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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Jacob Lewis" data-source="post: 7722997" data-attributes="member: 6667921">So what does a "new Golden Age" really mean, anyway? I read a lot of fluff regarding the sales numbers compared to previous editions, the growing widespread popularity with mainstream audiences, and the greater accessibility through modernized media outlets through streaming channels and virtual tabletops. There's no doubt that this edition is a financial and spiritual success. Sales numbers continue to impress those impressed by sales numbers. The brand continues to dominate our quirky little niche industry regardless if it puts out a dozen products a month or a dozen products to date. For once, I think the company has figured out the magical economic formula that produces the greatest profit margins in a finicky market, and a release model that is attractive to newcomers who may have been intimidated in the past by a meatier and more complex catalogue. (Gosh, I think I just sparked six more related discussions worthy of their own topics!)But what does any of this really mean for me? I don't use the current ruleset. This was the least used edition of the game I have ever encountered, and that, quite frankly, doesn't feel like a "Golden Age" for me. More like fading Twilight and the end of an era, but that's my own personal perspective. It is also the inception of my own idea regarding this particular idea, which is defining what a "Golden Age" really means for someone who isn't currently subscribing to the new ways.Let's be clear: I have been, and always will be, a fan of D&D. This is not, however, a "Golden Age" for me. At least, not where it involves D&D. 5th Edition offers nothing new or interesting for me, so I moved on. No hard feelings. It was a clean break. But I still have four previous editions and various spin-offs and clone systems that I enjoy. And yes, I would even borrow freely the parts from 5e that I like best. But the best experiences of my gaming life actually came to my table(s) during 3rd and (surprisingly!) 4th Editions. You can debate all you want how 5e is superior to previous editions in terms of sales, layout, awards, production, etc. But when it comes down to each and every one of us as individuals at our own personal game tables, it hardly seems relevant.The Golden Age of D&D has passed over my game table, and it was glorious! The dawn of a new age (of rebellion!) has come. And ironically, I have 5th Edition D&D to thank for that. My point is: don't let the big picture make you lose sight of the most important view that is your own game table. If your group is playing 5th Edition D&D, Arcane Quest, X-Wing, or any of a thousand thousand other insanely fun and entertaining games on a regular basis, you're already having your own Golden Age. Enjoy it! That's really the only standard by which we, as individual game enthusiasts, should be measuring.Game on.</blockquote>

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