What's the object of the game?

[frankthedm]

a DungeonMaster's goal is to present a living breathing world that just happens to want to stop said functions in the player characters

 

[Bloodstone Press]

In a way, you could do without the entire CR/XP/leveling system and just decide what level you want to play at and then advance to a higher level when the players and DM come to a consensus that it's time to level up.

My group does that occasionally. It works fine, IMO.

 

[Umbra]

As a DM I can't be bothered working out XP and as our group isn't a bloodthirsty lot (normally) the group gets a set amount of XP per session depending on the highest level member of the party.

That way we focus more on the roleplay rather than the rollplay.

 

[doghead]

The purpose of D&D is to have fun, but the purpose of the XP/CR/THAC0 rules is to provide structure, and to manage expectations.

D&D is like any other game. ....

Mac Callum

Mac Callum has put it quite nicely. I tend to be a rules light person. But there is a natural tendency in most people to favour your own cause. So as a DM, I am careful to make sure that I keep the rules in mind so that everyone is working within the same set of parameters.

As for experience, as a player am quite happy to get it one the basis of gut feel or the narative logic. I plan to hand it out that way as the characters advance through my game. I've played games in which there was no advancement over a long period of time, and everyone still enjoyed it.

 

[Umbran]

D&D is like any other game.

Ah, but RPGs are also unlike most other games. Games generally have end conditions, and winners and losers. Most games have an objective defined in the rules. RPGs generally don't.

I think most folks are dodging the question a bit, in confusing the purpose a person has in playing a game with the object of the game. An individual plays baseball to get some fresh air, and to have fun. But the object of the game is to score more runs than the other team.

 

[Jemal]

Ah, but RPGs are also unlike most other games. Games generally have end conditions, and winners and losers. Most games have an objective defined in the rules. RPGs generally don't.

I think most folks are dodging the question a bit, in confusing the purpose a person has in playing a game with the object of the game. An individual plays baseball to get some fresh air, and to have fun. But the object of the game is to score more runs than the other team.

Actually no they weren't dodging it.. As you said, RPG's are UNLIKE most other games, in that the purpose for playing (Have fun) IS the object of the game for most people.

Of course then again, the actual object of the game depends on the DM and players.

 

[Umbran]

As you said, RPG's are UNLIKE most other games, in that the purpose for playing (Have fun) IS the object of the game for most people.

Seems to me that the object of the game is not defined by the players, but by the rules of the game. As such, I'm more likely to say that RPGs are games without clearly defined objectives. I'd even say there's a strong argument that RPGs are in fact misnamed, that they are not technically games at all.

 

[ThoughtBubble]

From what I've found, the object of the game varies from person to person.
For me, as a player, the object of the game is to be of a degree of importance to the world huge levels of magnitude beyond what I am in real life. I want to be important. For me as a DM, it's to bring fun to a group of my friends, and push them a little bit. Sometimes there's a side goal in there, like making a neat story, or getting inspiration for a book.

For another of my players, it's all about the cool stuff (neat areas and npcs count as stuff too). For another, it's all about looking cool. For another, it's about trying to find a method of self expression. For another it's solving puzzles and using abilities in unique ways. For another, it's about beating all opponents and conquering what's laid before him. For another, it's about manipulating people. For one of my friends, it's about the acting and dramatic tension. For another friend it's about living out something that would make a good movie.

It's about that particular flavor of having fun.

 

[DragonLancer]

As a DM I want to tell a story, for me thats the important thing. This has caused some ripples with one of my players who is more rules based and plays his games as a collection of feats/spells/magic items and as many bonuses as he can get his hands on.

Its true that the game is not about DM vs. Players, but I do feel quite strongly that in order for the work as it needs to, the game has to challenge the characters.

The object of the game is to have fun, thats true. But it also has be fun for everyone, and (this will probably have people jumping me. ) this means the DM has enjoy what he's doing. If the DM wants to run one style of game (say story based, rather than Hack n' Slash) then the players need to play that way or sit out that game. Its a tough call to make but the game needs to be enjoyable for all involved.

 

[Henry]

No, I'd still have to say that, even given Umbran's supposition, that the object is to have fun.

"Of the two approaches to hobby games today, one is best definred as the realism-simulation school, and the other as the game school. AD&D is assuredly an adherent of the latter school. It does not stress any realism... Advanced Dungeons and Dragons is first and foremost a game fore the fun and enjoyment of those who seek to use imagination and creativity."

"Everyone assumes that a game must have a beginning and an end and that the end comes when someone wins. That doesn't apply to role-playing because no one "wins" in a role-playing game. The point of playing is not to win but to have fun and to socialize...Remember, the point of an adventure is not to win but to have fun while working toward a common goal."

In 3E, the mission statement changes slightly.

"When you play the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game, you create a unique fictional character that lives in your imagination and the imaginations of your friends. One person in the game, the Dungeon Master (DM), controls the monsters and people that live in the fantasy world. You and your friends face the dangers and explore the mysteries your Dungeon Master sets before you."

But I think it's clear that the object is, like many games, to have fun in a cooperative atmosphere; the means to that object is the goal your specific group sets.