I got the weekend off and spent time with my friends, who being late middle aged and married, have teenage boys who are currently enjoying DnD 3.x. When the boys were told about DnD 4th coming out next year, their reactions were the same. Wide-eyed excitement and declarations of "That'll be awesome! I can't wait!"

Then, having smelled geek on me, the boys at each different household spent the rest of the time I was visiting trying to tell me about their coolest character, setting, homebrew, and houserule.

So, I left with two conclusions.

1) This is WotC's target demographic, the younger male gamers. Not older gamers.

2) If you have never overenthusiasticly tormented someone with your tales of your favorite character, setting, homebrew, or houserule, then you are not a gamer geek or have never been young.

Yes, these may be all obvious, but its nice to be reminded that there is a next generation once in awhile.

I am not 15. I am 25.

My reaction might not be as excited, but inside me, I feel the same. I can't wait. And I think it is awesome. So how do I fit in the demographics?

Quote from: AlnagI am not 15. I am 25.

My reaction might not be as excited, but inside me, I feel the same. I can't wait. And I think it is awesome. So how do I fit in the demographics?

Alnag, I think you are still part of the target demographic, the part that has more money than the teenagers but just as much enthusiasm.

And yes, I'm looking forward to this too - but more out of curiosity than anything else.

My fiends are all pissed about 4th edition (I'm 25), and none of us play D&D.

I'm gonna buy all three core books, of course...

All my casual RPG buddies either shrugged or were underwhelmed. One girl hit the nail on the hat: "Why? [cue most sincere and naive tone] Is there something wrong with the current edition?".

Apparently, I only invest in the odd-numbered editions . . .

Quote from: SettembriniIs there something wrong with the current edition?

The question is, why should there be something wrong? Does older design concepts of say cars of fashion or food not work? No, and yet we still have new types of cars, new fashion products and new kinds of food all the time. Everything proceeds forwards not because there is something wrong with the old things but just because it is human nature to switch from product A to product B sooner or later...

Raise hand anybody who always buy a new thing only if the old one is irreparably broken, please.

I'm 32 and excited about it.

But you're right - the target demographic is fairly young.  Over on another board, they were noting that the average age of RPG web board users is significantly higher than the average age of gamers.

Web boards are not their target demographic.  Heck, ENWorld isn't even their target demographic.  This board is absolutely not representative of gamers.  (Note how many women post here, for instance.)

-O

I'm excited about it. My older kid is very excited about it.

Please elaborate on your arousal!

What does get your juices flowing?

The one thing I AM excited about is the fact that they seem to be bringing out new Miniatures for new people. That is there´l be all the basic stuff again.
I nice place to join in for me.

Quote from: AlnagRaise hand anybody who always buy a new thing only if the old one is irreparably broken, please.

Only when the issue is function. I wear my cloathing until it begins to look bad, replace my computer when it breaks, and only buy a new car if my old one dies.

That's not how I am with media, though. Nor are most people. I change up just to change up. I go back to playing old game when I want to. I listen to old and new music. But I buy new because it's different, and provides a new experience. And I want in on new experiences.

Quote from: jeff379232) If you have never overenthusiasticly tormented someone with your tales of your favorite character, setting, homebrew, or houserule, then you are not a gamer geek or have never been young.

I'm usually on the other end of that 3 to 4 times a week at the game store. Some of these people need help.....at telling stories in an entertainng.
 There is one tho, her name is Robin - I don't mind listening to her srtories. (even if they are RIFTS related.)


- Ed C.

Quote from: Thanatos02Only when the issue is function. I wear my cloathing until it begins to look bad, replace my computer when it breaks, and only buy a new car if my old one dies.

That's not how I am with media, though. Nor are most people. I change up just to change up. I go back to playing old game when I want to. I listen to old and new music. But I buy new because it's different, and provides a new experience. And I want in on new experiences.

I think you've hit the nail on the head.  Except for a select few, the RPGs on my shelves are as enjoyable (if a little dated) as the day I bought them.  Information and knowledge don't wear out like your shoes, fridges and cars.  

Unless they totally break D&D, I'll buy 4e.

Quote from: stu2000Apparently, I only invest in the odd-numbered editions . . .

me too.  kind of like an inverse star trek movie phenomenon.

38 and "meh."  i'm certainly no longer in the target demographic :what:  (need a doddering old man smiley!)

Well, let's hope your anecdote holds true more than just anecdotally.  I really do hope that the Wizards guys have tapped into the right blend to create serious appeal among the teens out there, and bring a whole new generation of gamers. I'm willing to have 4e be a game I don't care for much personally, if it will accomplish that.

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