Data & Dragons Survey
Thoughts and Findings:
85.2% of survey-takers answered that it was either "Neither easy nor difficult" or "Difficult" to find people to play RPGs with, suggesting that the format's popularity is somewhat limited.
85.7% of survey-takers listed Dungeons & Dragons as an RPG that they have played. This game was the most popular RPG; Magic: The Gathering and various online games were also listed frequently. Since it is one of the oldest RPGs with the most development and history, D&D's popularity was relatively unsurprising.
Board/table-top games were the most popular at 66%. Card games and online games were in second place at 28.6% for each choice.
71.4% of survey-takers enjoyed creating a character most. Being the "Game Master" who tells the story, designing maps/images, working with online tools, and live-action roleplay were also favorite aspects of playing RPGs. These storytelling elements were far more popular than the less-creative elements such as creating minifigures, trading cards, or completing pre-made challenges.
Survey-takers agreed or strongly agreed that playing an RPG...
- gave them an outlet for their creativity (71.4%)
- helped them to consider other perspectives with an open mind (71.4%)
- connected them with others who shared their same values (71.4%)
- reduced stress levels (42.9%)
- helped them to identify their own strengths and weaknesses (42.9%)
- challenged them to consider ethical/moral issues of personal/global significance (28.6%)
- improved their skills in writing, mathematics, or other activities useful in the school or workplace (14.3%)
Since board/tabletop games were most popular and connection with others was a major appeal of the games, one possible explanation is that RPGs are a way for young people to get away from the online world and enjoy face-to-face time with peers (51.7% of survey-takers were 13-17 years old).
