Snarf Zagyg
Notorious Liquefactionist
Something I've been pondering .... and no, this isn't going to be one of my giganto-historical-bizarro posts, just a semi-baked thesis and a poll-
How Important is Stranger Things to the Success of 5e?
Is that a weird question to ask? Look, I know that there are a lot of independent reasons for 5e being successful ... it's easy to grok. It's similar enough to the TSR-era editions that older games have come back to it (and brought their familes/friends). It got the "COVID" boost. It has a successful social media presence - Critical Role, and people streaming on twitch. But ... and hear me out here ... what about Stranger Things?
One of the mysteries of 5e is that it continues to sell. Every year. Now, here's the thing ...
Stranger Things debuted in the summer of 2016. It's had four seasons ... the most recent this year (2022). It's on Netflix, which means that people keep watching it and keep getting re-introduced to it.
And D&D has always been featured in the show. Admittedly, until the most recent season, the actual D&D play has been light; but it's been there. And the overall gestalt (mind flayers, Demogorgon, etc.) has been very strong. It's practically an advertisement for D&D.
Now, while this doesn't seem that remarkable to someone like me who views Stranger Things as just one of many shows swirling around ... I have also heard from the younger crowd who views this show as a giant experience. It's really really popular with a wide swath of kids - some of who might be drawn to D&D. I've heard it compared to Star Wars (the original trilogy) in terms of the impact it has on a certain segment of the population. Which ... I mean, who knew? Not me.
So I thought I'd throw it out there as a poll question and general topic. What do you think?
How Important is Stranger Things to the Success of 5e?
Is that a weird question to ask? Look, I know that there are a lot of independent reasons for 5e being successful ... it's easy to grok. It's similar enough to the TSR-era editions that older games have come back to it (and brought their familes/friends). It got the "COVID" boost. It has a successful social media presence - Critical Role, and people streaming on twitch. But ... and hear me out here ... what about Stranger Things?
One of the mysteries of 5e is that it continues to sell. Every year. Now, here's the thing ...
Stranger Things debuted in the summer of 2016. It's had four seasons ... the most recent this year (2022). It's on Netflix, which means that people keep watching it and keep getting re-introduced to it.
And D&D has always been featured in the show. Admittedly, until the most recent season, the actual D&D play has been light; but it's been there. And the overall gestalt (mind flayers, Demogorgon, etc.) has been very strong. It's practically an advertisement for D&D.
Now, while this doesn't seem that remarkable to someone like me who views Stranger Things as just one of many shows swirling around ... I have also heard from the younger crowd who views this show as a giant experience. It's really really popular with a wide swath of kids - some of who might be drawn to D&D. I've heard it compared to Star Wars (the original trilogy) in terms of the impact it has on a certain segment of the population. Which ... I mean, who knew? Not me.
So I thought I'd throw it out there as a poll question and general topic. What do you think?