Consent in Gaming - Free Guidebook

[Bedrockgames]

I have PTSD as well. I think this document is healthy for people who have PTSD, as do the people whose job and expertise it is to treat people with PTSD and other forms of trauma.

That doesn't mean that this approach is right for you; it very well could not be. Everyone's trauma is different. But this is very much mental health industry best practice at use. It's not going to be the best thing for everyone, but it'll do a lot of good for a lot of people.

I don't think this is a place for debate about mental health. But I will just say I have heard lots of different things from mental health professionals on this and I am not at all sure you are correct on this. And I definitely think the reaction by mental health professionals to this document would be a lot more divided than you are suggesting.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[Bedrockgames]

Mmmm.

Perhaps I am an optimist, but I did not realize that there was an ideological divide between fostering an inclusive environment and .... not?

You are putting words in my mouth. You know that isn't what I am saying.

 

[Wolfpack48]

There has been a lot of that online. There has also been this line in the sand where if you disagree with the PDF, you are a monster.

Anyone engaging in a reasonable conversation about it is not a monster. I’m actually glad we’re having the debate.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[Gradine]

I don't think this is a place for debate about mental health. But I will just say I have heard lots of different things from mental health professionals on this and I am not at all sure you are correct on this. And I definitely think the reaction by mental health professionals to this document would be a lot more divided than you are suggesting.

Oh, I have no doubt. That there are professionals who disagree with what is considered best practice is a given in basically any field. It does not change the fact that the document is informed by what is considered best practice, and thus it is far more likely to do good than ill. That's not to say that it won't cause any ill, because again, everyone's experiences with trauma and mental health are different. But as an approach that is needed (and the constant stream of horror stories that have never really stopped indicate there is a need), it is the best informed it possibly could be. This, at least, is objective fact.

 

[Wolfpack48]

I don't think this is a place for debate about mental health. But I will just say I have heard lots of different things from mental health professionals on this and I am not at all sure you are correct on this. And I definitely think the reaction by mental health professionals to this document would be a lot more divided than you are suggesting.

Actually the act of roleplaying is a very mental activity. I’m not saying we need to be psychologists, but using healthy psychological techniques in a hobby focused on shared storytelling and imagination seems like the exactly right place to have these conversations.

 

[Nagol]

You’re misinterpreting this. It’s advocating a conversation about topics that could be sensitive to your players and the best way to handle them. As opposed to running your game like a despot.

I run my most of my campaigns as a despot. Which means it is even more important I get and maintain player consent!

 

[Bedrockgames]

Oh, I have no doubt. That there are professionals who disagree with what is considered best practice is a given in basically any field. It does not change the fact that the document is informed by what is considered best practice, and thus it is far more likely to do good than ill. That's not to say that it won't cause any ill, because again, everyone's experiences with trauma and mental health are different. But as an approach that is needed (and the constant stream of horror stories that have never really stopped indicate there is a need), it is the best informed it possibly could be. This, at least, is objective fact.

Again, I don't think you are right here. I don't think this is going to be helpful in most cases. Walking around with checklists and a 'no room for discussion' attitude for recreational activities like gaming....I don't see that alleviating PTSD. I see it probably making it worse, and pulling others into the issue.

 

[Bedrockgames]

Actually the act of roleplaying is a very mental activity. I’m not saying we need to be psychologists, but using healthy psychological techniques in a hobby focused on shared storytelling and imagination seems like the exactly right place to have these conversations.

That is the same kind of thinking that informed the satanic panic. Should we really be this worried about the power of make believe and imagination? We are all free to stand up, leave the room and not play. This isn't a live action session. This is not BDSM. This is not therapeutic roleplaying. This is a past time and a social activity.