The rehabilitation of roleplaying games

[Ranger REG]

It might help if the books were cheaper and geared towards a younger audience.

And written in the style of Dr. Seuss?

 

[Hussar]

While the Mog is likely right, there is something else to remember. More money is spent on developing a single title than has been spent developing DnD to date. That may be hyperbole, but, considering that video gaming is now a larger industry than Hollywood, it might not be so far off.

Trying to compare tabletop RPG's to video games just doesn't work. The size of the industries are just so far apart that any comparison is a farce. We can try to learn from how video games have become so popular and possibly try to emmulate some ideas, but, really that's as far as it goes.

Before, I mentioned geography. What I personally would love to see happen is WOTC commission the development of a chat based platform similar to Fantasy Grounds or OpenRPG, and then support it. That way geography becomes less of an issue. Gamers can play with eachother in a form that is close to tabletop without leaving their homes. Add in voice support and sell cheap modules that are ready to be plugged into the game and I think this is a large audience that is relatively untapped.

 

[Mystery Man]

And written in the style of Dr. Seuss?

Yes!!

..no that might be a bit too young

 

[Breakdaddy]

And written in the style of Dr. Seuss?

Or maybe just not written like a boring algebra textbook.

 

[Ceresco]

Sorry about this in advance- the above quote brought to mind a public service announcement by Paris Hilton- "gaming is hot," <toss diamond crusted d20, and wink at nerd gaming boy>

I don't know if I'd want Paris Hilton representing my game after this.

 

[shadow]

Truthfully, I really don't know if I want D&D and rpgs in general to become "mainstream". To become "mainstream" they would have to be watered down and changed to appeal to the lowest common denominator in society.

However, don't loose heart, role-playing is in many ways more popular than ever. D&D has finally lost its "satanism" and "social deviant" stigma. (In fact there are several hard core gamers in my church group.)

 

[Mystery Man]

Or maybe just not written like a boring algebra textbook.

Seriously though, by geared towards younger audience I mean cheaper. As is stands right now I think a lot of your average teen/tween/lower 20's type would be gamer who doesn't have a career or a stable income (how many do at that age?) sees the price of <your WoTC D&D book here> and passes on it. They are just too expensive. Don't make every single book collector type quality, make it paperback non glossy, mostly B&W with some color pictures...anything to lower the price. I think they're already on the right track systems wise, with the d20 rules and new settings being more action oriented.

 

[Ceresco]

A Grass Roots Solution

I have waited tables for a living since 1997. In that time I've been able to work in everything from a wholesome family resturant, a seedy drink-yourself-to-oblivion lounge to fine (seafood and wine) dining. In every establishment I have always been open about my life long hobby of role playing games with both my coworkers and guests. I am blessed to currently work in a resturaunt owned by hippies that let me grow my hair and beard as long as I wish AND let me wear what ever I wish while waiting tables. I wear gaming t-shirts almost every day, except for the days I wear Navy t-shirts.

I shamlessly self promote at every oppurtunity. I live in Lexington, KY. It is a very conservative community, both religiously and politically. I get lots of questions about my t-shirts from my tables and I always answer truthfully. I explain I'm a life long gamer. That I play D&D and have since 1978. I also tell them that I'm a Navy vet, studied philosophy and anthropolgy at University of Miami and I'm currently back in school studying to become a nurse. I also tell them that the University of Kentucky has a gaming club and that I help with their gaming convention.

I almost NEVER make less than 20% of my sales in tips AFTER tipping out the bussers and kitchen. I have more call parties (people asking to sit in my section only) than anyone else in my resturaunt, and they all know I'm a gamer.

Now, when they hear about D&D their association is with me, their favorite waiter.

How many of you hide your gamer side? I've wanted to get a t-shirt made with a flaming d20 on the front and "Out of the Basement" on the back. Maybe we need an "Out of the Basement" marketing campaign.

Respectfully,

Edward Kopp: Arcaniac at Large

 

[Henry]

And written in the style of Dr. Seuss?

Intro to the New Basic D&D Game, coming in October

We're going to play, today, I say,
That Dungeons and Dragons, the DM you'll obey!
But first, we must derive for you
A character, and riches you soon will pursue!
It's Three-Die-Six you'll roll for each stat,
and you'll learn to engage in deadly combat!
First there is Strength, then CON and then DEX,
(don't mind Charisma, we'll cover dump stats the next).

Wizard or Rogue? Druid or Bard?
Come now, the choice won't be all that hard!
What, be a Paladin? Such a silly pursuit;
Then you can't junk-kick and take all their loot.
A Sorcerer? Nice, but not if power you seek,
ENWorld's Thanee has proved they're quite weak.
A Fighter has promise, a Ranger does too,
But BARBARIANS have Rage and Cleave enemies through!

Next you'll pick armor, scads of weapons, and crap.
Just don't forget the materials to keep up with a map!
Your DM's a rat-bastard, full of malice and shaft-osity;
With no remorse he'll dump on you some godless monstrosity!
Keep map in hand, and sunrods bright as day,
'Cause a torch will light the gas trap he put in your way.

So, take my advice, and play with full zest,
Dungeons and Dragons, it's really quite best!

 

[Kid Socrates]

Shaft-osity?

I shouldn't laugh so hard at work, they'll find me out.