What Explains the Market Success of Fifth Edition Dungeons & Dragons?

2019-10-13

There’s been a lot of discussion in tabletop RPG circles about just how dominant Fifth Edition D&D has become. It seems to exist as something of a world unto its own, seldom crossing paths with the rest of the hobby. So a discussion about the ramifications of D&D’s current dominance is worth having. But first it’s important to understand why D&D 5e is such a juggernaut. That’s what this post will explore. Read more

Review: Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit

2019-09-04

The 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set has been with us for five years. It’s sold over 800,000 copies and been hailed as one of the best RPG starter sets ever produced. Now Wizards of the Coast has released its successor, the Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit.

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The Three Factors, Revised

2019-08-31

A few weeks ago I wrote about a three-factor system I devised for classifying tabletop RPGs. After fielding questions about the system and thinking about it further, I’ve come up with what I believe is a better version of that original concept.

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Welcome to the World of Tabletop RPGs

This site is designed for anyone who has an interest in tabletop RPGs. Learn about the universe of roleplaying games beyond Dungeons & Dragons, get tips on how to play, discover the right games for your group, and get advice on how to improve your gaming sessions. You can get started with one of these:

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Play Tabletop RPGs

I’ve been playing tabletop roleplaying games since the early 1980s, and now is hands down the best time to get into the hobby. The 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons has been a smash hit. Streaming shows like Critical Role and Starter Kit have lifted the veil on how roleplaying games work. Celebrities are going public with their love of roleplaying. Online tabletop roleplaying is taking off, Kickstarter has enabled scores of high-quality games to get published, and the number of sophisticated gaming blogs and podcasts has soared. So whether you’re new to tabletop roleplaying, a lapsed gamer rejoining the fold, or a gaming veteran, this site is for you! Constructive feedback is always appreciated.