Why Do You Play Roleplaying Games

[EricNoah]

As DM: Creative outlet is important to me too. I also like entertaining the players, giving them a chance to shine and helping their fantasies come true in a way.

As a player: I like challenges, I like hanging out with friends, I like it when some of my character choices pay off.

The setting usually isn't all that important to me either way. And I really don't know what is meant by "advantage over others" unless you're talking about some kind of DM vs. player antagonism, which I don't dig.

 

[Xyanthon]

I put adventure, excitement, socialization, and setting. I also like the creative aspect of it as well. However, the major reason that keeps me into gaming is the ability to spread evil throughout the land. Yeah, that's what keeps me coming back .

 

[cthulhu_duck]

Adventure, Socializing and Setting.

But missing from your options: Fun, Storytelling, Creative outlet, Miniatures, Worldbuilding ...

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

I play RPGs because:

a) The group of friends I mostly hang out with these days sometimes plays RPGs.

b) The group with whom I used to do freeform fanplay of FFs, Suikodens and Xenogears broke up.

c) I enjoy the tactical challenges and playing a role.

d) I write rules and settings for them, so it's kind of a requirement to play now and then.

e) Something of a corollary to d); I write up a ton of material for work, so I may as well run a game now and then.

 

[ChristianW]

I replied "socializing."

I miss the people I used to game with. We pretty much grew up together, so I'm not sure any new gaming experience can replicate those friendships. And if it can't, well, I'm not sure I'll be gaming much. I have my fanzine as an outlet, though, so that's a plus.

 

[was]

socializing and adventure

 

[mythusmage]

Now that I think of it...

So let's make the options,

Adventure
Creativity
Acting/Roleplaying (same thing really)
Socializing
Combat
Fun
an edge over others
challenge
setting
worldbuilding
miniatures
cultures
environment
history

Which is where I run dry. I'll put up a replacement poll, and ask one of the mods to close this one. I thank you for your replies.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Where's the "Because I'm a geek, you asshat" option?

 

[Wombat]

Why do I play rpgs?

How many times have I answered this and how many more times will I in my life?

I love the social interactions with my friends, the give and take while cooperatively creating a story that none of us can exactly see the end of at the beginning.

I love the strange worlds, peoples, and cultures that we create.

I love the thought of playing out mythological resonances.

I love the fact that this is the one entertainment that I can think of that brings together all my favourite interests -- mythology, religion, politics, history, storytelling, armouring, magic, writing, public speaking, acting, and even cooking (you should see some of our potlucks!).

Combat exists, but social interactions are at least as important on the games I have loved the most.