Last week, The Guardian did a piece about how D&D has become more cool and/or mainstream. I was more fascinated with the castle rental and where did 42 gamers come up with four grand to play! Even my fellow contemporary players/friends are just middle class! For that much money, the DMs better be incredible because they remain a crapshoot at conventions.
The article was rather positive since it glosses over the negative elements: arguing and murder hoboes! The rise in female players I think goes hand-in-hand with “nerd” things being more socially acceptable thanks to the Internet: Doctor Who‘s popularity with women fans readily comes to mind.
I’m also reminded of all the other Nerds complaining about how their “culture” has been hijacked by mainstream outlets via Big Bang Theory, MCU movies and Hot Topic. To them I say, so what! Now you know how Black Americans feel since Whites assimilated Jazz, Blues, Rap, Rock n’ Roll, certain slang, fashion (Elvis used to wear clothes from a shop many Memphis pimps went to) and comedy. One Black author wrote a book to complain about this, it’s called Everything But The Burden. Me? I embrace the greater acceptance and expanded diversity. Hopefully, these newer people can help push out the “John Madisons,” “Hackers” (he was a real person) and other Monty Haulers I have endured for decades. I do envy that these younger players probably endured less taunting in high school than I did; you may think those kids in Stranger Things are a-dorkable but trust me, in the Eighties, gamers were openly called names and one time, a skank (female burnout/metal fan) threw food at us in the cafeteria. So the Netflix hit plays down the bullying these kids would’ve received.
Maybe the Emerald Tavern’s newer, larger location will have a bitchin’ D&D space. Nothing will come close to the conference room my friend Jeremy had access to unless Somara and I suddenly get rich and can afford a bigger house with a dedicated room.
Still, it’s impressive to know a recovered addict like Drew Barrymore is a player along with respected author Ta-Nehisi Coates. I’d pay money to play a session with the latter…after I got to with Brian Posehn and his gang!