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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pogre" data-source="post: 4303654" data-attributes="member: 6588">I agree with Pramas that the books are not a good way to attract new gamers. I'm not sure that is a huge criticism, but it is true.I think a great way to get new players into the game would be a simple character creator. Not a spread sheet or something similar that merely makes the calculations, but literally a step-by-step creator that hides all of the rules and mechanics.It would open with a brief animated example of play.Next, it would ask the player which race he would like to play. The could click on a globe to see a picture of the race and get a little insight, like Dragonborn make excellent fighters and paladins and maybe a hint of background as well.The player would click on the race they want.Next, it would ask what class they want to play. Again, click on a globe to get an illustration of the class and a bit of information about what they do. Wizards cast mighty spells of fire or lightning or ensorcel the enemy to fight on their side. That kind of thing.Once class is chosen - it would give the player some information on certain styles of play for the class. Such as, do you envision yourself as a "weapons platform" or a clever manipulating mage.**Obviously with a better description than I have used in my example.Now, the player has chosen a class and a style of play - they are given a choice of powers and what they do.The program picks skills, feats, equipment, and any other choices and then announces - push here to print your character. A complete character sheet is printed out along with a quick play cheat sheet.Hand-in-hand with such a program would be a complete dungeon adventure that literally hand holds a new DM through the entire adventure. A dungeon is the best because it limits choices somewhat. The dungeon should get a party of five comfortably to second level. The adventure should explicitly tell new DMs to not worry about rules mistakes - just play and roll when in doubt.The players can go back in the program and level up with choices given for powers - and again, all other choices being made by the program.A second slightly more complex adventure might follow with more advice, but a little less hand-holding.When the player goes back to go to third level they are informed that the program has made a lot of choices for them up to this point. It encourages the player to change any skill, feat, or even power choices they wish. Naturally, it directs them to the PHB.By this time the player has already bought in to the game or not.It would be really nice if the new player had access to a full character gen program too. Especially if a saved character could be ported from the newbie program to the complete program.I would make the "newbie" program and the first adventure entirely free.Others have praised the 3e beta char gen program and I agree it was helpful in getting folks jump started.Given that WOTC has had a tough time in the electronics arena, I realize this is a pipe dream, but it would be great for new players.</blockquote>

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