Anyone else feel encouraged? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Anyone else feel encouraged? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Escef
07-30-06, 12:15 PM I've noticed lately a surge in posts from people who are new to D&D. The game is attracting new blood, and further, these are people who want to be informed about the game. I find this encouraging, as it means the game is still getting new players, players who do some research into the game, players who may one day be game designers.

Anyone else see this as a good sign? :cool:
Board_Rider
07-30-06, 12:35 PM I am always happy to see what you mentioned. Perhaps this means D&D is getting more acceptance. Whatever the reason I hope that the sign of new blood keeps the suppport coming.
RedUncle
07-30-06, 01:13 PM I've been playing D&D for almost 13 years - and i LOVE to see an influx of new players! it will bring diversity - and an expanding product line... I look forward to seeing what kind of new books are released in the coming years considering increasing interest... I love new D&D players - especially those who are attempting to teach themselves the rules... it's cool
Psychoticpsymon
07-30-06, 01:52 PM Whether you're right or wrong, I do feel encouraged.
SPEAR9
07-30-06, 05:27 PM I am one of those afore mentioned persons.I've been new to the boards for about a month.I've had some gaming experience.I played with a group of guys on my ship.The DM(all hail Sammy Bryant)had a sheet for 4th lvl. Ftr.I sprang from a Deck of Many Things.Suddenly,I'm in the game.Temple of Elemental Evil.This was Dec.'92.
We played for about 2 yrs.I loved it.10 yrs later,me and the Mrs. were looking for something to alleve the boredom.I suggested D&D. She had never played(audible gasp!) So,to Acme Comics,awaaay!
I had played 2nd ed.Had no idea about 3.5.Got the core books and the rest is history.We solo play,I DM all the time and the boards are chock full 'o good ideas and useful info.I hope my meager responses to the many threads help others.
It astounds me that so many new players have taken to the game.The game has evolved so much in the 10 yrs. since I played,but I love the new ed.In closing,I would say YES,it is encouraging.D&D will forever be an outlet for our passions and fears.Allowing all of us to give our alteregos a place to roam. Much thanks,Myk :)
Seeker95
07-30-06, 05:59 PM I've noticed lately a surge in posts from people who are new to D&D.
Anyone else see this as a good sign?Although I find it encouraging that there are many new members of the Boards (potentially indicating new players of the game), I am equally disheartened at the consistency with which said new posters demonstrate a general lack of communication skills.

Although I have turned into my father, I fear the younger generation will not.
savant_warlord13
07-30-06, 06:18 PM I have also noticed this large influx. However, I think this is likely because of summer vacation.
Ranger REG
08-01-06, 05:01 AM Anyone else see this as a good sign? :cool:
Only if I block out any troll of flame messages I keep seeing, not necessarily on this messageboard.
Verelor
08-01-06, 10:42 AM I love seeing new players getting into the game.

The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek:
savant_warlord13
08-01-06, 11:45 AM I love seeing new players getting into the game.

The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek:
In what way?
savant_warlord13
08-01-06, 11:45 AM double post, sorry
Verelor
08-01-06, 12:01 PM In what way?

Most people in this day come to Dungeons & Dragons because of prior interest or experience with videogames, particularly your swords'n'sorcery variety. They may expect D&D to simply be a pen and paper projection of that with friends, sometimes grossly so.
Dragonteuthis
08-01-06, 12:31 PM I love seeing new players getting into the game.

The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek:

I empathize with you, but in all honesty it's already happening, indeed, may have happened. Notice how combat-intensive the 3.5 rules are, with clear, exacting rules and strong support of miniature use. Incarnum, for example, encourages video-game like thinking to an incredible degree.

I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing. However, video games also encourage metagaming, which I don't like, so as long as my players can find a balance, I'm happy.
cancerousmango
08-01-06, 12:36 PM Here is a hint for getting new info if you're a new player

1: post question
2:create another account and login as that account
3:post blatantly incorrect info
4:Wait for the people to rush in and correct the N00B.
5:enjoy your newfound info and enjoy the fact that you've deflected all flaming towards your idiot alter!
cancerousmango
08-01-06, 12:37 PM Most people in this day come to Dungeons & Dragons because of prior interest or experience with videogames, particularly your swords'n'sorcery variety. They may expect D&D to simply be a pen and paper projection of that with friends, sometimes grossly so.My one player, new to the game said, "so...it's diablo II, but each click on the mouse can take an hour to resolve?"
getgoldcardsoul
08-01-06, 12:46 PM Here is a hint for getting new info if you're a new player

1: post question
2:create another account and login as that account
3:post blatantly incorrect info
4:Wait for the people to rush in and correct the N00B.
5:enjoy your newfound info and enjoy the fact that you've deflected all flaming towards your idiot alter!Oh my God.......... a genius is among us! :cheer: :heehee
cancerousmango
08-01-06, 12:53 PM Oh my God.......... a genius is among us! :cheer: :heeheeAh, feels nice to hear that. Back to feeding the kid...
Echo_that_Pains
08-01-06, 01:03 PM I love seeing new players getting into the game.

The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek:
I agree with you. Pretty soon i can forsee people using the epic handbook so much more simply because every MMORPG out there encourages ungodly high levels. While there is no problem with this, the RPG part is cut out of the picture in many cases. Everquest, Everquest 2, World of Warcraft - all focused on leveling. The biggest complaint about DDO that i heard was once again the levels (10 max) when it came out. I have not played DDO so i am not 100% sure about its functions and perks but here is a conversation i had with someone who just bought it a while back.

Person 1: "DDO really sucks, i thought it would be really cool but it is horrible!!!"
Me: "Why is that? It looks ok and the concept of the game isnt bad. All of today's MMORPG's are based on DnD, it is about time a game finally gets back to the core."
Person 1: "Well yeah, but there are only 10 levels!! can you believe that!?!? it took me 2 days dragging my ass to get max level....its pathetic! so many people are going to leave the game because there are only 10 levels it will go down fast."
Me: "Umm...dungeons and dragons is not completely about leveling as it is about the RP aspect. Any moron game can make someone level, but a good game has more substance behind the mindless leveling."
Person 1: "Why in the hell would they create a game that was more focused on actually doing stuff other than leveling?!? they make these games so that you can log on and level!! What else is there to do besides level?"
Me: "................ wow."

*this really did happen (i have screenshot) and no sarcasm is involved. this person really didnt understand what i was trying to say*

My biggest wory will be a mass amount of people that start playing that do not care about quests, missions, anything but leveling up as high as they can. Most of the younger people care about nothing besides leveling and for those of us older it is boring as all-get-out. Second edition vs. third edition are drastically different when it comes to roleplaying. There is so much material about every aspect of the game in 2nd edition, but much of that attention to detail has been lost in third. Third seems more combat/creature oriented than it does anything else. Just my personal opinion though. It is nice to see so many playing though - maybe before too long i will be able to find a group to play with again! *cheer*
Kalanth
08-01-06, 01:11 PM These days, more and more, I get blank stares from people when I mention that I play D&D. Most don't know what it is, or don't see how it could be fun. The latter usually goes no further in the way of conversation, but the former has spawned two new groups that I know of in the area. It is always good to see people comming together over this game, instead of hidding in their basements staring at the glowing screen and clutching a controller.
Elora_Gwyre
08-01-06, 02:42 PM I love seeing new players getting into the game.

The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek:

I doubt that this would really become a problem... I started playing D&D six months ago when my husband's officemate (now our DM) overheard us talking about Morrowind and mentioned that we would probably like D&D. I can't imagine ever going back to videogames! I tried playing Morrowind again a few months ago, and was bored out of my mind (good game, but too much of the same-ol'). I think that anyone that prefers games that focus on leveling up and so-called "hack-and-slash" would get bored pretty quickly with pencil and paper D&D. Thus, I doubt that they will be the driving force for the game's evolution. But I've been wrong before...back in 1994 I think... ;)
Apollo's Will
08-01-06, 04:56 PM I was so proud the other day, when the kid asked me, if we could try to play a game where you use those cool figurines :D.

I think D&D is a good and better alternative to video games. Parents should encourage D&D more instead of "Grand Theft Auto" or "Doom 3".

Dropping two coins in the spit cup.
Ics
08-01-06, 06:49 PM I think D&D is a good and better alternative to video games. Parents should encourage D&D more instead of "Grand Theft Auto" or "Doom 3".
that would be great, but there are a ton of parents (many that I know, at least) that will gladly let their children have all the 'shoot 'em up' fun they want, but give me weird sideways looks when I mention that I play D&D.
Renvale999
08-02-06, 08:40 AM To said statement above (I have no idea how to quote lol) I think it's way better for kids to play D&D then normal video games. If nothing else, if the parent DM's for the kid, they have a say on what the kid interacts with. And, my favorite part, is the parent of the teenager who stays at home with his friends while his dad DM's for him. How many parents can honestly say they know exactly what their kids are up to on friday night?? Better to be killing evil dragons and getting loot then getting offered drugs and stuff at some party.

But that's just me
razorboy
08-02-06, 09:13 AM Totally with you Renvale and Apollo. D&D is a better past time than video game because (if properly DM'd and supervised) it is a social game, it encourages teamwork and sharing and also speaking out, it demands the use of higher skills than twitch-reflexes and helps practice those skills (math, geometry, spacial mechanics), it places emphasis on identifying and achieving goals, and it rewards persistance and creativity in achieving these goals. Speaking as someone who've spent time in the education faculty, D&D is not just a great game, it is an excellent potential tool for learning and developing vital skills in young children and teens, so it really is encouraging when new people try it. Even if the person starting D&D for the first time is not a child or young teen, but a mature adult, D&D is still a great excuse to get together with friends and have a good time in a social setting, without resorting to watching sports, or going out to bars or clubs.
mathogre
08-02-06, 09:19 AM I began playing D&D in Spring 2005. I was 47 at the time. Never before had I played any RPGs. Video games were limited to Myst, Riven, and Myst III (very good, excellent, yawn, respectively). I'd tried a couple of MUDs. Despite my lack of experience, I'd been writing science fiction and fantasy short stories for a dozen years for a small group of people.

I'm in my second gaming group, and they are most excellent. At present I'm playing a 6th level female elf monk. Our next game session is Friday night. Last night I spent lots of time looking at the details of her current feats (from the PHB). Even at this level, she's an amazing character. I can only imagine what's possible with others.

I probably have far too many of the books (for example, core, all monsters, planar, Dragonomicon (it *is* Dungeons and DRAGONS, after all)). It's an incredible game, system, and universe. I'm impressed with the online resources at Wizards et al.

I will eventually DM. I'm beginning to craft a planar campaign, and have mostly crafted a dungeon crawl, replete with monsters, traps, and appropriately rolled treasures. The latter was further crafted into a short fantasy story that - I think - will help me improve my dungeon crawl. It's called Eastlake after the dungeon of the same name. It's located near Longspear, a village in Little Hills... ^_^
Ranger REG
08-03-06, 04:24 AM I love seeing new players getting into the game.

The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek:
It already is. When they changed the multiclassing system, it reminded me of the early Ultima games (played on the green screen of Apple PC).

But let's face it, CRPGs did owe their existence for pen-n-paper RPGs like D&D. We just happen to come full circle. :cool:

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Escef 07-30-06, 12:15 PM	I've noticed lately a surge in posts from people who are new to D&D. The game is attracting new blood, and further, these are people who want to be informed about the game. I find this encouraging, as it means the game is still getting new players, players who do some research into the game, players who may one day be game designers. Anyone else see this as a good sign? :cool:
Board_Rider 07-30-06, 12:35 PM	I am always happy to see what you mentioned. Perhaps this means D&D is getting more acceptance. Whatever the reason I hope that the sign of new blood keeps the suppport coming.
RedUncle 07-30-06, 01:13 PM	I've been playing D&D for almost 13 years - and i LOVE to see an influx of new players! it will bring diversity - and an expanding product line... I look forward to seeing what kind of new books are released in the coming years considering increasing interest... I love new D&D players - especially those who are attempting to teach themselves the rules... it's cool
Psychoticpsymon 07-30-06, 01:52 PM	Whether you're right or wrong, I do feel encouraged.
SPEAR9 07-30-06, 05:27 PM	I am one of those afore mentioned persons.I've been new to the boards for about a month.I've had some gaming experience.I played with a group of guys on my ship.The DM(all hail Sammy Bryant)had a sheet for 4th lvl. Ftr.I sprang from a Deck of Many Things.Suddenly,I'm in the game.Temple of Elemental Evil.This was Dec.'92. We played for about 2 yrs.I loved it.10 yrs later,me and the Mrs. were looking for something to alleve the boredom.I suggested D&D. She had never played(audible gasp!) So,to Acme Comics,awaaay! I had played 2nd ed.Had no idea about 3.5.Got the core books and the rest is history.We solo play,I DM all the time and the boards are chock full 'o good ideas and useful info.I hope my meager responses to the many threads help others. It astounds me that so many new players have taken to the game.The game has evolved so much in the 10 yrs. since I played,but I love the new ed.In closing,I would say YES,it is encouraging.D&D will forever be an outlet for our passions and fears.Allowing all of us to give our alteregos a place to roam. Much thanks,Myk :)
Seeker95 07-30-06, 05:59 PM	I've noticed lately a surge in posts from people who are new to D&D. Anyone else see this as a good sign?Although I find it encouraging that there are many new members of the Boards (potentially indicating new players of the game), I am equally disheartened at the consistency with which said new posters demonstrate a general lack of communication skills. Although I have turned into my father, I fear the younger generation will not.
savant_warlord13 07-30-06, 06:18 PM	I have also noticed this large influx. However, I think this is likely because of summer vacation.
Ranger REG 08-01-06, 05:01 AM	Anyone else see this as a good sign? :cool: Only if I block out any troll of flame messages I keep seeing, not necessarily on this messageboard.
Verelor 08-01-06, 10:42 AM	I love seeing new players getting into the game. The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek:
savant_warlord13 08-01-06, 11:45 AM	I love seeing new players getting into the game. The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek: In what way?
savant_warlord13 08-01-06, 11:45 AM	double post, sorry
Verelor 08-01-06, 12:01 PM	In what way? Most people in this day come to Dungeons & Dragons because of prior interest or experience with videogames, particularly your swords'n'sorcery variety. They may expect D&D to simply be a pen and paper projection of that with friends, sometimes grossly so.
Dragonteuthis 08-01-06, 12:31 PM	I love seeing new players getting into the game. The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek: I empathize with you, but in all honesty it's already happening, indeed, may have happened. Notice how combat-intensive the 3.5 rules are, with clear, exacting rules and strong support of miniature use. Incarnum, for example, encourages video-game like thinking to an incredible degree. I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing. However, video games also encourage metagaming, which I don't like, so as long as my players can find a balance, I'm happy.
cancerousmango 08-01-06, 12:36 PM	Here is a hint for getting new info if you're a new player 1: post question 2:create another account and login as that account 3:post blatantly incorrect info 4:Wait for the people to rush in and correct the N00B. 5:enjoy your newfound info and enjoy the fact that you've deflected all flaming towards your idiot alter!
cancerousmango 08-01-06, 12:37 PM	Most people in this day come to Dungeons & Dragons because of prior interest or experience with videogames, particularly your swords'n'sorcery variety. They may expect D&D to simply be a pen and paper projection of that with friends, sometimes grossly so.My one player, new to the game said, "so...it's diablo II, but each click on the mouse can take an hour to resolve?"
getgoldcardsoul 08-01-06, 12:46 PM	Here is a hint for getting new info if you're a new player 1: post question 2:create another account and login as that account 3:post blatantly incorrect info 4:Wait for the people to rush in and correct the N00B. 5:enjoy your newfound info and enjoy the fact that you've deflected all flaming towards your idiot alter!Oh my God.......... a genius is among us! :cheer: :heehee
cancerousmango 08-01-06, 12:53 PM	Oh my God.......... a genius is among us! :cheer: :heeheeAh, feels nice to hear that. Back to feeding the kid...
Echo_that_Pains 08-01-06, 01:03 PM	I love seeing new players getting into the game. The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek: I agree with you. Pretty soon i can forsee people using the epic handbook so much more simply because every MMORPG out there encourages ungodly high levels. While there is no problem with this, the RPG part is cut out of the picture in many cases. Everquest, Everquest 2, World of Warcraft - all focused on leveling. The biggest complaint about DDO that i heard was once again the levels (10 max) when it came out. I have not played DDO so i am not 100% sure about its functions and perks but here is a conversation i had with someone who just bought it a while back. Person 1: "DDO really sucks, i thought it would be really cool but it is horrible!!!" Me: "Why is that? It looks ok and the concept of the game isnt bad. All of today's MMORPG's are based on DnD, it is about time a game finally gets back to the core." Person 1: "Well yeah, but there are only 10 levels!! can you believe that!?!? it took me 2 days dragging my ass to get max level....its pathetic! so many people are going to leave the game because there are only 10 levels it will go down fast." Me: "Umm...dungeons and dragons is not completely about leveling as it is about the RP aspect. Any moron game can make someone level, but a good game has more substance behind the mindless leveling." Person 1: "Why in the hell would they create a game that was more focused on actually doing stuff other than leveling?!? they make these games so that you can log on and level!! What else is there to do besides level?" Me: "................ wow." this really did happen (i have screenshot) and no sarcasm is involved. this person really didnt understand what i was trying to say My biggest wory will be a mass amount of people that start playing that do not care about quests, missions, anything but leveling up as high as they can. Most of the younger people care about nothing besides leveling and for those of us older it is boring as all-get-out. Second edition vs. third edition are drastically different when it comes to roleplaying. There is so much material about every aspect of the game in 2nd edition, but much of that attention to detail has been lost in third. Third seems more combat/creature oriented than it does anything else. Just my personal opinion though. It is nice to see so many playing though - maybe before too long i will be able to find a group to play with again! cheer
Kalanth 08-01-06, 01:11 PM	These days, more and more, I get blank stares from people when I mention that I play D&D. Most don't know what it is, or don't see how it could be fun. The latter usually goes no further in the way of conversation, but the former has spawned two new groups that I know of in the area. It is always good to see people comming together over this game, instead of hidding in their basements staring at the glowing screen and clutching a controller.
Elora_Gwyre 08-01-06, 02:42 PM	I love seeing new players getting into the game. The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek: I doubt that this would really become a problem... I started playing D&D six months ago when my husband's officemate (now our DM) overheard us talking about Morrowind and mentioned that we would probably like D&D. I can't imagine ever going back to videogames! I tried playing Morrowind again a few months ago, and was bored out of my mind (good game, but too much of the same-ol'). I think that anyone that prefers games that focus on leveling up and so-called "hack-and-slash" would get bored pretty quickly with pencil and paper D&D. Thus, I doubt that they will be the driving force for the game's evolution. But I've been wrong before...back in 1994 I think... ;)
Apollo's Will 08-01-06, 04:56 PM	I was so proud the other day, when the kid asked me, if we could try to play a game where you use those cool figurines :D. I think D&D is a good and better alternative to video games. Parents should encourage D&D more instead of "Grand Theft Auto" or "Doom 3". Dropping two coins in the spit cup.
Ics 08-01-06, 06:49 PM	I think D&D is a good and better alternative to video games. Parents should encourage D&D more instead of "Grand Theft Auto" or "Doom 3". that would be great, but there are a ton of parents (many that I know, at least) that will gladly let their children have all the 'shoot 'em up' fun they want, but give me weird sideways looks when I mention that I play D&D.
Renvale999 08-02-06, 08:40 AM	To said statement above (I have no idea how to quote lol) I think it's way better for kids to play D&D then normal video games. If nothing else, if the parent DM's for the kid, they have a say on what the kid interacts with. And, my favorite part, is the parent of the teenager who stays at home with his friends while his dad DM's for him. How many parents can honestly say they know exactly what their kids are up to on friday night?? Better to be killing evil dragons and getting loot then getting offered drugs and stuff at some party. But that's just me
razorboy 08-02-06, 09:13 AM	Totally with you Renvale and Apollo. D&D is a better past time than video game because (if properly DM'd and supervised) it is a social game, it encourages teamwork and sharing and also speaking out, it demands the use of higher skills than twitch-reflexes and helps practice those skills (math, geometry, spacial mechanics), it places emphasis on identifying and achieving goals, and it rewards persistance and creativity in achieving these goals. Speaking as someone who've spent time in the education faculty, D&D is not just a great game, it is an excellent potential tool for learning and developing vital skills in young children and teens, so it really is encouraging when new people try it. Even if the person starting D&D for the first time is not a child or young teen, but a mature adult, D&D is still a great excuse to get together with friends and have a good time in a social setting, without resorting to watching sports, or going out to bars or clubs.
mathogre 08-02-06, 09:19 AM	I began playing D&D in Spring 2005. I was 47 at the time. Never before had I played any RPGs. Video games were limited to Myst, Riven, and Myst III (very good, excellent, yawn, respectively). I'd tried a couple of MUDs. Despite my lack of experience, I'd been writing science fiction and fantasy short stories for a dozen years for a small group of people. I'm in my second gaming group, and they are most excellent. At present I'm playing a 6th level female elf monk. Our next game session is Friday night. Last night I spent lots of time looking at the details of her current feats (from the PHB). Even at this level, she's an amazing character. I can only imagine what's possible with others. I probably have far too many of the books (for example, core, all monsters, planar, Dragonomicon (it is Dungeons and DRAGONS, after all)). It's an incredible game, system, and universe. I'm impressed with the online resources at Wizards et al. I will eventually DM. I'm beginning to craft a planar campaign, and have mostly crafted a dungeon crawl, replete with monsters, traps, and appropriately rolled treasures. The latter was further crafted into a short fantasy story that - I think - will help me improve my dungeon crawl. It's called Eastlake after the dungeon of the same name. It's located near Longspear, a village in Little Hills... ^_^
Ranger REG 08-03-06, 04:24 AM	I love seeing new players getting into the game. The one thing I am truly afraid of is that D&D will become like a videogame. :eek: It already is. When they changed the multiclassing system, it reminded me of the early Ultima games (played on the green screen of Apple PC). But let's face it, CRPGs did owe their existence for pen-n-paper RPGs like D&D. We just happen to come full circle. :cool: