D&D Older Editions

[Lanefan]

The only complaints I've ever heard about older editions from newer players are (1) it's hard to find players willing to give them a try, and (2) it's harder to find resources and gaming material for older editions.

(1) is almost certainly true in most communities. (2), however, is not so true: between all the OSR material out there, founts of online resources such as dragonsfoot, and generally-wide availability of secondhand rulebooks and adventure modules, finding resources and materials ain't that difficult if one bothers to look.

 

[Nikosandros]

however, is not so true: between all the OSR material out there, founts of online resources such as dragonsfoot, and generally-wide availability of secondhand rulebooks and adventure modules, finding resources and materials ain't that difficult if one bothers to look.

Not only that. A huge part of the old TSR catalog is legally available in PDF and many products are also in POD. Furthermore, there are tons of products being produced in the OSR-sphere. I'm sure, for example, that there are more levels of mega-dungeons available than anyone will be able to play in a life-time.

 

[Audiomancer]

I highly doubt it.

If anything, the content wearnings might prompt some to take a look and find out what the fuss is about.

Hot Take: If you want more people in your area to check out older editions, try to get your local library/school board to ban them…

 

[CleverNickName]

(1) is almost certainly true in most communities. (2), however, is not so true:

Oh I agree, that's just what I've heard folks say about them. True or false, older systems do have a reputation for not being as well-supported as 5E.

 

[Orius]

The content warnings probably have little to do with it. Likely the reputation for being difficult, complex or exceedingly deadly is what keeps newer players away.

 

[Yora]

There is no thread tag for Basic/Classic, only OD&D and AD&D. That's the one that's still the most popular.

 

[haakon1]

There is no thread tag for Basic/Classic, only OD&D and AD&D. That's the one that's still the most popular.

You mean most popular on ENWorld, or most being played? I assume 3.5e, 2e, and AD&D/1e/OSR are now, and have always been, played more than Basic/BECMI. I could be wrong.

 

[Cadence]

You mean most popular on ENWorld, or most being played? I assume 3.5e, 2e, and AD&D/1e/OSR are now, and have always been, played more than Basic/BECMI. I could be wrong.

Wasn:r a ton of B/X sold? There might be a blip in 1981-1982.

 

[Mannahnin]

Holmes Basic then B/X sold a ton, and then BECMI took it worldwide to a greater extent. That whole line sold millions. While the OSR started out with a lot of focus on 1E AD&D, in recent years B/X and its clone OSE have been the most popular variant.