D&D (2024) 2024 Player’s Handbook is ‘Fastest Selling D&D Book Ever’

It’s only officially been out for a week, but according to Wizards of the Coast, the new Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook has already surpassed Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything to become the fastest selling D&D book ever—in the entire 50-year history of the game. It has sold three times as many copies as the 2014 version of the books did at launch.

Not only that, the 2024 Player’s Handbook was the biggest print run in D&D’s history.

In a press release today, WotC claims more than 85 million D&D fans worldwide, and says that D&D Beyond, the game’s official online platform, has over 18 million users.

 

[mamba]

That’s literally what my post said.

I know, you even said you think they are both skewed equally strong.

I think the truth is a lot closer to 1 in 2 than 1 in 6 however, but yeah, that is me guessing. I have no data to support it outside of basic math (there are a lot less than 108M people who played 5e at least once) and numbers like the PHB having sold maybe 7M copies

 

[Parmandur]

I know, you even said you think they are both skewed equally strong.

I think the truth is a lot closer to 1 in 2 than 1 in 6 however, but yeah, that is me guessing. I have no data to support it outside of basic math (there are a lot less than 108M people who played 5e at least once) and numbers like the PHB having sold maybe 7M copies

We ha numbers, and I see nonreasom to doubt the 1 in 5 ratio thst WotC number suggests.

In my experience, most players don't buy a PHB, and I think the historical sales data support that, with the PHB consistency outselling the DMG by only 2 to 1 across decades and corporate regimes.

 

[Iosue]

I mean, online consumers skewing towards using online tools and FLGS consumers skewing towards not using them is pretty much what you’d expect. Split the difference (1/3) and you’re probably in the ballpark.

 

[Parmandur]

I mean, online consumers skewing towards using online tools and FLGS consumers skewing towards not using them is pretty much what you’d expect. Split the difference (1/3) and you’re probably in the ballpark.

Or, 1 in 5.

 

[Iosue]

Or, 1 in 5.

1 in 5 “fans”, but I’m talking actual players of the RPG.

 

[Parmandur]

1 in 5 “fans”, but I’m talking actual players of the RPG.

We don't have any info on that.

 

[Iosue]

We don't have any info on that.

I know, that’s why we’ve been estimating based on Fritz’s experience and Mike Shea’s surveys (or rather, reports thereof).

As Morrus has pointed out, the use of the word “fans” instead of players means they are likely counting more than just players. So that number is going to be higher. 1/5 of “fans” and 1/3 of players having DDB accounts sounds about right to me.

 

[Parmandur]

I know, that’s why we’ve been estimating based on Fritz’s experience and Mike Shea’s surveys (or rather, reports thereof).

As Morrus has pointed out, the use of the word “fans” instead of players means they are likely counting more than just players. So that number is going to be higher. 1/5 of “fans” and 1/3 of players having DDB accounts sounds about right to me.

Good enough for government work

 

[Retreater]

Roll for Combat's update...

 

[darjr]

I’m not shooting the messenger, just have an issue with the interpretation of what that number means.

And things happen, even bookscan could flub or miss numbers or not get all of the same sources between Tasha’s and PHB 2024.