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Now that D&D has released their revamped version of 3.5 (the 'new' books sell for $49.99), and are soon to release D&D Next (or whatever they decide to call it) what's next for Pathfinder? As much as I love the Pathfinder product I don't see how they can continue to base their game on OGL content. It seems to me that we've seen all the books that make sense to for Pathfinder to publish already out (except psionics, which they've said they won't produce).
Personally I would like for them to branch out and try a different genre of game using their Pathfinder rule-set. Perhaps a science-fiction/ fantasy game would work well, or perhaps a game with a modern setting. What I don't want to see is OGL content rehashed and sold as Pathfinder.
Does anyone else have an opinion on this?
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Not me. I think they are doing just fine. I'm not too worried about Wizards re-releasing the 3.5 books nor D&D Next (No one in my region even mentions them.) Heck, if I remember, the old books they released in stores with their own stand still look the same as when I first saw them: It seems like hardly anyone bought a copy.
That's just me.
I think they're best off continuing to publish lots of adventure paths for Golarion, releasing a handful of hardbacks a year, and continuing to truck on as they are. With the Mythic Rules being released next year, they're well situated to add a whole other level to the game.
The worst thing they could do is release a second setting other than Golarion (multiple settings competing with each-other is one of the things that screwed TSR and Wizards so badly) or revamp the rules in response to WOTC.
They have a good thing going. There's no need to make drastic changes right now.
The output of rule books will slow, and modules/APs will continue, if the buyers are fortunate. 1st ed lasted for some doing just that.
Personally I hope a "2nd edition" comes out at some point in the future when everyone is ready, with changes reflecting what the players need and want.
This has been brought up before and every time Paizo as said they are only going to stick with this genre and setting then point to 3rd party content for new settings and genres using Pathfinder.
Pathfinder: The Musical
Pathfinder: The Musical
In Orcish.
Jason's probably working on it already.
Pathfinder: The MusicalIn Orcish.
Acted by Gnomes!
3.5 got SO MANY books out because of how narrow the topics were. Each book dived deep into whatever the subject. I think if PF gets to that many books, players would never EVER complain about a bad transfer from 3.5 to PF. I LOVE all of the prestige class and feat options from 3.5. It was the Bee's knees for sure. I want that from Pathfinder. Because I know they will do it with so much more pizazz (or however you spell that).
Another thing I want from Pathfinder is for when I prestige, I don't want my domain/school/wild shape/other single class abilities to become useless, honestly, it feels like wasted levels. Paths of Prestige was great! But even 30 won't compare to 3.5's selection.
I have yet to see a prestige class that focuses on such a strong spell like animate dead. A focused necromancer prestige class of 10 levels, is what I wanted from Paths of Prestige, but instead it gave me a whole bunch of Galorian stuff. I (not my fault) don't play in Galorian, so half of those prestige classes don't make much sense.
Pathfinder still has a lot of material to cover, whether they decide to in that deep is up to Paizo.
It seems like there is still a lot of stuff that they are planning on releasing right now- Mythic Rules, Ultimate Campaign, more NPC Books, more Bestiaries. Really I am very fond of how Paizo has gone about making this game and keeping everything fairly well balanced.
If they continue at this rate we will have a game that is slowly expanding and will have long legs for the next several years. The reality is that a new rule set (pathfinder 2) is probably not in their best interest. I would imagine that having a broad installation base purchasing AP's, Campaign books, etc is the best case scenario. Adding a new edition splits the player base. a number of players will not switch because they have no interest in re-purchasing books and comparing between the two rule-sets.
Thats part of why 4e died. 3e was so successful because it had been over a decade since 2e was pushed out there. I think 10-12 years is a good life-cycle for a product like this. That time frame allows for the next edition to pick up an entire new crowd of teenagers and lets people mess around with something new after they have exhausted the first product. So I would not be surprised if we had another 7-9 years of this product line before they move on.
What's next for Pathfinder?
Is that a serious question? Given things like: Game Space, Pathfinder Online, and their ever increasing miniatures line, not to mention their always magnificent book list, like Ultimate Equipment and the much anticipated Mythic Adventures, I can't believe anyone would even question their business philosophy or the feasibility of their target market. Just in case anyone wondered Pathfinder continues to be a number one seller in many markets.
What's next for Pathfinder? ... Ummmm I'm pretty sure Paizo's got Pathfinder's future locked down.
Just sayin'
http://paizo.com/paizo/blog/v5748dyo5lduw?Mythic-Adventures
And then yet more glory - and gold :)