JeffB wrote:I disagree a bit here because the game first and foremost entertainment, and that is absolutely defined by what the consumer wants (i.e. 'what's in it for me"). If WotC wants my money (and those who feel similarly), WotC must do what I want. They aren't so they're not getting my money.
I think Gamers need to stop looking at this as a their little fun hobby and saying "whats in it for me" and realize what running a business-even a business based on a game of make believe- is all about. I'd LOVE for things to be back how they were in 1978 when I started playing D&D and the big boom of the RPG business thereafter, but those days are long gone.
On the other hand, I respect their right to do what they want, but I also reserve the right to complain about it. Often. And sometimes, even in bold. Or Italics.
If it weren't for the OGL, the Wilderlands Box Set would not exist. To me, that would be a tragedy. WotC would never make such a product (anymore). They would never make Ptolus. They would never make Castle Whiterock. They would never make the DCC Gazetteer Box Set.
My point is that D&D - WotC's brand - is so very much enhanced by 3PPs, that they were foolish to abandon the OGL (or a workable alternative) for the start of 4E.
Was there a lot of 3PP crap during the 3.x years? Yes, but not so much after 3.5 came out. Companies that were left had established themselves pretty well, and were producing some very good stuff. I'd even assert that 80% of the stuff put out by print 3pps after summer 2003 was high quality stuff.
