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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Parmandur" data-source="post: 8290388" data-attributes="member: 6780330">I'm not ignoring it at all, but I'm  also not advancing a theory to explain the observed phenomenon, merely noting my experience.  If I were to proffer a tentative theory as to why 5E, Call of Cthulu, and Vampire rise above other systems I've  watched in play, it would be that the rules don't get in the way of play. Watching skilled and interesting players try Star Trek Adventures killed my interest in trying the game out, on the other hand, because the rules got in the way (and I love Star Trek!).For a control sample, the Critical Role crew did a Pathfinder 1E one shot a number of years ago, which had several distinct advantages: a cast I liked who had experience with the system, a talented DM with years of experience with 3.x and Pathfinder, and my own personal familiarity  as the system I started RPGs with (essentially). It was a chore to watch despite everything it had going for it. If I were to want to delve deeper into the je ne sais quoi I've experienced,  the difference between 3.x and 5E would be a good place to start an inquiry.</blockquote>