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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Jester David" data-source="post: 7378739" data-attributes="member: 37579">I think most of Zardnaar's thoughts are on the nose. (But, as an aside, I think the reason Mearls hasn't said anything about 5e's sales vs 1e or BECMI has more to do with TSR's accounting in the early days and being hard pressed to figure out exactly how many books were sold.But 5e has only been out for 4 years compared to 1e's 10 between the DMG and 2e being dropped. So it's probably inevitable.)So, why else is 5e a hit:1) Easy to play but not too simple. 5e is simple only in comparison to 3e/PF and 4e. It's a complex game, so new players still feel like they're playing a dense game. 2) Timing. The big editions were 1e/ 3e/ 5e because of the generational shift. A new group of fans was grown and ready to join the game, while people were split by 2e and 4e, with new players going to that edition or the prior one. 3) Slow release schedule. It's easy to know where to get into 5e opposed to 4e or even 3e. And the game doesn't seem as intimidating, with shelves and shelves of books. Let alone wondering if PHB2 and PHB3 are the revision of the core rules or not.4) Streaming. This is the BIG one. Streaming shows not only entertain and let players engage in the hobby on days between games. But they also serve as a fantastic example of WHAT the game is, so you can learn without having to actually play with a friend. This is huge, as "what are tabletop RPGs??" is the big question that's a barrier to entry for many people. Critical Role is huge in a way that defies explanation. So much so that the official D&D stream leaves that block open and mirrors the Geek & Sundry channel (which now has 3-4 other RPG shows). And the bigger it gets, the more friends share it, which just makes it bigger. Now there are billboards for that show in LA, to say nothing of the merch that is living advertisements for the show. And because they play D&D, everyone is directed right back to that game.And there are so many more streaming shows & channels out there.</blockquote>

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