Rod Staffwand
aka Ermlaspur Flormbator
Hey, all. Long time lurker, first time poster.
Pathfinder is selling well because they are putting out a lot of product, particularly in the game aids section (maps, tokens/figures) and adventures/adventure paths. Constant content and a loyal fan base from 3.5 equals good sales. It helps that other companies aren't being currently competitive, either through lulls in their product cycles (WotC) or by catering to indie or niche markets. D&D has long been the king of the RPG market. Players like new content. Paizo is the only one currently providing it in bulk. It's as simple as that.
If the question is "Why do so many find Pathfinder appealing?" For some groups, it's a continuation of familiarity with 3.5. Many players aren't interested in even trying anything different. For many DMs, it's that adventure paths offer a steady stream of content they don't have to create on their own. For many/most players it's the player empowerment and sheer amount of character options (races, feats, spells, traits, features, archetypes, magic items, etc.) that are the true selling point.
Pathfinder IS popular, but that doesn't mean it's overwhelmingly popular. Far more groups are playing other games. Some of these players absolutely despise Pathfinder while others see the possibility in Pathfinder but want to correct what they see are flaws. Posts from these gamers will be far more noticeable to a Pathfinder fan than posts ragging on other editions or Pathfinder posts on topics the fan isn't interested in. It's the nature of the internet beast. I wouldn't read too much into it.
I, myself, can't stand Pathfinder. I disagree with all of its core assumptions, deficient classes, bloated lists of trap options, wonky scaling, tedious combat and poorly worded rules. I will take any opportunity to say so (like now!).
Pathfinder is selling well because they are putting out a lot of product, particularly in the game aids section (maps, tokens/figures) and adventures/adventure paths. Constant content and a loyal fan base from 3.5 equals good sales. It helps that other companies aren't being currently competitive, either through lulls in their product cycles (WotC) or by catering to indie or niche markets. D&D has long been the king of the RPG market. Players like new content. Paizo is the only one currently providing it in bulk. It's as simple as that.
If the question is "Why do so many find Pathfinder appealing?" For some groups, it's a continuation of familiarity with 3.5. Many players aren't interested in even trying anything different. For many DMs, it's that adventure paths offer a steady stream of content they don't have to create on their own. For many/most players it's the player empowerment and sheer amount of character options (races, feats, spells, traits, features, archetypes, magic items, etc.) that are the true selling point.
Pathfinder IS popular, but that doesn't mean it's overwhelmingly popular. Far more groups are playing other games. Some of these players absolutely despise Pathfinder while others see the possibility in Pathfinder but want to correct what they see are flaws. Posts from these gamers will be far more noticeable to a Pathfinder fan than posts ragging on other editions or Pathfinder posts on topics the fan isn't interested in. It's the nature of the internet beast. I wouldn't read too much into it.
I, myself, can't stand Pathfinder. I disagree with all of its core assumptions, deficient classes, bloated lists of trap options, wonky scaling, tedious combat and poorly worded rules. I will take any opportunity to say so (like now!).
If the PFS is any significant portion of the PF player-base, that's certainly gonna bump up sales: "You can use all of these...all you need to do is buy a book or two!"
