The Examiner pointed out this survey of role-playing in the US conducted by WOTC back in 2000. As far as I know, this is the only survey of the role-playing market on a national scale. 65,000 people responded to an initial postcard mailing (this was long before Survey Monkey), with 1000 of those contacted for a more intensive follow up survey.
Based on the results, WOTC concluded 6% of the US population played tabletop RPGs at least once a month. 19% of players were female, signifcantly higher than than the perception of RPGs as an all male hobby. I would venture, based on surveys at our store, the percentage of female players is even higher today.
The survey found not a lot of crossover betwix RPGs and other forms of gaming. The highest was 46% of TRPG players also played computer RPGs (probably higher now), 26% also played some form of trading card game, while 17% also played some form of miniatures wargame. No indication what percentage might have played all four.
The age breakdown proved very interesting as the media typically portrays tabletop RPG players (when it noticed them) as high school or college students. However, the survey indicated over 1/3 of players were age 25 or older and over half were out of high school. This also tracks with anecdotal evidence in our store, where most of the customers for RPGs are in their 20s and 30s.
Based on the results, WOTC concluded 6% of the US population played tabletop RPGs at least once a month. 19% of players were female, signifcantly higher than than the perception of RPGs as an all male hobby. I would venture, based on surveys at our store, the percentage of female players is even higher today.
The survey found not a lot of crossover betwix RPGs and other forms of gaming. The highest was 46% of TRPG players also played computer RPGs (probably higher now), 26% also played some form of trading card game, while 17% also played some form of miniatures wargame. No indication what percentage might have played all four.
The age breakdown proved very interesting as the media typically portrays tabletop RPG players (when it noticed them) as high school or college students. However, the survey indicated over 1/3 of players were age 25 or older and over half were out of high school. This also tracks with anecdotal evidence in our store, where most of the customers for RPGs are in their 20s and 30s.
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