At the risk of taking this thread further off-topic, and with apologies to Dylan:
@LHoffman:
Krieg,
The only reason, and I think it is a good point, that it should be AA G40 is because Global 40 is technically not its own game. … at least that is what I have been lead to believe. As in, that was why a subforum for it has not been created here. Global 40 will not (at this stage) be sold as a boxed deal (both Pacific and Europe)… so it is not viewed as a separate item in the Avalon Hill catalog. Even though it will effectively be a different game (hence, differernt rule book) from all other games … it does not get marketed as its own game. It is always referenced as the combination of P40 and E40. So, in my opinion, the abbreviated designation ought to be AAG40… in order to differentiate more. And to show that it is a combination of 2 of the smaller theater games. I mean, there are a number of starting dates for AA games; there’s AA42, AAP40, AAE40 and with Anniversary Ed. you’ve got 41 setup and 42 setup…
Personally, the addition of the ‘G’ is helpful. Maybe not necessary, but it serves to define the game.
I can certainly see the value of defining the game in one’s perception. However, just because the game is sold in two parts doesn’t make it “not its own game”. It will have different rules (political ones, anyway), a different set-up, and different strategies from the individual games. It will be far more than the sum of its parts. Also, its official title in the Rulebook is “Axis & Allies 1940”.
To address the original topic, less people will play AA50 after AAE40 comes out, as some will move on to the new game and not look back. However, I feel that AA50 will continue to be played, as it will continue to have a niche to fill. There will be some people who will still prefer it, just as some people still prefer Revised or Classic. That’s just the nature of things.