I like the release of actual sales figures for the Starter Set. 126,000 in North America in 2014 (from the July release); 306,000 in North America in 2018. I wonder what we can extrapolate from that!
Because they played D&D exactly once in the last year and didn't much care for it?Why wouldn't they buy it?
There was, and it didn't go over so well - got derided as 'Player Entitlement' & 'not really D&D' - in part for precisely that reason.I think more people need to run games. Grab a module or dungeon and go for it. I think there should be something that makes the entry into DMing easier.
I think more people need to run games. Grab a module or dungeon and go for it. I think there should be something that makes the entry into DMing easier. Perhaps the Essentials Kit is a step in the right direction.
Every feedback I've ever given to WoTC is to help new DMs. Get new DMs into the field and empower them.
Possibly:Why wouldn't they buy it?
You're assuming the issue is that DM'ing 5e is hard when there may be a simpler answer... more people just want to play than DM. If that is the case no amount of making DM'ing easy is going to entice them. I have players in my group like this, it's not that DM'ing is too hard it's that they just want to play.
EDIT: IMO 5e is the easiest edition of D&D to DM, especially when using something like the Starter Set or Essentials Kit as a jumping off point. If anything it may be that 5e is just a victim of it's overwhelming success and that player growth has just outpaced DM growth for now since I would assume most people get into rpg's by first playing.
I mean, that's /also/ true. For one thing, DMing is harder, and a lot of people would rather not put a /lot/ of effort into their pastime.You're assuming the issue is that DM'ing 5e is hard when there may be a simpler answer... more people just want to play than DM.
I've had experience with games that are much easier to run than 5e D&D, and new players transition into running games more readily when it's just plain easier. A DM doesn't show up, and someone volunteers.If that is the case no amount of making DM'ing easy is going to entice them. I have players in my group like this, it's not that DM'ing is too hard it's that they just want to play.
IMX, it's the most demanding of talent & judgment, while 3.5 was the most demanding of system mastery & just /time/, and 1e of sheer hard-won skill. 4e was certainly the easiest to run, phone-it-in/paint-by-numbers/embarrassingly easy. I'm running 4e after a year off due to health problems, in part because I simply don't have the energy to get into the zone where I'd run 5e at my best (and, in part, because my players would /really/ like to make it to 30th).*EDIT: IMO 5e is the easiest edition of D&D to DM
Exactly. There's a learning curve before you can transition from player to DM - assuming you even have the aptitude.If anything it may be that 5e is just a victim of it's overwhelming success and that player growth has just outpaced DM growth for now since I would assume most people get into rpg's by first playing.
The flip-side of DM Empowerment is that the DM takes on a lot of responsibility for the quality of the play experience.No one in my group really wants to run. I do occasionally get a 'I don't think I can handle it' response when I suggest a friend takes the reins.
I don't own the Essentials set yet, but it looks like a good idea. I think there needs to be a reset of expectations in terms of DM'ing. I think there is a little too much of an idea that one needs to be qualified to be a DM... as if it is some rare skill only a few possess.
Back in the day, I always remembered it being DMs who would post (I mean, literally, like a card, a push pin, a bulletin board, at the local hobby shop) looking for players - and pick from a dozen or so...In the Meetup I'm a part of, I see a lot of posts from groups of players asking for someone to DM for them.
I doubt anywhere near half of the 40 mil will by Baldur's Gate 3. But I'm not a (video)gamer, so maybe it is just me.
Lol. /a/ dozen. Height of the fad, greater suburban area near SF, like a million people w/in a 40 mile radius, served by just a few such hobby shops.EYES HATES [MENTION=8900]Tony[/MENTION]Vargas Getting dozens of players at the drop of push pin. WHERE? What did you lace the note with? Did you offer free cookies. Ok. Enough ragging on Tony.
OK, those are valid comparisons of 5e being less baroque than 1e, yeah... You could say the same of 3e relative to 1e. Except there was no AL, you'd have to say RPGA... OK, or PFS, today.IMXP 5E especially Adventure League is easy to run. The rules are consistent. No roll high to hit, roll low to find secret doors, the spells are the same regardless of which class is tossing them about.
I'm not sure I followed all that. But if I did, I applaud your enthusiasm.There have been always a shortage of DM. Due some of the players don't want to put up with BS they throw out as player. Some people have bad players who want to tick off the DM. Some don't think they could hack it.
There have always been HORRIBLE DMS. (I WUZ 1!). Today. The modules are generally better. The Price is cheaper to dm (especially if you limit the books). With net access you have the world to help with your game.
WE WANT YOU! WE WANT YOU! WE WANT YOU TO DM TOO! (jasper slaps all you players with his glove). If you have a nice group pick up the screen and dm.
lolAND I CURSE YOU WITH MY CURSE!
MAY YOU HAVE SEVEN PLAYERS AND SIX DMS AND NO WAITING!
rant is over.
Hate console games.