Why Do You Play D&D?

[Crothian]

My enthusiasm for gaming dropped off a bit when I was in college, but I got right back into it when I left school. It's something that has been with me almost my entire life.

Have you found that written gaming material has had an effect on how you game and the reasons why you game? I know people who like to get away from what they do for a living, do you ever get a little tired of writing RPGs and playing them a lot? Do you feel people treat you a little differently know that you a game writer?

 

[Acid_crash]

Here's a snarky response for ya...

I play D&D because it's the only rpg people will play where I live.

Now, seriously, I play Interactive Storytelling Games because it allows me to create stories, use my imagination, game with friends, eat lots of snacks and drink lots of caffiene in a fun environment, come up with cool action scenes, become the ultimate heroes, and also the most tyranical villians.

 

[Bagpuss]

I don't at least not at the moment we are playing Call of Cthulhu, hopefully I won't be playing D&D again for a long while.

Its an excuse to meet friends and have a laugh, and use your brain.

 

[pogre]

1. I play to socialize with a group of friends I would not otherwise see.

2. I am the DM because I enjoy creating an immersive world experience and seeing my players enjoy the experience. They create the story. I just run the background.

3. I like games and miniatures. The new D&D presents some interesting tactical situations.

4. I like painting and modelling miniatures, D&D gives my creativity a bit of focus. I really enjoy my toys.

5. It is a nice escape.

 

[Testament]

1. Because its fun.
2. Its a social activity
3. Because its fun.
4. I love stories, and this a collaborative menthod of telling cool, heroic ones.
5. Because its fun.
6. The tactical aspect of 3.X D&D plays to my wargamer instincts.
7. World-building is an interesting exercise, hence my GMing.
8. BECAUSE ITS FUN!

Seriously, I say forget the "deep emotional involvement and role-play". That is ultimately pretentious Rein*Hagen-era White Wolf nonsense. If its not fun, you're playing for the wrong reasons.

No offence to White Wolf fans intended.

 

[Berandor]

I play D&D because Mike Mearls designs for it.
[/suck-up]

Seriously, I like D&D for its heroic antics. It's a staple now, with beholders, dragons, ilithids, and of course the dreaded bulette. After a long time of playing role-playing games, it's a little bit like coming home when you meet one of the classic monsters or NPCs.
Another reason is that D&D is simply very prevalent, and if you want to compile a good group you actually have better chances with D&D than with other games. In my heart, D&D will never be the sole number one, but most of the games I like better will only rarely see the chance to be played. So it's a matter of convenience, as well.

 

[RangerWickett]

It's a hobby, and a talent. Some people fence (and I do), some people play poker (and I do), and I play D&D (and I do). And I'm good at it. I might not be at the top echelon, but it's amazing how much having to come up with adventure components on the fly has helped my ability to manage mundane situations at work, or to entertain people with my own personal weird stories. I dunno, gaming requires things I like - creativity, acting, and a sense of humor.

Now I don't have that last one, but my players are hilarious. Heck, I've got a guy from Adult Swim (on Cartoon Network) in my game. Good stuff.

Thanks, Mike, for this topic. *grin*

 

[fredramsey]

[SARCASM]

Why, I play so I can read on the message boards how much D&D sucks, and why I am a WOTC-loving idiot for playing it...

[/SARCASM]

 

[fredramsey]

I've been playing D&D for 25 years now. I have mostly DM'ed.

There are two main reasons I like it.

1. No two games are ever the same. Even if you put the same characters up against the same problem/creatures, it would not turn out the same. I make it a priority in my campaigns to try not to repeat myself in encounters or locations.

2. It involves using your brain. Even combat, if you are up against something that is a little more powerful than you are, you can still defeat it by using your head. I credit a lot of my abilities as a programmer to playing and DM'ing D&D. It definitely makes you think "outside of the box".

 

[IronWolf]

I play as sort of an escape from the day to day grind. It is also a great way to socialize on a regular basis. As a DM I enjoy weaving a tale that the other players enjoy as well as working on improving my DM style to make it even more enjoyable. I also enjoy reading the various sourcebooks for the tales they weave.