I have always enjoyed collecting books, and D&D is no exception. The thing is that collecting D&D books is an expensive hobby and useful as DnD Beyond might be, I do not see myself spending another 800 euros (on top of close to 1.000 I have spent on the books) on material I already have. The Essentials Kit was a pleasant surprise as I got all the content in DnD Beyond for free, after I bought the boxed set.
In the past, the answer to why we could not get the digital copies of the physical books we buy for free, was that DnD Beyond was not owned by Wizards of the Coast. Now, though, this is not the case.
So the question is: are there any plans for the DnD Beyond books to be offered for free to people that have already bought the physical copies? I am hoping for some sort of an official answer.
I am not looking to discuss whether this would be right or wrong, just an official yes or no answer.
"In the past, the answer to why we could not get the digital copies of the physical books we buy for free, was that DnD Beyond was not owned by Wizards of the Coast. Now, though, this is not the case."
This is not the reason. The reason was that it would increase production costs which in turn would increase the cost of the product for the user. This is problematic when you acknowledge that not all DnD players use Beyond, so it would be a spike in cost for no change in content for them. Users who do use DnD Beyond either buy the book on DnD Beyond, buy it twice to have a physical copy (and thus spending the increased price I mentioned), or have the physical copy and use the homebrew tools to port everything themselves.
As you seek an "official answer" instead of wishing to discuss this, the official answer is and always has been "no." There are numerous forum threads discussing this topic to death, and a pinned thread. Each one ends the same way. Asking again doesn't change the answer.
Another reason not related to who owns DDB: turning the content into compendiums and tool content here takes work involving a lot of staff that takes money. Staff deserved to be paid for their work.
As you seek an "official answer" instead of wishing to discuss this, the official answer is and always has been "no." There are numerous forum threads discussing this topic to death, and a pinned thread. Each one ends the same way. Asking again doesn't change the answer.
Has it been answered by Wizards of the Coast, after the DnD Beyond aquisition? Because that would be the only official answer.
I have seen some of the threads, including the pinned one, but still our opinions are irrelevant. This is why I am not looking to "discuss this topic to death" once more, just to know if Wizards have officialy adressed this issue.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
With regards future book purchases, we are exploring options. We're not able to share what that might look like as, at this point, it's still exploratory.
Whilst probably not the answer that you wanted to read, I hope this provides the answer requested.
This is exactly the kind of answer I was looking for. It does not matter, whether I like it or not, as all I asked for was to know the company's official position on the issue.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
One more question if I might:
Can the Wizards of the Coast defective book replacement system work for this? I mean when you buy a defective book (one that has printing defects for example) you can open a case in the Wizards' website, sending pictures of the defect, front cover and information page with the book's serial number, so that a new one can be sent to you.
Can a similar system not work, to make sure that you get just one digital copy in DnD Beyond for each book you own?
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
One more question if I might:
Can the Wizards of the Coast defective book replacement system work for this? I mean when you buy a defective book (one that has printing defects for example) you can open a case in the Wizards' website, sending pictures of the defect, front cover and information page with the book's serial number, so that a new one can be sent to you.
Can a similar system not work, to make sure that you get just one digital copy in DnD Beyond for each book you own?
Books do not have a serial number. They have ISBN numbers, which are unique to the title, but not to the individual book. (I.e. all PHB’s—at least of the same printing—have the same ISBN)
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
One more question if I might:
Can the Wizards of the Coast defective book replacement system work for this? I mean when you buy a defective book (one that has printing defects for example) you can open a case in the Wizards' website, sending pictures of the defect, front cover and information page with the book's serial number, so that a new one can be sent to you.
Can a similar system not work, to make sure that you get just one digital copy in DnD Beyond for each book you own?
Books do not have a serial number. They have ISBN numbers, which are unique to the title, but not to the individual book. (I.e. all PHB’s—at least of the same printing—have the same ISBN)
With regards future book purchases, we are exploring options. We're not able to share what that might look like as, at this point, it's still exploratory.
Should you want to solicit feedback from focus groups on how this might be feasible, there are many within the community that would be happy to weigh in on those exploratory options or discuss other ideas of our own that might be satisfactory to WotC.
A possible "viable" solution that I've seen in the past used for other physical content such as DVDs and their digital collections is to include a flyer with an infographic and a unique code that is printed separate from the books, but included in the packaging process. This flyer is essentially your "Proof of Purchase" as it relies on physical purchase and ownership of the book. Making the flyer-code redeemable only once would take care of any potential loss due to sharing as the flyer is basically useless after redemption. This can be integrated in your current method for tracking redeemed codes for content and since WotC owns D&D Beyond now, printing the flyer and including it at the end of the production cycle may be a way to avoid additional costs associated.
*Performs thread necromancy* In theory could you not bring books to a convention or the like and get the inside cover stamped with at "Physical verification" mark and hand the person a 1 use online code flyer?
Also any amazon purchase/D&D purchase/Book replacement should work as proof that you own a book. Maybe linking with a D&D beyond account that shows what books you've purchased.
*Performs thread necromancy* In theory could you not bring books to a convention or the like and get the inside cover stamped with at "Physical verification" mark and hand the person a 1 use online code flyer?
Also any amazon purchase/D&D purchase/Book replacement should work as proof that you own a book. Maybe linking with a D&D beyond account that shows what books you've purchased.
Please see the pinned thread at the top of this subforum:
*Performs thread necromancy* In theory could you not bring books to a convention or the like and get the inside cover stamped with at "Physical verification" mark and hand the person a 1 use online code flyer?
Also any amazon purchase/D&D purchase/Book replacement should work as proof that you own a book. Maybe linking with a D&D beyond account that shows what books you've purchased.
Please see the pinned thread at the top of this subforum:
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
With regards future book purchases, we are exploring options. We're not able to share what that might look like as, at this point, it's still exploratory.
Whilst probably not the answer that you wanted to read, I hope this provides the answer requested.
We’re excited to offer our first ever selection of specially priced bundles that give you a physical copy and a D&D Beyond digital copy of the upcoming book Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen. Our first offering is now live on dndstore.wizards.com.
Can I expect more D&D products to offer physical and digital bundles?
Yes! We want to deliver on this ask. Right now, we are in the test and learn phase. Join us on this first foray and expect more in the future. For now, we’re not quite ready to commit to every book getting a bundle.
You called this bundle a test. What are you testing?
We are testing everything from distribution method and quantities to bundle contents. We thought it was important to call this out as a test because you should expect things to change over the next two years while we work on bringing more D&D in more ways to more people.
Does the bundle come with preorder perks?
Yes, all preorder perks you would receive on D&D Beyond are included in this bundle. A preorder perk exclusive to this bundle is early access to Shadow of the Dragon Queen on D&D Beyond. Players who preorder the bundle will be able to access the D&D Beyond digital book starting November 22, 2022.
How do I redeem my product on D&D Beyond?
When you purchase a bundle, you will be asked to provide an email address at checkout. You will later receive instructions via that email to access a code that grants you early access to the product on D&D Beyond. Your code can be redeemed at: dndbeyond.com/marketplace/redeem-key.
If I have purchased a bundle on D&D Beyond that discounts products, will that discount apply to this bundle?
No, those discounts only apply to products purchased directly on the D&D Beyond website.
Is there a way to get this bundle and support my local game store?
We love our friendly local game stores and we know you do, too, but at present this test bundle is limited to online purchases directly from dndstore.wizards.com. It is not available through any other store or marketplace.
I already preordered my book physically or digitally on D&D Beyond. Can I swap it for the bundle?
We do not have any upgrade paths to the bundle at this time. You would need to work with that outlet to request a refund.
"In the past, the answer to why we could not get the digital copies of the physical books we buy for free, was that DnD Beyond was not owned by Wizards of the Coast. Now, though, this is not the case."
This is not the reason. The reason was that it would increase production costs which in turn would increase the cost of the product for the user. This is problematic when you acknowledge that not all DnD players use Beyond, so it would be a spike in cost for no change in content for them. Users who do use DnD Beyond either buy the book on DnD Beyond, buy it twice to have a physical copy (and thus spending the increased price I mentioned), or have the physical copy and use the homebrew tools to port everything themselves.
As you seek an "official answer" instead of wishing to discuss this, the official answer is and always has been "no." There are numerous forum threads discussing this topic to death, and a pinned thread. Each one ends the same way. Asking again doesn't change the answer.
are you an employee of WOTC? If not, you shouldn't spread false claims.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
With regards future book purchases, we are exploring options. We're not able to share what that might look like as, at this point, it's still exploratory.
Whilst probably not the answer that you wanted to read, I hope this provides the answer requested.
Yes there is, it's called a reciept. I've done it before when Magic the Gathering content or packages were faulty. Wizards gladly replaced it. An Amazon reciept is more than enough to prove that I paid for the PHB.
Oh boy, things change over time. Almost like that's what progress is! How careless it was for me to assume that WotC doesn't do digital bundles considering they clearly would experiment with the idea of digital bundles in the future. I obviously should have had the divine foresight to know they would do that. And clearly this singular forum post was the one that made it all happen.
Even if I did work at WotC, I would definitely have kept the stance that it wasn't happening because it's not my job to spoil upcoming announcements. There'd be no difference in my message if I worked at WotC or not.
Also, that message you quoted from Stormknight explicitly states receipts aren't viable. Getting a replacement for a damaged product is a different situation than getting Product B because you have paid for Product A. Someone's gotta pay for Product B. In the case of a replacement, you paid for the product, you simply weren't given the product you paid for and need a replacement.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
With regards future book purchases, we are exploring options. We're not able to share what that might look like as, at this point, it's still exploratory.
Whilst probably not the answer that you wanted to read, I hope this provides the answer requested.
Yes there is, it's called a reciept. I've done it before when Magic the Gathering content or packages were faulty. Wizards gladly replaced it. An Amazon reciept is more than enough to prove that I paid for the PHB.
You want one thing, and it's not what WotC is doing. WotC explained their current experiment with getting D&D Beyond and the hard copy at the same time in a bundle. That's the way they're going to test out. Currently owning anything will not entitle you to any D&D Beyond Product. Bundles are future thinking not some "reparations" for those who didn't buy into D&D Beyond, like the many who did in fact pay for it already. And those bundles you're basically just buying both at this point in the experiment.
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
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I have always enjoyed collecting books, and D&D is no exception. The thing is that collecting D&D books is an expensive hobby and useful as DnD Beyond might be, I do not see myself spending another 800 euros (on top of close to 1.000 I have spent on the books) on material I already have. The Essentials Kit was a pleasant surprise as I got all the content in DnD Beyond for free, after I bought the boxed set.
In the past, the answer to why we could not get the digital copies of the physical books we buy for free, was that DnD Beyond was not owned by Wizards of the Coast. Now, though, this is not the case.
So the question is: are there any plans for the DnD Beyond books to be offered for free to people that have already bought the physical copies? I am hoping for some sort of an official answer.
I am not looking to discuss whether this would be right or wrong, just an official yes or no answer.
This is not the reason. The reason was that it would increase production costs which in turn would increase the cost of the product for the user. This is problematic when you acknowledge that not all DnD players use Beyond, so it would be a spike in cost for no change in content for them. Users who do use DnD Beyond either buy the book on DnD Beyond, buy it twice to have a physical copy (and thus spending the increased price I mentioned), or have the physical copy and use the homebrew tools to port everything themselves.
As you seek an "official answer" instead of wishing to discuss this, the official answer is and always has been "no." There are numerous forum threads discussing this topic to death, and a pinned thread. Each one ends the same way. Asking again doesn't change the answer.
Another reason not related to who owns DDB: turning the content into compendiums and tool content here takes work involving a lot of staff that takes money. Staff deserved to be paid for their work.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Has it been answered by Wizards of the Coast, after the DnD Beyond aquisition? Because that would be the only official answer.
I have seen some of the threads, including the pinned one, but still our opinions are irrelevant. This is why I am not looking to "discuss this topic to death" once more, just to know if Wizards have officialy adressed this issue.
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D&D Beyond FoundersUnfortunately, there is no possibility of backwards granting access to content on D&D Beyond, for free, based on physical books you already own.
On top of other reasons, there is no way to legitimately discern who has purchased a physical book (barcodes/receipts etc are not viable).
With regards future book purchases, we are exploring options. We're not able to share what that might look like as, at this point, it's still exploratory.
Whilst probably not the answer that you wanted to read, I hope this provides the answer requested.
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If you need help with homebrew, please post on the homebrew forums, where multiple staff and moderators can read your post and help you!
"We got this, no problem! I'll take the twenty on the left - you guys handle the one on the right!"🔊
This is exactly the kind of answer I was looking for. It does not matter, whether I like it or not, as all I asked for was to know the company's official position on the issue.
Thank you!
One more question if I might:
Can the Wizards of the Coast defective book replacement system work for this? I mean when you buy a defective book (one that has printing defects for example) you can open a case in the Wizards' website, sending pictures of the defect, front cover and information page with the book's serial number, so that a new one can be sent to you.
Can a similar system not work, to make sure that you get just one digital copy in DnD Beyond for each book you own?
Books do not have a serial number. They have ISBN numbers, which are unique to the title, but not to the individual book. (I.e. all PHB’s—at least of the same printing—have the same ISBN)
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Bloody hell... you are right. Well, this sucks.
Should you want to solicit feedback from focus groups on how this might be feasible, there are many within the community that would be happy to weigh in on those exploratory options or discuss other ideas of our own that might be satisfactory to WotC.
A possible "viable" solution that I've seen in the past used for other physical content such as DVDs and their digital collections is to include a flyer with an infographic and a unique code that is printed separate from the books, but included in the packaging process. This flyer is essentially your "Proof of Purchase" as it relies on physical purchase and ownership of the book. Making the flyer-code redeemable only once would take care of any potential loss due to sharing as the flyer is basically useless after redemption. This can be integrated in your current method for tracking redeemed codes for content and since WotC owns D&D Beyond now, printing the flyer and including it at the end of the production cycle may be a way to avoid additional costs associated.
*Performs thread necromancy* In theory could you not bring books to a convention or the like and get the inside cover stamped with at "Physical verification" mark and hand the person a 1 use online code flyer?
Also any amazon purchase/D&D purchase/Book replacement should work as proof that you own a book. Maybe linking with a D&D beyond account that shows what books you've purchased.
Please see the pinned thread at the top of this subforum:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/d-d-beyond-feedback/96069-hardcover-books-d-d-beyond-and-you-faq
Short answer is no, and it is not worth the cost to implement a system like that.
Check Licenses and Resync Entitlements: < https://www.dndbeyond.com/account/licenses >
Running the Game by Matt Colville; Introduction: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8 >
D&D with High School Students by Bill Allen; Season 1 Episode 1: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52NJTUDokyk&t >
Please see the pinned thread at the top of this subforum:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/d-d-beyond-feedback/96069-hardcover-books-d-d-beyond-and-you-faq
Short answer is no, and it is not worth the cost to implement a system like that.
Check Licenses and Resync Entitlements: < https://www.dndbeyond.com/account/licenses >
Running the Game by Matt Colville; Introduction: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8 >
D&D with High School Students by Bill Allen; Season 1 Episode 1: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52NJTUDokyk&t >
Here is your official response:
And to update: https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1310-faq-one-d-d-rules-d-d-digital-and-physical-digital
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are you an employee of WOTC? If not, you shouldn't spread false claims.
Cause this is a thing now: https://dndstore.wizards.com/us?icid_medium=article&icid_source=ddb&icid_campaign=onednd-faq&icid_content=dragonlance-bundles
Yes there is, it's called a reciept. I've done it before when Magic the Gathering content or packages were faulty. Wizards gladly replaced it. An Amazon reciept is more than enough to prove that I paid for the PHB.
Oh boy, things change over time. Almost like that's what progress is! How careless it was for me to assume that WotC doesn't do digital bundles considering they clearly would experiment with the idea of digital bundles in the future. I obviously should have had the divine foresight to know they would do that. And clearly this singular forum post was the one that made it all happen.
Even if I did work at WotC, I would definitely have kept the stance that it wasn't happening because it's not my job to spoil upcoming announcements. There'd be no difference in my message if I worked at WotC or not.
Also, that message you quoted from Stormknight explicitly states receipts aren't viable. Getting a replacement for a damaged product is a different situation than getting Product B because you have paid for Product A. Someone's gotta pay for Product B. In the case of a replacement, you paid for the product, you simply weren't given the product you paid for and need a replacement.
$59.94 for the book, ok fair
But then $42.99 shipping to Canada
That is ridiculous
You want one thing, and it's not what WotC is doing. WotC explained their current experiment with getting D&D Beyond and the hard copy at the same time in a bundle. That's the way they're going to test out. Currently owning anything will not entitle you to any D&D Beyond Product. Bundles are future thinking not some "reparations" for those who didn't buy into D&D Beyond, like the many who did in fact pay for it already. And those bundles you're basically just buying both at this point in the experiment.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.