I don't think it is too overwhelming for new gamers. For the most part very few new gamers are coming out of the blue. Usualy some friend of these is "getting them interested." As such, the neophyte picks up the Player's Handbook of what ever game they are playing.
If the neophyte is unguided by a more exerienced gamer, then most likely they are there to pick up DnD or Vampire (depending on what type of crowd they come from.) Both of these are usualy well displayed.
Now, branching out from there, that is a different story. People will buy things because they "look cool." And over time a gamer will figure out what they like and don't like.
-The Luddite
If the neophyte is unguided by a more exerienced gamer, then most likely they are there to pick up DnD or Vampire (depending on what type of crowd they come from.) Both of these are usualy well displayed.
Now, branching out from there, that is a different story. People will buy things because they "look cool." And over time a gamer will figure out what they like and don't like.
-The Luddite