They want to turn it into a Isekei Superhero RPG. D&D wasn't originally written to be that. However, thanks to the success of the Marvel movies (for example), Wizards of the Coast wants to tap into that.
Only problem is, they are taking the danger out of D&D. Part of the fun is risking your characters' life. I know you all have something to say on this topic, but for me, Wizards either doesn't understand the basic philosophy on Dungeons and Dragons, or they don't care.
However, I don't believe the problem with the 'lack of danger of dying' is solely because of rules changes.
For example, each edition after AD&D (Save or die!) has made it easier to avoid dying from poison, spells, and lack of hit points. Yet, if you have read my campaign blogs you'll notice that death is a common occurrence, despite the fact that I was using Pathfinder rules (which are generally equal to 3.5 in deadliness).
Your DMing style can make the game as deadly as you and your players want it to be.
You can roll all dice out in the open - no fudging - like I did. You can play the monsters with more intelligence, cunning, and organization than they are typically presented in standard modules. You can use character creation methods that avoid god-like PCs at 1st level. You can limit the magic items and even the mundane equipment the PCs acquire.
I look at it this way: Newer rules allow a DM to save PCs when that group of players doesn't want a deadly campaign, but they don't prevent another group from playing a deadly campaign using the very same rules.
Oh, incidentally, I still think that Wizards is coddling their player base. However, that's just Wizards. Doesn't have to be me.
Last night, I was running Shadowrun. Shadowrun 4e. I was used to two players, but we had invited a third. I haven't killed anyone yet in the game, but I can make it more deadly. Really put the players through their paces.
And, I'm planning on advertising a new game set in Greyhawk using the Advanced d20 Magic rules. The rules allow for a more cinematic approach to spellcasting. Whether I do it online or at home.
Yes, Sir Xaris, you're right. It can be as deadly as I like it to be.
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