&D revisions might look like similar gouging, especially considering all the D20 products that depend on the Player’s Handbook. But come on: the OGL might well take care of the whole thing for us, allowing someone to put out a cheat sheet to the changes. There’s no reason for WotC not to, given the importance placed on keeping your established players happy – even at the expense of making things accessible to the vast number of people who don’t play yet. These changes are aimed at accessibility, and while some new players might balk at the idea of Games Workshop-like recurring expenses for their rulebooks… well, that’s insignificant compared to the number of people who look at the work required to play D&D and immediately lose interest. So I’d say there’s no cause for alarm, and most players seem to agree so far.
We’ll find out, though. Here’s an experiment: leave a comment! This may break, and we of course reserve the right to delete egregious trolling and punk-ass behavior, but you know the drill.
Don’t make us sad by leaving the comments empty. We’re not gonna use them most of the time, ’cause, well, it’s just sad looking at sites that leave them turned on, and seeing 0 comments, 0 comments, 0 comments… that makes us sad. We do not want to be sad, and we are sure you do not want to be sad. You’re welcome. Now post.
I am 100% on board with revisions that improve game flow. While I dearly love D&D, right from the red box through 3rd edition, each release has extended the handling time of character creation and combat resolution, without adding substantively to other aspects of the game (stock reply to vociferous objections = “in my opinion”).
As someone who repeatedly purchases and recycles rulebooks through used game stores, friends, and relatives, I fully expect to be buying the core books again (and again) in the foreseeable future. So smooth out the wrinkles and bring on the changes!
With everything happening at WotC (layoffs, etc), I can’t say that I’m surprised. On the other hand… how long did it take T$R (in their money-grubbing days) to release a “revised” edition?
I’ve got some 3E stuff, but don’t plan on buying more from WotC. I’ll stick with my “original” 3E stuff, my 2nd Edition collection… and wait for 4E.
What is it about the “revised” stuff by Games Workshop that makes it so insidiously money-grinding compared to other revised editions (White Wolf’s endless flow of revisions comes to mind)? Is it just their hype machine (such as it is), or is it the increased emphasis on competition in their game? In which case, do we really need to consider this a money-making move on WotC’s part?