Aaron Marks at Cannibal Halfling Games wrote two articles that strike a chord. I’m sometimes around younger TTRPG players, those inspired to play by podcasts and streams. I appreciate the influx of fresh blood into the hobby. However the dominance of Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition is unfortunate.
While 5e isn’t a bad game, it’s not a good one either, sacrificing everything else a TTRPG can be for game balance. Players accustomed to computer RPGs might find this mandatory, not an option. Nonetheless, I will recommend people play 5e over other games for two reasons.
First, ease of finding players. The positive side of market dominance. Even with record numbers playing TTRPGs, fellow players can be scarce. But if you know 5e then you have a better chance of getting play time.
Second, playing the latest thing. I’ve never cared about what’s hot. Well, for a month back in fourth grade, but I moved past that brief urge. Still, many players won’t think of playing 3.5e since 5e exists. This holds for other media as well. Why play CoDBlOps 3 after CoDBlOps 4 released?
Ultimately, new players avoid other systems and force ideas into 5e with its genre-specific design and traditionalist adherence to levels, hit points, and pass-fail rolls.
If you want to play John Wick, try Feng Shui. Or GURPS for hardcore simulationists.
Marks hit the mark for Star Trek. Mophidius’ 2d20 system sure has fans.
And though I’m not a fan of Harry Potter, it took me seconds to find Hogwarts: A Role Playing Game.
There are so many TTRPGs out there. DnD was my start, too, back in grade school but we can all expand our gaming & our imaginations.
Delusions in the Void 