So, I've occasionally taken surveys regarding the content in Unearthed Arcana. After taking a well-put-together survey, it goes on to ask about my race and gender, or how I identify.
So my question is, and I am going to be as positive about this as I can, and I am by no means trying to offend anyone when I ask
Why does that even matter in the context of giving feedback?
If I am trying to give my honest feedback about a game I love to play, why should my race or gender be taken into account? Will it be ignored if I belong to a specific demographic?
It matters because it's useful to have demographic information relating to which segments of the community may like or dislike a certain part of the UA. For example, say a certain subclass features tests poorly with a certain demographic in a statistically significant way. That would warrant investigation as to why that's happening. It's a good way to spot potential design issues as far as accessibility, inclusivity, and representation.
Remember that D&D is a game through which a lot of people either express themselves, or see themselves. If new options fail to to facilitate that, or do so in a detrimental way, that's useful information to know.
Also demographic information is useful to have in general because it lets WotC know if they're underserving segments of the community. If UAs are dominated solely by a single demographic niche, that's something to look into.
So, I've occasionally taken surveys regarding the content in Unearthed Arcana. After taking a well-put-together survey, it goes on to ask about my race and gender, or how I identify.
So my question is, and I am going to be as positive about this as I can, and I am by no means trying to offend anyone when I ask
Why does that even matter in the context of giving feedback?
If I am trying to give my honest feedback about a game I love to play, why should my race or gender be taken into account? Will it be ignored if I belong to a specific demographic?
It matters because it's useful to have demographic information relating to which segments of the community may like or dislike a certain part of the UA. For example, say a certain subclass features tests poorly with a certain demographic in a statistically significant way. That would warrant investigation as to why that's happening. It's a good way to spot potential design issues as far as accessibility, inclusivity, and representation.
Remember that D&D is a game through which a lot of people either express themselves, or see themselves. If new options fail to to facilitate that, or do so in a detrimental way, that's useful information to know.
Also demographic information is useful to have in general because it lets WotC know if they're underserving segments of the community. If UAs are dominated solely by a single demographic niche, that's something to look into.
Find my D&D Beyond articles here