Top Three RPGs to Run at a FLGS?

[Retreater]

After my attempt over the summer to start Pathfinder Society (2e) at the local game store didn't generate much interest, the owner has come to me to try another system.
He wants me to recommend three systems I would want to run that I think could be more successful.
I think 5e is a definite. But what are the other two I can recommend? Any suggestions?
Something easy to run? With popular appeal? Appropriate for a wide audience?

 

[Fenris-77]

I would recommend Scum and Villainy. That's the Star Wars/Firefly Sci-Fi game based on Blades in the Dark. Running it as faux SW (or even actual SW) should generate lots of IP interest, and its an easy system to dive into (as a player). GMing takes a little bit of practice, but not a ton (It's not Burning Wheel or anything...)'. The game is designed to be episodic, so it also supports short run format and a West Marches drop in sort of deal if that's what you think will work.

Another plus is that's it's only one inexpensive book, not $500 worth of hardbacks.

 

[Mezuka]

I would say:

• Savage Worlds with a pulp setting. Deadlands. Zombies are in.
• D&D5e for fantasy
• The Expanse AGE for sci-fi. It was on Prime not long ago.

 

[payn]

With popular appeal? Appropriate for a wide audience?

This will be tough. If you cant get PF2 to go, im not sure what is more popular (5E obviously, but already mentioned) or suitable for a wider audience?

DCC funnel? Probably not popular or wide enough.

Monster of the week? Can cater to a wide audience; but is it popular enough?

Traveller? Definitely with pregens, at least to start. Though, its probably not what id consider popular.

 

[Fenris-77]

With a lot of games it might be the IP as much (or more) than the system that drags people to the table. At least if we're talking about casual RPGers whose main exposure to RPGing is 5E. So MotW by itself? Maybe. Advertised as Supernatural, or X-Files, or Buffy or some other recognizable IP? Probably more butts in seats.

 

[darjr]

Besides 5e?

For newer players or a fan base that may not be RPG playing yet.

Star Wars. I get asked about running it a lot a lot.

Call of Cthulhu. See above.



For experienced players with a an already built in fan base for organized play.

Shadowrun Missions. Though it’s been a long time since I’ve run any.

Warhammer 40k. Fantasy too but I’ve found more luck with Space Marines one shots.

Oddball
If your store has any free rpg stuff consider running some of it, or if you can talk to the community see what people want run from it. The thing about FreeRPG day is there is a lot of interest and adventures picked up, but fewer game masters. It is an opportunity to run for people hungry to play that cool thing they got.

 

[darjr]

Oh! Run games at local cons.

Find the folks organizing tables, AL or PFS, or one of the others, volunteer as a DM.

At the event let folks know you are running for the FLGS and when.

 

[Retreater]

Oh! Run games at local cons.

Find the folks organizing tables, AL or PFS, or one of the others, volunteer as a DM.

At the event let folks know you are running for the FLGS and when.

Sadly, there are no local game conventions - the closest one is over two hours away.
Our tabletop community has been dead since COVID - none of the stores have had regular RPGs and only irregular wargaming. No one is posting in community social media except to sell their game collections.
It's a dark time for the hobby here (and I think that for once that isn't just my pessimism talking).

 

[Gradine]

If you've got a lot of kids showing up, you could do a lot worse than No Thank You, Evil, also

 

[Retreater]

Do you think I could get away with putting HeroQuest as one of the three options? I know it's not an RPG, but maybe it could be a good entry point?
(My wife says this would be misleading and that people who want to play RPGs would be disappointed. My thought is that it would be promoted upfront - so why complain?)