While I was thrilled to see AD&D 1st Edition being brought back into print, even if just as a limited print run, exclusively to a US audience, I was rather dismayed at how the announcement was phrased:

1st Edition Premium Player's Handbook
In 1974, the world changed forever when Gary Gygax introduced the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The legacy of his innovative ideas and the extensive reach of his powerful influence can be seen in virtually every facet of gaming today.
To help honor his work and his memory, we created limited-edition reprints of the original 1st Edition core rulebooks: the Monster Manual, Player's Handbook, and Dungeon Master's Guide. These premium versions of the original AD&D rulebooks have been lovingly reprinted with the original art and content, but feature an attractive new cover design commemorating this re-release. Available in limited quantities as a hobby channel exclusive in North America.
Your purchase of this monumental book helps support the Gygax Memorial Fund—established to immortalize the “Father of Roleplaying Games” with a memorial statue in Lake Geneva, WI.
Item Details
Item Code: 02410000
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 112
Price: $34.95
ISBN: 978-0-7869-6243-3

I think using this money to support the Gygax Memorial Fund is a great idea and a worthy cause. However, what happened to the other guy? Does he not deserve even to be mentioned even in the announcement? "the world changed forever when Gary Gygax introduced the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game"? "his innovative ideas and the extensive reach of his powerful influence can be seen in virtually every facet of gaming today?" Wasn't there another guy contributing with a couple of fairly essential ideas to this game as well? I'm not saying they have to build a statue of Dave or anything, but they could at least remember to give him credit for the game he was essential to help making 3 years after his passing.

http://blackmoormystara.blogspot.com/20 ... eator.html

As was pointed out to me on the OD&D boards, technically AD&D was Gary's "baby" and not Dave's. I think this was part of that super-secret legal agreement thingie.

However, philosophically I agree with you 100%. If you're going to say anything like "back in 1974..." you really need to credit both authors and not just the one. :cry:

Heh, I noticed that too but wasn't going to say anything. Business as usuall, TSR style.

I find the realease of AD&D interesting on several levels. For one, it kinda torpedoes OSRIC (not something I'm likely to shed any tears over).

But it also brings up a question of why? With 5e in the works, I think its a deliberate attempt to show young and curious gamers how "bad" the "old games" were. Wotc may be banking on the prediction that Gygaxs awful and decidedly unfamiliar prose coupled with the complexity and arbitraryness of AD&D, will allow them to convince gamers how much fantastically better 5e will be, and how they should pay no mind to that OSR stuff. At the same time, they can make AD&D part of the 5e conversation and cherry pick whatever they like all while seemingly releasing the product under altruistic intetions to benefit a charity of interest to gamers.
:roll:

Actually, considering the circumstances, I am okay with that statement.

Because technically, it's correct, though it suggests a false semantical background.

But I can see their point of view: If they credit Arneson, what about Don Kaye, or Jeff Perrin?

They have at least a moral claim on the development of the game as well. :?



Now, I won't hide that I would very much welcome an act to commemorate Arneson as well,
but, hey, probably, we'll see that in time.

I mean, let's not forget that only a few months ago, this announcement would have been equal to "hell just froze over".

I think before its all over we will all be shocked at the heights WOTC will soar in order to make a buck. It's about damn time.

Classic or even OD&D will be next I'm sure.


Because ALL of these will sell like crazy and not only gut there competition and get everyone playing D&D regardless of edition. We just might see 3.5 out again just before 5E hits the stores just to further degrade there competitions hold on the market.


Frankly I am all for this. I do not fault them for trying to make a buck or a million and I sure do want to see those books back in print.


It's about time the Evil Overlord mentality was at least figuratively done away with. There PR couldn't have been worse.



As far as Dave goes. Not crediting him for the AD&D game is fine, but the wording was a little stretch. I will forgive them for it as long as when the Classic box sets are re-released he gets equal billing.

Oh, let me clarify, I think you're absolutely right.

If Wizards handled their stuff responsibly, they would have to mention Arneson.

If.



Now, I can see where they are coming from. D&D had not two dads, but at least ten.

Giving everyone the respect he deserves, they would be honoring and dedicating, endlessly.


Now, this stuff here is certainly bad style.

I suspect they want to dodge the question why there is no Arneson memorial.