Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="William Ronald" data-source="post: 1573876" data-attributes="member: 426">The Metal Pope:  Welcome to the boards!!!  You might be interested in checking out the <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=89790&page=1&pp=20" target="_blank">Mental Stability and Roleplaying Games</a> thread.I perused the arguments made in this thread, and believe that mythusmage is dissatisfied with what he perceives as a lack of interest in the hobby by young people.  I believe that it  is important to attract new people of all ages to role playing games.  However, it seems that the changes that mythusmage suggests seem to be unwelcome or already implemented in one form of another.  I know two game shop owners, and many of their young customers who are involved in CCGs show an interest in RPGs.  People will play D&D or any other game as they wish, although I do believe encouraging role playing can make a gaming session more enjoyable.The question is how to increase the number of people in the hobby.  Jonathan Tweet and Monte Cook have commented on it .  (Can someone include a link to that thread?)  Here are some of my ideas:More boxed beginner sets: These would be relatively inexpensive ways for people to get into RPGs.  Somewhat simplified rules and a few adventures. WotC is creating one for the D&D game, and I could see a Storyteller version.  The boxed sets would have some information on the games that they are based on, including directions to company web sites.  This would provide an inexpensive gateway to our "hobby" (or whatever you wish to call it) without overwhelming novices with too many rules and options.Company support:  Perhaps the company websites could include a few downloads for a boxed set, or at least link to sites about the game in question.Community support:  There was a time when the Role Playing Games Association did much more than they do now in terms of game demos.  I think that the RPGA and similar organizations can work with companies in promoting RPGs.  A few stores I know frequently run gaming events.  (You can also check out the EN World Game Day link in my sig. Maybe igaming enthusiasts are best-suited to promote our past-time.  However, some support by the industry would be welcome. )Marketing: D&D is one of the best recognized brand names, as I understand it. I think that more marketing can be done by WotC, even if Hasbro is not particularly interested in doing so.  (Perhaps a card with some info on the game and a web link  -- inserted into different WotC products -- might be a cheap way to advertise the hobby.)  Also, maybe some celebrity gamers might be willing to do a commercial for scale acting wages -- which might make a commercial more affordable. (Heck, at least advertise on the SciFi Channel.)From what I see, the RPG hobby is doing well.  Sales are up.  However, I think the concern about aging customers -- implicit in mythusmage's posts - is a legitimate one.  There may only be a limited market for RPGs, as many people wish to be entertained by observing something rather than participating in an activity.  However, I think there is room for growth and improvement -- in both our selves and in the RPG hobby.</blockquote>

Verification