Forgotten Realms remains very popular, even with younger people: it's a pastiche of everything that people like in generic High Fantasy, and that hasn't gone out style. 5E FR does a much, much better job of moving with current tastes than...whatever 4E was doing. I was in my early 20's when 4E came out, and that was a really critical fail on trying to appeal to "what the kids like these days."
I mean, what contemporary fantasy literature, TV, or movie is supposedly not being serviced in 5E...? I don't see it.
I mean, I guess that could explain why I like it.
I see it as more having been designed as being mechanically elegant and accessible, and open to whatever Fantasy themes anyone of any age wants.
Unless that theme is "powerful, competent martials."
That's not really true, broadly speaking. Most people want to play Humans or Elves. Always was so, and that's unlikely to ever change. Making playing a kitty person easier is welcome, though, bit thst isn't about appealing to the young per se.
I play Fighters. I always feel powerful and competent in play. Particularly the Champion is an immense power fantasy fufilled in action.
That's cool. Doesn't change the fact that a 20th level Champion is less competent than a 1st level 4e fighter with no powers.
I almost always play humans. Or dwarves.
