Was Santa Claus the reason you started playing D&D?

[Scott_Rouse]

Do kids still shop at toy stores? I think having a kid-accessible version of D&D in Toys R Us, Wal Mart and Target is key.

I agree. We have been in TRU and have a shot at Target. WalMart is the tough nut to crack. Old stereotypes on the evilness of D&D still persist.

Scott... I know you guys went in a particular direction with the 4E Starter Set, and that's a done deal. But have you gents considered doing a "D&D Jr."? I wouldn't necessarily call it that, but hopefully you get the idea (I'm a Gaming Minimalist about D&D... but I don't suppose you'd call it Minimalist D&D either)?

Yes we have considered it and will continue to do so. We have been trying to do a younger skewing board game like Dungeon or a D&D Clue style adventure game for a while. Surprising enough for a company as large as WotC, with direct lines to Hasbro, doing a low cost quality board game (that is profitable) is kind of a challenge because the initial quantities are low without interest from the big box stores. We'll keep working at it though as I feel like this is a great way to acquire the next generation.

 

[Umbran]

Yep. Way back in 1e days - my eldest brother was in college, and he brought a PHB and DMG home and put them under the tree. Then, he even organized the pack of us (me, my other brother, and our pack of friends) for a number of sessions over his vacation. Best darned X-mas ever!

The same brother, a few years earlier, had introduced us to Tunnels and Trolls, which I also still have.

I don't know if I have ever properly thanked the man.

 

[Korgoth]

Yes we have considered it and will continue to do so. We have been trying to do a younger skewing board game like Dungeon or a D&D Clue style adventure game for a while. Surprising enough for a company as large as WotC, with direct lines to Hasbro, doing a low cost quality board game (that is profitable) is kind of a challenge because the initial quantities are low without interest from the big box stores. We'll keep working at it though as I feel like this is a great way to acquire the next generation.

I don't know if y'all are interested in going in this direction, but I think that a boardless, minimal role playing game aimed at youngsters might get them into role playing. "D&D Adventures!" or something like that. It wouldn't have to be strictly compatible with 4E as long as it used the same branding. Just something to get them used to making up characters and adventures.

 

[Scott_Rouse]

I don't know if y'all are interested in going in this direction, but I think that a boardless, minimal role playing game aimed at youngsters might get them into role playing. "D&D Adventures!" or something like that. It wouldn't have to be strictly compatible with 4E as long as it used the same branding. Just something to get them used to making up characters and adventures.

Yes. Parent involvement is key. I have been using the Chatty DMs Bedtime Adventure storytelling idea with my son and he loves it.

 

[dmccoy1693]

Nope. Every game book I ever owned (with 1 exception) came from my own paycheck, saving birthday money, saving my allowance, mowing lawns, etc. The only game book I ever was given as a present was when I was in college and long since into gaming.

 

[dmccoy1693]

I agree. We have been in TRU and have a shot at Target. WalMart is the tough nut to crack. Old stereotypes on the evilness of D&D still persist.

That's what I don't get. I see ouija boards in Target/Walmart from time to time, but "D&D is too evil for us good little hypocrites at Walmart." What is up with that?!?

 

[darjr]

For me the key was that my mom could easily find the game. It didn't resemble the box I described, being a red box instead of blue, but the name was iconic.

In TRU? Still? If so I'll make a special effort to buy something D&D RPG from them. Voting with my dollar and all.

 

[Scott_Rouse]

For me the key was that my mom could easily find the game. It didn't resemble the box I described, being a red box instead of blue, but the name was iconic.

In TRU? Still? If so I'll make a special effort to buy something D&D RPG from them. Voting with my dollar and all.

TRU only stocks the Basic Game (3.5) and will carry the 4e starter

 

[Shroomy]

It was so long ago and I was so young, I don't remember. I do remember being attracted to the 1e Monster Manuals, but I'm pretty sure that my parents bought me the 1983 Basic Set after I asked for it.

 

[pamenard]

I've been wanting to write a "RPG with kids" book for some time now. I just might go for it.

Its so refreshing to see how free they are and how easy it is to play with no (or close to no) rules.

Thanks for the link.

Phil, The Chatty DM