Yeah i'm with you PMark, I like my games crunchy.
Crunch can work with simplification if you carefully consider mechanics and internal consistency and logic.
Exactly. And, I might add, preserves certain core qualities of an established game.
This seems to be failing on many fronts. The simplicity really doesnt seem that greatly reduced, there are some glaring differences to say the least both in performance, bu in character roles and, most importantly 'feel". Thsi edge mechanic jusr looks like a horrible attempt to glom onto a trend and fumbling its execution
Instead they worked in secret with minimal outside input. Looking at what resulted it's clear there was an echo chamber of self-reinforcing feedback that cut 6e off from what shadowrun has traditionally been.
And now we have armor that doesn't stop bullets any better than a bikini, melee attack that don't factor in strength at all, etc.
it does seem there was a terrible disconnect, and a desire to make something they wanted as opposed to what their gaming community was expecting.
I wish there was a giant emergency "stop" button in time to save this edition, but I'm thinking its too late for them to change now.
First, it is never to late to stop/delay a project until it is in the public hands, First rule of good business.
Second is, delays are preferred over a PR nightmare.
Third is, The customer is always right.
Two many companies have forgotten this in the last few years, FFG, Modiphius, Blizzard, Bethesda, etc.
The truth is that until the books are actually printed they exist in a print layout PDF form that with some work can be altered.
This may cause a month or two delay depending on how far along they are but can be done.
So the true question is, are the books already printed.
If not then It would be in CGL best interest to get a full account of what their players want and not just what marketing tells them is trending before they go forward with 6th.