Why simpler - much simpler - is better

[ArmchairReactionary]

Mastering a complex system, esPeciallY one that allows some internal logic of interpretation to the results, is part of the appeal of a game to me. The reason I Like GURPS, RuneQuest 6 and BRP isn't just because they're solid systems that fit my pause, it's also because learning how the arcana of the system works together. Look at how many people love incredibly finicky wargames and you'll get what I mean. Realism/Logic/theme that crunch lends helpsx but the fun of leaning how to do it and applying that add player skill (whether through power gaming or simply having a character make decisIons that he would but a less skilled player wouldn't) is post of the fun.
Also, heavily defined games can help to resolve ambiguities of interpretation by narrowing down feasible outcomes (this may be aiming at realism or absurdity, but either way this is true).
I addition the difficulty and complexity of a system can work as a gatekeeping mechanism to keep out more casual players, or players who don't much care for the genre. Just as the somewhat obscure nature of IRC keeps out the less nerdy and tech savvy so a crunchy or obscure game system can keep out players I don't want to play with.
Easier is not better, accessible is not better. As the token inegalitarian I am glad if less people play rpgs, I didn't want to play with them anyway.

 

[ExploderWizard]

Mastering a complex system, esPeciallY one that allows some internal logic of interpretation to the results, is part of the appeal of a game to me. The reason I Like GURPS, RuneQuest 6 and BRP isn't just because they're solid systems that fit my pause, it's also because learning how the arcana of the system works together. Look at how many people love incredibly finicky wargames and you'll get what I mean. Realism/Logic/theme that crunch lends helpsx but the fun of leaning how to do it and applying that add player skill (whether through power gaming or simply having a character make decisIons that he would but a less skilled player wouldn't) is post of the fun.
Also, heavily defined games can help to resolve ambiguities of interpretation by narrowing down feasible outcomes (this may be aiming at realism or absurdity, but either way this is true).
I addition the difficulty and complexity of a system can work as a gatekeeping mechanism to keep out more casual players, or players who don't much care for the genre. Just as the somewhat obscure nature of IRC keeps out the less nerdy and tech savvy so a crunchy or obscure game system can keep out players I don't want to play with.
Easier is not better, accessible is not better. As the token inegalitarian I am glad if less people play rpgs, I didn't want to play with them anyway.

So you like to create all your rpg rules and systems yourself?

Game companies generally don't produce products in the hope that only the special few will be interested in them.

You wouldn't have the systems that you enjoy now if the creators only wanted to share thier work with a few close friends.

 

[ArmchairReactionary]

I owe nothing to anyone, and freely use anything as purse, so far as I am able.

So you like to create all your rpg rules and systems yourself?
Game companies generally don't produce products in the hope that only the special few will be interested in them.
You wouldn't have the systems that you enjoy now if the creators only wanted to share thier work with a few close friends.

Is there any point in your string of unrelated statements? None of them has any relation to anything I said.
1. People in the past did what they did for their own reasons. I don't consider myself beholden to them, much less so abstraction like 'teh hobby' because I somehow indirectly benefit from it. I wouldn't be here if Europeans hasn't colonized the new world, does this obligate me to endorse or perpetuate or value their motives? Personally I don't give a why Steve Perrin or the Portuguese empire did what they did, and it has no relevance to my choice of future actions.
2 most games and supplements are crap and could be used as kindling for all I care. The niche and homebrew stuff is usually better, precisely because it isn't aimed at the lowest common denominator.
To reiterate, "non sequitur".

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Dude, language.

 

[ExploderWizard]

Is there any point in your string of unrelated statements? None of them has any relation to anything I said.
1. People in the past did what they did for their own reasons. I don't consider myself beholden to them, much less so abstraction like 'teh hobby' because I somehow indirectly benefit from it. I wouldn't be here if Europeans hasn't colonized the new world, does this obligate me to endorse or perpetuate or value their motives? Personally I don't give a why Steve Perrin or the Portuguese empire did what they did, and it has no relevance to my choice of future actions.
2 most games and supplements are crap and could be used as kindling for all I care. The niche and homebrew stuff is usually better, precisely because it isn't aimed at the lowest common denominator.
To reiterate, "non sequitur".

Niche and homebrew is not an automatic indicator of quality. I could draft a game supplement giving it little thought or consideration, and put it online. It would be both niche and homebrewed but it would also probably be crap.

Distribution volume and production value are no measure of quality in either direction.

If you do enjoy playing GURPS, RQ6 and BRP its because thier creators wanted to share thier ideas. This doesn't make anyone who playes these games "beholden" to the creators. You buy what you like and are under no obligation to purchase any more product than you want. What would you be playing if all the rpgs that you enjoy had never been published?

All gamers who play games that they really enjoy should appreciate the efforts of the creators that made the game. That doesn't mean you "owe" them anything (beyond the purchase price) but a heartfelt thanks for thier efforts.

 

[ArmchairReactionary]

Dude, language.

I'm not even going to pretend I care. Anyone who's afraid of bad words is a .

 

[ArmchairReactionary]

I seriously doubt anyone at Chaosium gives a rat's ass what I think, and I'm not interested in thanking people for selling me things like a neurotic tart giving away free sex.
If anything they should thank me for not snorting at their idiot copyright laws and having it printed at Knows for $8. They've got their lucre, they can sod off.

 

[ExploderWizard]

I seriously doubt anyone at Chaosium gives a rat's ass what I think, and I'm not interested in thanking people for selling me things like a neurotic tart giving away free sex.
If anything they should thank me for not snorting at their idiot copyright laws and having it printed at Knows for $8. They've got their lucre, they can sod off.

Alrighty then. I see fire and/or acid in your near future Mr. troll. Good day.

 

[ArmchairReactionary]

Alrighty then. I see fire and/or acid in your near future Mr. troll. Good day.

Passive aggressive deflection techniques already! Does cognitive dissonance make the baby's head hurt?
This is nothing but an update of the old Argument from Intimidation, ' only a CRAZY PERSON could believe such a thing'. It allows the person employing it to retain their value system in the face of nihilIsm and premise contradiction, either because they are too lazy or too weak to refute or maintain their own values without the illusion of morality to prop it up. Try, 'heretic' next time, for variety.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I'm not even going to pretend I care. Anyone who's afraid of bad words is a .

Afraid? Not me. But it is a violation of the ToS of the website, the ones you agreed to abide by. Accidental triggering is one thing, but it is plain you don't care.

This is a nice site with good, helpful, knowledgable people. You may wish to alter your attitude if you wish to continue being a part of it.