In Traveller it seems that whatever rules and setting are present,t here is a certain number of people that always adhere to whatever they fill is the original rules, or rules sett they was introduces to Traveller that are better to the present rules. I started out with MegaTraveller as my "original" rulesett. One of my players, even for never having read the rules, feels that MT rules are much better than TNE rules. Even when I have run the same scenarios from CT in both editions.

Recently I bought DnD 4th edition because I have started out playing DnD original rulesetts for my son and a few of his friends. As this rulesett is borrowed I decided to buy my own books so my friend can get his books bakck before I read them to bits. Before I decided to actual go through with the purchase I read what I could find on the net about its weaknesses and strengths.

For me it seemed that most those who had played 2nd and third edition (A)DnD did not like the 4th edition much as it was very similar to computer games in some sorts. But it was also a good portion of those who found the 4th edition rules easier and more logical. I have played both original DnD, ADnD (first and second) and also tried third edition to a degree, but I have never read the rules and experienced them firsthand myself. So I ordered the the gift set of the basic DND 4th edition books which arrived just little less than a week ago. So far, I find the books easy to read. The quality is excellent both in print and the writing.

This far I feel the this last edition of DnD are superior to 1st and second at least. for the other editions I am not sure yet and I can't make a proper comparison to those rules as I never has read them and just briefly played them.

I suspect that this is quite common in the game industry when games ages and needs to be brought up to date. new editions will likely not fit into the mental mold the Grognards has about the game, and they will most likely feel left out. Publisher on the other hand often will find them selves between a Grognard and a hard place. Who to please. The old timers or the new customers that maybe wants new ways to approach roleplaying games. Today most people have access to smart phones, laptops and Ipad thingies. This gives room for other ways to write and present the rules. Character generation can be a whole new game within the game, just like in Traveller, but new depths should be possible as electronic aids are more and more common.

I have used electronic aids in my Traveller games from the start. I made starships with spreadsheets on my then computer, an Amiga. Today it should be possible to possible to supply support software to roleplaying games when it comes to character generation, advanced combat solutions, virtual table tops, design aids for starships and vehicle and more. The argument that rules has become too advanced and cumbersome are hardly valid when you can make use of software to aid in the gaming process.

Some seems to think that rich and detailed rules are hampering creativity, other sees it as indispensable as it helps them to concentrate on the game and not trying to think up details that may slow down their game or break it later on when they find that the decision carries unknown consequences.

Game publishers today must look forward and eventually embrace electronic media for their games to really become successful and it will likely help the grognards over to the new editions. Today most people are busy and don't want to spend time reading tomes of books with complicated rules. Thus Grognards stay with what they have instead spending their money of the new stuff. Publishers may also have to think about what their products live time will be like. How will it be updated and when.

As I said ealrier, I have the luxury of not actually having read the DnD rules before so I don't feel that I throw away more time and money on a product where I seemingly got everything from before, which I easily feel about Traveller. When I see that a new module from Mongoose are released with an old Traveller title i feel in a away cheated. More so when they adhere to CT standards in many ways.

And with that I'll wish you all a Merry Xmass and a Happy New Travelling Year.