Alphastream

The Alphastream Game Design Blog

Can You Predict the Golden Age of RPGs?

Is the golden era of D&D about to end? Let’s examine how well can we predict the industry, and how a decline for all RPGs may not be so bad.

January 9, 2024 · 9 Comments

Estimating D&D’s Revenue

The BookScan data gives us a potential window into estimating D&D’s overall revenue, especially when combined with previous clues. If we can estimate the percentage BookScan might be of D&D’s overall revenue, we can get a rough estimate of individual revenue from different core books, adventures, sourcebooks, and even licensed products.

October 13, 2023 · 6 Comments

Are D&D Sales Declining?

In all other RPGs and D&D editions, we see diminishing returns. Each follow-up supplement, adventure, or other product will sell fewer copies and have a shorter tail than the first ones. Is 5E D&D seeing declining sales?

October 9, 2023 · 7 Comments

D&D 5E’s Top-Selling Settings, Sourcebooks, and Accessories

How do the sales of 5E D&D settings, sourcebooks, and accessories compare to adventures? Let’s take a look at the BookScan data and find out.

October 2, 2023 · 7 Comments

D&D 5E’s Top-Selling Adventures and What It Means for the Hobby

D&D adventures historically don’t sell well. 5E has tried several approaches. Let’s take a look at 5E adventure sales in the BookScan data.

September 29, 2023 · 19 Comments

How D&D Sells and What It Means for the Hobby

How many copies do D&D’s top products sell? We take a look at BookScan data and what it means for D&D and the RPG hobby.

September 25, 2023 · 4 Comments

Pathfinder Never Outsold 4E D&D (ICYMI)

The myth that Paizo’s Pathfinder outsold Dungeons & Dragons 4E endures, but it is a myth worth slaying.

July 8, 2023 · 7 Comments

Wizards Redefines One D&D at the Creator Summit

My D&D Summit review ends with the 2024 core rules presentation. Here is how it redefines One D&D.

April 25, 2023 · 10 Comments

The Future of D&D Beyond at the Creator Summit

At the D&D Summit, Wizards of the Coast presented its vision for D&D Beyond and asked for feedback. Here is what we learned and asked for.

April 20, 2023 · 5 Comments

The Community Rises at the D&D Creator Summit

Attendees of the D&D Creator Summit rose up to discuss issues critical to our hobby. I review the issues and actionable items.

April 7, 2023 · 20 Comments

Assessing the D&D Creator Summit

What took place at the D&D Creator Summit? This overview covers the main events, with an eye towards actionable improvements for future events.

April 6, 2023 · 16 Comments

What Compatibility Means for One D&D

Wizards says it will ensure One D&D is compatible with 5E and its SRD. Here’s the good and bad of what it takes to be compatible.

March 20, 2023 · 2 Comments

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