As long as we are talking hypothetically...

[Dire Bare]

I think one could make a solid case that the 'peak year' of 1982 may very well have involved external circumstances that can not and should not be reproduced.

I somewhat perversely hope for a second "D&D is evil and will destroy your children" panic to boost sales and recognition of the brand.

However, I don't think it is likely, as the various "this stuff is evil" panics tend to move from one form of popular entertainment to the next, rarely going back.

Today, D&D is more sociably acceptable, but still perceived as nerdy. 80s metal is perceived as a weird nostalgic joke, no longer a "threat". While some still shout that videogames will doom you, few listen anymore.

I'm not sure if there is anything out there today that has even minority of the population riled up over its "evilness". Except cosplay. That's just wrong.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

A. Continue the endless arguements over which side is better?
B. Accept the fact that people have different taste and move on?
C. Have one group leave and play a different RPG?
D. Compromise? Have an RPG that neither group will really like?

All of that at the same time. Seriously, this is what is really happening. Important thing is civility. Try to remain civil and respectful of each other's personalities.

I agree- that does seem to be what's going on at this time.

And that's OK...because there is no possible way to design an RPG- or anything, for that matter- that will satisfy all possible consumers.

Over time, the arguments will die down to a dull background murmur...until another edition gets trotted out and someone brings up the arguments about the previous edition changes that are relevant. (Or not relevant, on occasion.)

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I somewhat perversely hope for a second "D&D is evil and will destroy your children" panic to boost sales and recognition of the brand.

However, I don't think it is likely, as the various "this stuff is evil" panics tend to move from one form of popular entertainment to the next, rarely going back.

Today, D&D is more sociably acceptable, but still perceived as nerdy. 80s metal is perceived as a weird nostalgic joke, no longer a "threat". While some still shout that videogames will doom you, few listen anymore.

I'm not sure if there is anything out there today that has even minority of the population riled up over its "evilness". Except cosplay. That's just wrong.

Having been through "satanic panics" in both D&D and Metal, I don't think we need another one.

Besides, D&D already has sufficient recognition- it has 2 recent movies to its credit (well, maybe "credit" isn't the right word) and high-profile celebs are being more forthcoming about their history with the game.

Heck, if there was any kind of question about its importance, realize that there is no question that "D&D" has become the generic term for RPGs in the non-gaming world- like "Kleenex" and "Xerox" have become synonymous with their respective markets' products.