I’ve had my dissenters, (you know who you are Mister B) and there have been yells and whines about how they are a business and need to make money.
Whilst that is true, I don’t think it’s right dumbing it all down to the level it has been (the rumour is character sheets are going next, to be replaced by cards – another product in the line no doubt) whilst exploiting it to the level they have.
D&D T-Shirts have been around for years, worn in “geek pride” by many a gamer – but a line of Soft Drinks, even a ‘limited edition’ one is taking the p**s IMHO.
A lot of parents have been running 4e with their kids, and whilst I think it’s a good thing – the ages concern me. Getting very young kids (even in one instance a pre-schooler) taught to play D&D – feels a little more like indoctrination than a family activity. As at very young ages they hear the word “game” and are up for anything, without the ability to make a decision about wanting or not wanting to play it on their own.
D&D has been aimed at kids before – that’s a fact I know.
Sure there have been colouring books in the past - and the Classic Animated Series (which I still adore). But if it IS to be marketed at kids, it should be done in a more appropriate and responsible way – Making a "kiddy friendly" product.
The Harvesters RPG from Troll Lord Games is a brilliant example of a game designed to be played by kids and their parents.
But, if such marketing exists – it should be tempered with a little morality and responsibility. Something WizBro seems to be lacking.
Still not convinced – then scoot over to the Virgin Casino and check out “Crystal Caverns” – a Dungeons and Dragons slot machine game (I kid you not).
“Adventure & fortune awaits in Dungeons & Dragons: Crystal Caverns. Now with Tumbling Reels® plus free spins & a scatter feature.”
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS - CRYSTAL CAVERNS
Well done WizBro – you really suck now!
I must admit that whilst I do play D&D with my (now seven year old) son, it was at his instigation and I do not water things down - if he's daft enough not to run from ghouls at 1st level, well...draw your own picture.
ReplyDeleteBut I am concerned about morality bleed as the 'brand' leaches out into all aspects of life. I'm searching for a simple AD&D t-shirt (and thanks to Biopunk I think I've found one) that I can use to instigate conversations on the game - but online casinos? Hmmm...It was a bit like the TARGA Porn Stars controversy.
I don't gamble online (hell, I don't gamble full stop) and I've never used porn and never will but I respect the decisions of others to do so or not. However, if the linkage between D&D and these aspects of adult activity give the anti-D&D brigade (and they're still out there) another stick to beat us with, then it becomes rather less of an indvidual responsibility issue.
You're entirely correct, and as I stated its damaging to the Hobby - what form that damage takes is anyones guess untill it happens. But the potential for harm is present in what WizBro are doing.
ReplyDelete