Gaming Generation Gap

[Rechan]

Of course, at that time there were no video games and animation was in its infancy in regard to fantasy themes. D&D was also not yet self-referential. It should also be noted that there is some good deal of material that influenced early RPGing that embraced attitudes exposed as abhorrent by today's standards, particularly regarding race, gender, substance abuse, etc. Society has matured and raised its standards, and modern artistic materials reflect different attitudes. Rightfully so, IMO. However, I might be taking this conversation in a sociological direction the OP had not intended, so I'll stop there and leave it to Rechen to make that choice or not.

As someone studying social psychology, I adore sociological stuff. But, I don't know what direction that'll drag the thread into.

 

[Mark]

As someone studying social psychology, I adore sociological stuff. But, I don't know what direction that'll drag the thread into.

No doubt. It's sometimes hard to discuss such subjects without including politics and religion but it may be that any discussion of generational or cultural gaps needs to tread close to that realm. Maybe our own voiced (posted) trepidations are enough of a warning to allow some significant discussion along those lines without straying toward the taboos.

 

[ggroy]

Well honestly, they say there's only like 7 plots. So to an extent, everything is done to death, it's a matter of seeing the execution.

Many of these plots are repeated in many forms of fiction and media. Or for that matter, sometimes even in real life (ie. Michael Jackson, Richard Nixon, etc ...).

For example, turn on the television to a cheesy prime time show like CSI or "Law and Order". Same type of plots, rinsed and recycled repeatedly.

 

[Oni]

Hurm, lets see I was born in '80. I've not read most of what is considered the classic fantasy library, so I know that feeling of being lost when the conversation turns to a lot of stories that seem to come up in relation to D&D.

When I was little my bedtime stories were King Arthur, Robin Hood, and The Hobbit. The first thing I remember reading on my own were the Elfquest graphic novels. I read LotR's in elementary school (heh, it took me a while, started in the early in 5th grade and ended in the 6th). And I loved Orson Scott Card and Chronicle of Narnia, but beyond that not really much in the book department. Movies had a big influence like Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, Dragonslayer, and especially Willow, and of course stuff like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. These days I'm mostly into anime and manga. Stuff like Full Metal Alchemist, Witch Hunter Robin, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Berserk, Lone Wolf and Cub, and anything by Junji Ito (horror manga-ka) and even Fairy Tail and One Piece inform a lot of how I view and think of fantasy and gaming. Most recently, coming back around to books I've come to enjoy China Miéville.

I doubt I'm alone in that kind of experience. Really I think you're right, there is a disconnect in gamer culture, like we're cooking with totally different ingredients.

 

[Mark]

(. . .) the Elfquest graphic novels.

Those can be read online now in their entirety -

Digital EQ: Online Comics

 

[Rechan]

It's kinda funny this turned into a literature thread. I was just using Mouse's comment as a springboard. Part of it is also what Edition you started with; that's part of the gap, I think, too.

 

[Rechan]

Many of these plots are repeated in many forms of fiction and media. Or for that matter, sometimes even in real life (ie. Michael Jackson, Richard Nixon, etc ...).

For example, turn on the television to a cheesy prime time show like CSI or "Law and Order". Same type of plots, rinsed and recycled repeatedly.

Aye. I have terrible taste in TV; I love all the cheesy prime time shows, watch'm like clockwork. (I love you, DVR).

 

[ggroy]

It's kinda funny this turned into a literature thread. I was just using Mouse's comment as a springboard. Part of it is also what Edition you started with; that's part of the gap, I think, too.

Sometimes "habits" from older editions can die hard in someone.

For example, whenever I play a wizard in 4E D&D, I still think of conserving magic spells and using the fighters/rangers/paladins as "meat shields". These are common habits for playing a magic user in 1E AD&D. With the way spells are done and the higher AC for a wizard in 4E, one doesn't have to do these things as much anymore.

 

[Rechan]

and using the fighters/rangers/paladins as "meat shields".

You mean they're not?

 

[ggroy]

You mean they're not?

With the higher AC for wizards in 4E, the meat shield thing isn't as prominent. Though I suppose the fighters/rangers/paladins are still used as meat shields against ranged attacks, like arrows and other projectiles aimed towards the wizard.