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Message: <blockquote data-quote="howandwhy99" data-source="post: 5105369" data-attributes="member: 3192">It isn't a goal or game objective being defined that bothers me.  I like that the game objective is to try and win by getting as many points as possible. Rather it's the limitation of strategic thinking occurring because all the rules are known from within which we are to craft our strategy.  It turns the game into a simulation game rather than a roleplaying one. RPGs allow for both player misinterpretation of rule patterns and a complexity of rule patterns without limit, while still engaging the players in strategic gameplay beyond the starting rule pattern hidden behind the screen.In terms of "videogamey" (a poor term I'll admit) I'm saying the rule patterns generated, hidden behind the screen, and described by the referee can be so dissimilar to the patterns commonly held by people as definitive of those descriptions that the game becomes jarringly nonsensical.  A game certainly doesn't need to be sensical or realistic, but when done the descriptions atop the rule patterns increase the difficulty of play as they are dissimilar.  Verisimilitude actually makes the logic pattern finding game of roleplaying easier for the players because the similarity to dictionary definitions make these referee descriptions clues - hints at the underlying pattern being explored.  Verisimilitude is also a preference for those who desire games simulating something rather than abstract games.  In the case of our hobby, I mean the PFG roleplay simulation game.</blockquote>

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