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<blockquote data-quote="howandwhy99" data-source="post: 5042360" data-attributes="member: 3192">I don't think non-linearity is the &quot;right&quot; way to do things.&nbsp; It's just one way to run a game and can be just parts at that.&nbsp; Either side of this is going to offer its' own benefits.IMO, linear is pretty much an expectation players will follow actions scripted for them to follow, while nonlinear means they are open to attempt whatever they wish to in the game world and have there be consequences to their actions.&nbsp; I think it is a binary, but it certainly does not need to be absolute in any game.&nbsp; A solid railroad is a script handed to the players.&nbsp; A flat out, sky's the limit sandbox game will still limit the players in at least one way.&nbsp; For if a player may attempt anything in such a game, it is still be limited to a single imaginary space.&nbsp; And I would agree that is a limitation, if that is what we are viewing as indicative of &quot;linear&quot; games.A group can ask for either one and draw the line themselves.&nbsp; No gaming style is somehow mandatory.&nbsp; Do you really believe the hobby needs to draw lines across itself?&nbsp; I've learned to let people enjoy what they want.&nbsp; We don't need precision cut boxes to fit them in nor a call for all boxes, or terms really, to be cast off for meaningless.&nbsp; Linear vs. nonlinear seems fine and clear enough.&nbsp; And if groups want to have them be one way or another at any given point, let 'em.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="howandwhy99, post: 5042360, member: 3192"] I don't think non-linearity is the "right" way to do things. It's just one way to run a game and can be just parts at that. Either side of this is going to offer its' own benefits. IMO, linear is pretty much an expectation players will follow actions scripted for them to follow, while nonlinear means they are open to attempt whatever they wish to in the game world and have there be consequences to their actions. I think it is a binary, but it certainly does not need to be absolute in any game. A solid railroad is a script handed to the players. A flat out, sky's the limit sandbox game will still limit the players in at least one way. For if a player may attempt anything in such a game, it is still be limited to a single imaginary space. And I would agree that is a limitation, if that is what we are viewing as indicative of "linear" games. A group can ask for either one and draw the line themselves. No gaming style is somehow mandatory. Do you really believe the hobby needs to draw lines across itself? I've learned to let people enjoy what they want. We don't need precision cut boxes to fit them in nor a call for all boxes, or terms really, to be cast off for meaningless. Linear vs. nonlinear seems fine and clear enough. And if groups want to have them be one way or another at any given point, let 'em. [/QUOTE]

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