How popular are RPGs today compared to the 80s?

[Arnwyn]

Once upon a time, it was the 80s, and AD&D (1E) was at its peak of popularity.

How does that compare to today? Is D&D 3E more popular? Less?

Are RPGs in general more played? the same? less played?

Does anyone have hard data on this?

You've got to be kidding. Are you asking here if anyone has any hard data on this?

You'll never get an answer.

1) Statistics by TSR weren't likely kept in the 80s, and if they were they're likely long gone now.
2) Ryan Dancey's WotC market research (see Morrus's post above) only notes back to 2e... not the 80s. Further, that 2:1 selling ratio is a bit dated, I think (it was when Mr. Dancey was still with WotC, correct?).
3) Market research is *big* business (especially nowadays), and there are entire companies whose sole business is conducting then selling market research. Chances that such data (if it exists) would be available for free at ENWorld: slim-to-none.
4) Chances WotC would come here and give their sales figures? None.

So all you're going to get are the "feelings" of various internet cranks, not "hard data". Since you asked the question here on the ENWorld messageboards, I'm assuming that's acceptable to you and what you really expected.

So here goes. Based on what others have said, I don't think it's as popular as in the 80s. That whole "TSR being awash in cash" anecdote given by Henry above pretty much sums it up for me (since I lack any data to make a reasonable conclusion either way).

 

[diaglo]

But what you don't see, and I did in the early 80s, was the books in department stores, for instance.

Also, we have the 1e books -- a fair amount -- in our local public library. Of course, we also have a subscription to Dragon there...

they had....i repeat had...the 1edADnD books in my local library too back then. that was a few minutes before they had...i repeat had....a book burning in the parking lot.

one friend of mine (who had borrowed my Rogues Gallery) parents threw his stuff on the fire for good measure. (which meant my stuff).

 

[diaglo]

I haven't seen any D&D stuff in the local Toys'R'Us, but it's a small one. But the mainstream bookstores are stocked with several D20 products, usually next to the graphic novels.

try the Computer/Furniture stores like Best Buy. they've got them.

i bought my copy of the 1edADnD Deities and Demigods w/ Cthulu for $10 from Toys R Us.

 

[Luddite]

I would say we are in a new Golden Age of RPGs. If it is as glorious as the 80's is not as important to me. d20 and the OGL has added new life to RPGs.

My theory is that there are more players of RPGs now then in the 80's. Mostly because many gamers from the 80's still play today, and you have 20 years of new blood. That is not to say all that is DnD. White Wolf still has a good market of gamers.

One big thing is the whole "Geek Revolution." There is a larger acceptence of Geeks in current Culture. So more Gamers are "out of the Closet."

-The Luddite

 

[diaglo]

One big thing is the whole "Geek Revolution." There is a larger acceptence of Geeks in current Culture.

yeah, i know i love biting the heads off chickens and riding around in carnies.

 

[MerricB]

From RyanD in that thread you pointed me to, Morrus:

http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?threadid=47339&perpage=20&pagenumber=7

There are at least 1.5 million people who play D&D every month in the US. There are only somewhere between 150,000 and 250,000 people who play Magic every month in the US.

Last year alone WotC sold more than 100,000 Player's Handbooks, representing either new players joining the community, or pre-existing 1E/2E players upgrading to 3E. So in one year, D&D "gained" at least half the total market size as Magic.

In terms of sheer numbers of active consumers, D&D is vastly more successful than Magic (and GW's games, and WizKids games too).

Cheers!

 

[Henry]

Heh - I love reading Ryan's rants. Right or wrong, they're fun - and usually filled with info.

Comparatively, there are definitely more people gaming long-term now than then. Even back in TSR's heyday, I had ONE regular player. ONE. The rest were one-shots, and the majority of my time was indeed spent using RPG's as reading material. It's why I knew the rules so darned well back then - able to quote page and section of the DMG when someone needed a rule.

 

[diaglo]

back then i had 14 players.

today, i have....none.

 

[WizarDru]

back then i had 14 players.

today, i have....none.

You should stop hanging out with DMs, then.

 

[Storminator]

back then i had 14 players.

today, i have....none.

Stop killing them with OD&D man! Play a modern game.

PS