I'm mostly a GM, and think that way even as a player. My true joy in the hobby is worldbuilding, creating a world that feels real and modeling the parts of that world through game rules that fit that part well. I love reading or watching a story and fitting it to game rules, "that was a heck of a Persuasion check!" and the like.Reading some of the player-facing material (species, classes, etc.) in order to come up with a character concept for your character during session zero and then trying to role-play as that character during the actual adventure itself. Playing with complete strangers at the TTRPG or the VTTRPG and then becoming their friends in RL as the adventure goes on. Coming up with a combat strategy whenever the DM throws one or more foes at you and your party.
It's the shared and personal experience.
Well as a GM its watching my players come up with detailed plans that quickly are totally forgotten as Leroy Jenkins blows the whole thing apart. Its the interaction at the table, much less the rules unless they get in the way of that.I am curious about what draws people to the gaming table? For some it is roleplaying, other mechanics and for me it is being creative. Whether it is as the GM and story teller, or as a player and creating spells or tech. How about you? What is the draw for you?
I love video games, but mods allow me to expand the game in ways I prefer.I love the freedom for the game(s) to do absolutely anything and take me/us anywhere. I have never been a video gamer, largely because I'm constantly frustarted by the constraints of what someone else decided is possible.
And there is absolutely no rush in the world like seeing a character beaten down to their last hit point and all out of resources roll a natural 20 at the crucial moment and save the day.