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Jon Peterson: Does System Matter?
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<blockquote data-quote="Ovinomancer" data-source="post: 8215038" data-attributes="member: 16814"><p>I think we have a misunderstanding. I agree with you, but, as shown in this thread and elsewhere, many don't. I was discussing some of the reasons that they might not, and it boils down to a conditioned mindset that there's only one approach to RPGs, and all that changes in system do is fiddle with the details. Thus, system doesn't really matter because it's really just a matter of details - the core play is still the same. If you think all games are Monopoly, because you've only ever played versions of Monopoly, then this is an understandable position. In effect, this conditioned approach to RPGs is the default assumption for how all RPGs work, so system is fundamentally the same. </p><p></p><p>I mean, if you were introduced to RPGs through D&D, and have played D&D primarily, maybe with some dabbling in some other d20 games, then, yeah, these systems are all very similar in approach and the core play loop is pretty much the same. You have to wander further afield and take some risks on other systems to really get to games that don't look at all like D&D. </p><p></p><p>I also think there's a difference between a game that does have a system and ones that are just ad hoc negotiations. Having a conflict resolution system, even if it's as simple as 'what Bob says goes' does separate out from free-form make believe. It changes things into a game, or, at least, is a necessary step in that direction. Play is not the same as Game. This is, however, a quibble.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ovinomancer, post: 8215038, member: 16814"] I think we have a misunderstanding. I agree with you, but, as shown in this thread and elsewhere, many don't. I was discussing some of the reasons that they might not, and it boils down to a conditioned mindset that there's only one approach to RPGs, and all that changes in system do is fiddle with the details. Thus, system doesn't really matter because it's really just a matter of details - the core play is still the same. If you think all games are Monopoly, because you've only ever played versions of Monopoly, then this is an understandable position. In effect, this conditioned approach to RPGs is the default assumption for how all RPGs work, so system is fundamentally the same. I mean, if you were introduced to RPGs through D&D, and have played D&D primarily, maybe with some dabbling in some other d20 games, then, yeah, these systems are all very similar in approach and the core play loop is pretty much the same. You have to wander further afield and take some risks on other systems to really get to games that don't look at all like D&D. I also think there's a difference between a game that does have a system and ones that are just ad hoc negotiations. Having a conflict resolution system, even if it's as simple as 'what Bob says goes' does separate out from free-form make believe. It changes things into a game, or, at least, is a necessary step in that direction. Play is not the same as Game. This is, however, a quibble. [/QUOTE]
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