Price Hike from WotC
Today, we bring you an announcement from Wizards of the Coast, that may dampen the spirits of avid Dungeons & Dragons players and collectors. After years of keeping book prices steady, the Wizards has decided to raise the prices of new release print books to $59.95 due to the escalating costs of goods and shipping. While we understand the challenges faced by businesses, this news undoubtedly disappoints players who have come to expect consistent pricing and exceptional value from the D&D brand, especially as smaller publishers are able to put out print (or Print on Demand) products of equal or better quality at a consistently lower price.
I feel, as bloggers, it's our responsibility to express the concerns and frustrations of the community. The increase in price will commence with the upcoming release of Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants and future releases thereafter. It's worth noting that digital products remain unaffected, as they don't require printing or shipping. However, players should keep in mind that there's no guarantee that prices for digital products and backlist titles won't change in the future, though there are currently no plans for increases.
While we acknowledge the need to cover rising costs, it's disheartening to see the burden placed on the community. The decision to maintain stable pricing for backlist titles is commendable, but the price hike for new releases may discourage some players (especially younger players) from accessing the latest content. We hope that the D&D team will continue to prioritize the affordability and accessibility of their products, keeping in mind the loyalty and dedication of their fan base.