The fact that it stays flat (spiral binding, out of the box) is nice, but would probably be of much more use if it was a game where you had to have complex rules in front of you all the time.

So, for me the biggest win is something else. It takes up less space on the table. I love to have GM notes, maps, combat sheet, dice and all kind of stuff on the table. The players probably wants to have maps, sheets, pencils and snacks. Not much room left for a folio to lie open on that table.

That being said, I prefer to read the bigger format.

When I buy PDFs & take the option of printing them out, I almost always use the booklet format. Yes, the print is smaller but they are so much easier to carry.

I also wouldn’t mind editions of some systems where only the essential rules information was included that was in such a compact (and cheaper format). I think you could do something like this with the D&D Player’s Handbook. Leave out the magic item section, cut some sections — have equipment tables, but no descriptions, etc.

That being said, I still love my hardcover books as a GM/DM and would probably buy a hardcover edition of a system I was going to run after checking it out in a digest sized format initially.

Solution for cracked spines, loose pages, and leaving books open on the table:

Go to Kinko’s, OfficeMax, or a local copy shop, and have them spiral-bind the book for you. It’s a few bucks, and you can even have them put clear sheets in the front and back.

@Bastian.Flinspach – The lying flat at the game table problem has never been a real issue for me. I prefer to use bookmarks and post-it notes with all of my books instead of leaving any of them lying open. I can see how that would be a problem though if you prefer to leave the book open.

@deadlytoque – Note that in the picture there are two indie games, and two non-indie publishers releasing digest size books. I don’t believe that there is a connection between being an independent owner/creator/publisher and the format used. A lot of stuff that I have purchased from indie game producers uses the typical 8.5 x 11 type format.

@John Arcadian – I’m sure if WotC thought that there was a profit to be made they would publish condensed versions of all of their books. I bet they only do the hardcover thing as more of a brand recognition thing. You would definitely need multiple books, but with D&D when haven’t you required more than one book?

@Toldain – Agreed.

@Rafe – For me cracking the spine of a book is a non-issue. The more damaged my copy is the more likely I am a fan of the game. Yet I do see your point, and if you like to keep the books in good condition digest size books are harder to maintain in most cases.

Also, for some reason, I find digest-sized RPG books to be more inviting. Just because of the size, they seem more accessible. Cost is also a huge plus.

However, publishing a rollup “rules digest” in paperback digest could be interesting.