D&D (2024) The 2024 Core D&D Rulebooks Are Coming In May

21st May 2024 is the official release date!

Update--WotC has taken down the promo image and replaced it with one without a release date. See more here.

 

[tetrasodium]

I'm just speculating but it's possible that the core books have been in the works for some time before they were announced, and the playtests began in regard to organization, layout and artwork. I could be wrong and only time will tell.

Not if wotc wants them to be on any shelves other than their own. Retailers (Amazon included) have a system in place for books and it takes about 9 months notice of being on that list before they get delivered. It's more likely that may is the date they have set to make an announcement or finalize the layout to have the books start getting printed. I think it's probably a stretch but it's also possible that may is the date they plan to list their books as ready in nine months.

 

[R_J_K75]

Not if wotc wants them to be on any shelves other than their own. Retailers have a system in place for books and it takes about 9 months notice of being on that list before they get delivered. It's more likely that may is the date they have set to make an announcement or finalize the layout to have the books start getting printed. I think it's probably a stretch but it's also possible that may is the date they plan to list their books as ready in nine months.

You could be right. I may not have been clear, but my point was that if they did a lot of work upfront on the DMG/MM they could probably finish them, have them off to the printer and on store shelves quicker than expected after the playtest is finished. Hypothetically if they released the PHB in May of 2024, they might be able release the 2nd core book in July and the 3rd one in September. I'm not a game designer, printer or retailer so I could be way off base.

 

[tetrasodium]

You could be right. I may not have been clear, but my point was that if they did a lot of work upfront on the DMG/MM they could probably finish them, have them off to the printer and on store shelves quicker than expected after the playtest is finished. Hypothetically if they released the PHB in May of 2024, they might be able release the 2nd core book in July and the 3rd one in September. I'm not a game designer, printer or retailer so I could be way off base.

No it's not a matter of finishing and getting them to the printer. That listing is the reason there is always a "leak" with page numbers or weight/dimensions and price with placeholder titles with page numbers after being automatically pulled from the list and listed for preorder on Amazon.

One of the flgs folks on here might be able to explain how books need to be listed wayyyy in advance and what is on that list better than me.

 

[R_J_K75]

That listing is the reason there is always a "leak" with page numbers or weight/dimensions and price with placeholder titles with page numbers after being automatically pulled from the list and listed for preorder on Amazon.

OK gotcha, I get the general idea. Bottom line is they'll be out when they are out.

 

[Iosue]

I just noticed this. I know it looks like a dwarf but is that a Giant of some kind on the PHB cover? The person getting trounced in the bottom of the pic looks tiny in comparison.

The person on the bottom is supposed to be farther away, behind the dwarf. Part of the battle going on in the background.

 

[Azzy]

The person on the bottom is supposed to be farther away, behind the dwarf. Part of the battle going on in the background.

Okay, I can see that now. Still looks a bit off though.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

The person on the bottom is supposed to be farther away, behind the dwarf. Part of the battle going on in the background.

That and the perspective is from below the dwarf in the foreground.

 

[mamba]

Not if wotc wants them to be on any shelves other than their own. Retailers (Amazon included) have a system in place for books and it takes about 9 months notice of being on that list before they get delivered.

couldn’t they have listed them already, without the retailers saying anything about that?

It's more likely that may is the date they have set to make an announcement or finalize the layout to have the books start getting printed. I think it's probably a stretch but it's also possible that may is the date they plan to list their books as ready in nine months.

if May were that date, the books would be published in 2025, I do expect them in 24

 

[thundershot]

Ok, waiting for those discounted Amazon preorders!

 

[Horwath]

already in May?

don't want to be a downer, but this might be too early.

PT is still half-arsed job TBH,
honestly, I was expecting it for December and holiday season.