D&D 5E New D&D WotC survey asks if you read ENWORLD!

[ph0rk]

And the people who buy their books fill out the survey.

But not all of them; hence the problem.

Similarly, some portion of people who would have bought books but did not because of dissatisfaction with recent books are also not taking it.

If they are collecting data just to tell whatever story they want to tell, fine. In that case, it isn't much different from stocking a focus group with opinions you want to hear. If on the other hand they want to know what all segments of their target market think, they will need to do better.

 

[Greg K]

Based on my past experiences with WOTC surveys, I, normally, don't do their surveys. However, I did this one. In addition to listing ENWorld as one of the sites I visit, I noted that I have not bought any WOTC 5e products despite owning the online basic rules, having looked over the books, and having spent money on third party 5e products in the past 6 months (actually, within the last two weeks). I also responded with a 2 for how likely I would be to recommend D&D to others.

In the response box for why I am unlikely to recommend D&D, I explained that I, originally, recommended 5e to others when I first saw the basic rules as I saw promise and continued to do so despite finding the PHB classes and subclasses to be a "mixed bag" in both quality and the fantasy that I enjoy, However, since then I have found little useful content in 5e supplements and dislike the direction of 5e fantasy (and have disliked the direction of WOTC fantasy since mid-3e) despite liking the base 5e mechanics. I then noted the few specific items in Xanathar's that I like (e.g. the Scout subclass) and the few items of interest to me in Tasha's based upon the ToC and other previews (primarily, the fighter builds)- ultimately, neither has enough content of interest for me to purchase. Finally, I provided examples of what I, personally, have been looking for in WOTC supplements. The one thing I forgot to include was my desire for a few more official classes including a shaman (one not inspired by WoW and not the, imo, lame Druid subclass), a witch, and a warlord.
I am sure that what I wrote won't change anything, but I noted what it would take for me to buy WOTC products and start recommending 5e again.

 

[Greg K]

Similarly, some portion of people who would have bought books but did not because of dissatisfaction with recent books are also not taking it.

Actually, if you see my prior response to this thread, I did take it- specifically, to note my dissatisfaction with the direction of 5e and what I am looking for in supplements if they want my business.

 

[ph0rk]

Actually, if you see my prior response to this thread, I did take it- specifically, to note my dissatisfaction with the direction of 5e and what I am looking for in supplements if they want my business.

Sure; but not everyone in your position will. Nonresponse bias is a pretty big deal and considering ways to minimize it is basically textbook survey design - and long surveys are a big no-no. Pilot the items first (with compensation), then roll out a shorter, well designed survey - ideally, also with some form of incentive.

It isn't like WotC is broke.

 

[Argyle King]

Before reading this thread, I would have guessed that I was in the minority as someone who has spent little (or none) on official WoTC products over the past year.

I do still purchase gaming products and supplies, but my purchases of official WoTC content have become increasingly rare.

I wonder if there are feelers being put out to see if printing a new edition would generate more revenue by potentially recovering lapsed buyers.

 

[Dire Bare]

This isn't the first WotC survey to mention ENWorld as a source of news.

Wizards know where the real D&D gaming action is taking place! Right here!

 

[Dire Bare]

Aren't most published worlds originally someone's homebrew? I feel like the difference is whether you're making an Eberron book with a bunch of lore or a more setting agnostic book like Xanathar's. I'd rather have more options and tools for my homebrew than a big book of Wildemount lore that I won't ever reference.

Not really.

The earliest official settings were developed from somebody's homebrew, including Greyhawk (Gygax), Blackmoor (Arneson), and Mystra.

But later settings were developed by committee, not from someone's homebrew setting. Dark Sun, Dragonlance, Eberron, Birthright . . .

 

[Retreater]

My survey results have to be befuddling for them. Spend most of my time running D&D, purchasing a lot of third party stuff (not D&D related), not gaming in person at all, playing all online without D&D Beyond, not buying anything official D&D with the exception of a few modules on Roll20, watch a lot of online D&D content but nothing from Critical Role or other livestreams. Don't care about their worlds, lore, etc.

 

[Schmoe]

I took the survey just so I could give props to ENWorld.

I was only asked 64 questions, so clearly I'm not their target audience

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

This isn't the first WotC survey to mention ENWorld as a source of news.

Wizards know where the real D&D gaming action is taking place! Right here!