Why do you Play?
- Thread starter Bass Puppet
- Start date
Blue_Kryptonite
First Post
Why did I start playing? I was already, back when I was 8 in the mid-70s, reading Heinlein, Amazing Stories, and comics, watching Star Trek re-runs and Space: 1999, and all the usual.
One day in Catholic School, our teacher, a nun who had taught us Chess and Chainmail, had gone to a miniatures gaming con with the one of the priests she gamed with and brought back the little D&D books. Those who earned Free Time got to play D&D with her as the GM.
She's retired, he's Bishop these days.
Why do I keep playing?
How could I not?
One day in Catholic School, our teacher, a nun who had taught us Chess and Chainmail, had gone to a miniatures gaming con with the one of the priests she gamed with and brought back the little D&D books. Those who earned Free Time got to play D&D with her as the GM.
She's retired, he's Bishop these days.
Why do I keep playing?
How could I not?
What a fine topic. One that's not addressed often enough.
Back in stone age times, the stone age folk would gather 'round their campfire and tell tales about their world. Specifically, they would tell tales about events and concepts, virtues and vices, and all those things they found fantastical. The stories would have a central figure or band of figures, embodying some virtue or principle. It could be a deific type, an embodiment of nature, an ancestor spirit, or whatever. They'd tell parables, analogies for problem-solving, or just flights of fancy.
Nowadays, we have computer monitors and game tables (and sports events, movies, magazines, etc.) taking the place of that campfire. The basics haven't changed. Really, the game mechanic just provides an agreed-upon context and setting for adventures. We still tell our tales.
Back in stone age times, the stone age folk would gather 'round their campfire and tell tales about their world. Specifically, they would tell tales about events and concepts, virtues and vices, and all those things they found fantastical. The stories would have a central figure or band of figures, embodying some virtue or principle. It could be a deific type, an embodiment of nature, an ancestor spirit, or whatever. They'd tell parables, analogies for problem-solving, or just flights of fancy.
Nowadays, we have computer monitors and game tables (and sports events, movies, magazines, etc.) taking the place of that campfire. The basics haven't changed. Really, the game mechanic just provides an agreed-upon context and setting for adventures. We still tell our tales.
Creamsteak
Explorer
That's pretty well said...
"My new reason for gaming is:"
"My new reason for gaming is:"
The Goblin King
First Post
For me its because table top gaming is 'real'. I know that sounds silly as D&D is a big game of make believe. When I'm at the table with other people I can reach out and touch them. My thing is that when I play people over the internet it feels fake. I know in my head that there is a person on the other end of the screen but I can't help but be disconnected from them. I always feel like I'm fighting the computer and not my opponent.
DaveStebbins
First Post
The game has three major and two minor attractions for me.
The story element appeals to me, like books, comics or movies. The evocative nature of the game is a heady and consistent draw.
The active nature of the game is important, like video games or sports (or really, any games). The particpants make a difference, and create the outcome together.
The social nature of the game is probably paramount for me. It's like a team sport or poker night. My group probably spends nearly as much time socializing as playing. The cooperative, instead of competitive, nature of the game also makes the atmosphere more relaxed, friendly and fun. We laugh. Often.
The progressive nature of the game. Monopoly starts every game at the same state. In D&D characters gain power, history, allies, enemies. Find a magic sword at the end of one game, and you start the next game with a magic sword. The game and characters evolve to keep the challenges fresh and fun.
Related to the story element, is that parts of the game can be reused. NPCs recur as often as necessary. Favorite villians keep coming back. Allies, henchmen, sidekicks, rivals, comic relief NPCs; they're all awaiting another call to the stage.
I could go on (seemingly) endlessly on the points above. I have a complete essay somewhere, but those above are the major points.
-Dave
The story element appeals to me, like books, comics or movies. The evocative nature of the game is a heady and consistent draw.
The active nature of the game is important, like video games or sports (or really, any games). The particpants make a difference, and create the outcome together.
The social nature of the game is probably paramount for me. It's like a team sport or poker night. My group probably spends nearly as much time socializing as playing. The cooperative, instead of competitive, nature of the game also makes the atmosphere more relaxed, friendly and fun. We laugh. Often.
The progressive nature of the game. Monopoly starts every game at the same state. In D&D characters gain power, history, allies, enemies. Find a magic sword at the end of one game, and you start the next game with a magic sword. The game and characters evolve to keep the challenges fresh and fun.
Related to the story element, is that parts of the game can be reused. NPCs recur as often as necessary. Favorite villians keep coming back. Allies, henchmen, sidekicks, rivals, comic relief NPCs; they're all awaiting another call to the stage.
I could go on (seemingly) endlessly on the points above. I have a complete essay somewhere, but those above are the major points.
-Dave
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I play because:
-It's fun
-I enjoy writing fantasy
-I enjoy being Evil
-Computer games have always been an option for me, but they simply don't offer enough variety, freedom and a chance to create your own stories any way you please. Also, they rarely come with interesting supplements that you just have to buy
.
-I love reading stuff, and aside from the rule-books there are some great novels and resource books out there that are centered on my favorite hobbie.
-Okay, and although this last one is fairly corny I have to say it: I enjoy sending my players off to home with smiles, grins or a freeked what-the-****-was-that -look on their faces.
Bottom line: I enjoy giving more than taking, even if that makes me selfish.
-It's fun
-I enjoy writing fantasy
-I enjoy being Evil
-Computer games have always been an option for me, but they simply don't offer enough variety, freedom and a chance to create your own stories any way you please. Also, they rarely come with interesting supplements that you just have to buy
. -I love reading stuff, and aside from the rule-books there are some great novels and resource books out there that are centered on my favorite hobbie.
-Okay, and although this last one is fairly corny I have to say it: I enjoy sending my players off to home with smiles, grins or a freeked what-the-****-was-that -look on their faces.
Bottom line: I enjoy giving more than taking, even if that makes me selfish.
Teflon Billy
Explorer
It's a really enjoyable, chep entertainment that my friends and I enjoy immensely.
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