Top 5 RPGs Spring 2013

No big surprises here. Star Wars from FFG has entered the list, the #5 spot has been alternating between one of two or three items for the last year or two, and the #1 and #2 spots have been the same for a couple of years.

This chart of the Top 5 Roleplaying Games (hobby channel) reflects sales in Spring 2013. The charts are based on interviews with retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.




These bestseller lists are from ICv2's Internal Correspondence #82. For more information on the game market in Spring 2013, see "Hobby Games Entering Fifth Year of Growth."

that's very interesting that Wotc got the 2nd Spot with reprints. Makes you think that they will keep up the reprints once they release D&D next

I don't think it would be just the reprints as such - but the accumulation of all sales through all editions, including 4th - which are probably still selling actively in retailers regardless of D&D Next. That said, it can't be a bad idea for WotC to keep as many different editions in print (or at least in pdf form as possible). They shouldn't keep their heritage buried under the mattress, so to speak.

Another notable point is the splash made by FFG's Star Wars, while still maintaining reasonable sales with 40KRP. You'll note that the Star Wars RPG line has only just started! With a new edition of Dark Heresy announced they should be well primed for the next few years. Heroic American space fantasy vs Dark British Space fantasy...take your pick.

The release of D&DNext - presumably in the next year or so - will be the next defining issue. Pathfinder have been consolidating their lead over D&D4th in the marketplace for some time, but the reception of D&DNext will shake things up a bit. The success of Iron Kingdoms is also a remarkable thing.

My completely unfounded opinion:

The results show just how far it is between the number 1 and 2 spot and everyone else. It's not that 4e is doing great guns, just that everyone else's stuff is just so far behind that WOTC could likely not print another book for another three years and still be in the number 2 spot. Let's not forget that even without printing a new book, 4e's library is still dozens of supplements deep.

Star Wars has had the beginner box to sell since around Christmas