01-01-2012, 11:40 AM
I don't think this can be remedied by what basically boils down to rules changes,
given that their problems seem to lie in their brand management structure,
and that too much damage has been caused to the brand already.
I think the only thing that can save D&D now is a high product autonomy: Their future products need to be truly better and different than stuff that is already on the market.
Which frankly, is never something TSR or Wizbro have been very good in, given that most of D&D's 80s success relied on brand recognition through fringe exposure,
through the novel lines, the cartoon, and Dragon magazine. That's a position that D&D will likely not get back, looking at what they have in store for the next few months or years.
But, hey, IMO that can only be good for the gamers - the less Wizbro sell, the friendlier they'll get.
given that their problems seem to lie in their brand management structure,
and that too much damage has been caused to the brand already.
I think the only thing that can save D&D now is a high product autonomy: Their future products need to be truly better and different than stuff that is already on the market.
Which frankly, is never something TSR or Wizbro have been very good in, given that most of D&D's 80s success relied on brand recognition through fringe exposure,
through the novel lines, the cartoon, and Dragon magazine. That's a position that D&D will likely not get back, looking at what they have in store for the next few months or years.
But, hey, IMO that can only be good for the gamers - the less Wizbro sell, the friendlier they'll get.