Submitted by Relentless96 on Sun, 2007-06-10 21:55.
It is interesting to note that my own, as well as others interpretation of RPG Lab is to discuss the "mechanics" of the games we design. I find myself constantly impressed by your take on RPG's, with this Blog being a classic example.
I myself am extremely happy that you have taken the time to type the above. Some might look at it and say to selves "Yeah, I know", but this is exactly what I needed. I like that you look at the core dynamics of what makes a roleplay. What struck me the most was your end points for each subject, one of which I am using as a core concept for MACE - "Only conflict is interesting".
I don't just mean in the sense of Combat, but I think you have hit the core of gaming on the head. The ultimate goal of anyone playing a game is to compete. Someone reading this has just thought of the dreaded munchkin, but I think it is important to recognise this facet of roleplay. What makes a RPG exciting is to face challenges and conquer them. I can think of a couple of sessions I tried with my players that didn't go well, and I now realise why. I didn't provide that level of challenge, I was too preoccupied with "good roleplaying". I needed more challenge, less discussion.
This isn't just on the basis of mechanics, the challenge can be moral. Your term of crossroads is also vital in this idea - it is the choices the player makes that defines the RPG session. By CHALLENGING the players with decisions as well as conflict, I feel a lot can be learned not only about the character they are playing, but about the player themselves.
I also enjoy how you analysed the importance of a setting in an adventure. In truth, a setting is only there to have bits and pieces taken and put together for the game. You will never use the entirety of a setting, only what is important to your characters. I will be definately keeping this in mind when I continue work on Silverdam Island for MACE.
I think that your Blog came at the perfect time for me, as I was struggling not with the mechanics side (I feel I am decent at that), but with the structure, feel and presentation of the game. I just want to thank you for posting this.
It is funny I think, as I feel that you are un-influenced by the various big budget RPG's and gaming cultures, which brings a new perspective to the rest of us RPG drenched gamers. I hope you continue to post Blogs such as this one and your Social RPG.
I am impressed
It is interesting to note that my own, as well as others interpretation of RPG Lab is to discuss the "mechanics" of the games we design. I find myself constantly impressed by your take on RPG's, with this Blog being a classic example.
I myself am extremely happy that you have taken the time to type the above. Some might look at it and say to selves "Yeah, I know", but this is exactly what I needed. I like that you look at the core dynamics of what makes a roleplay. What struck me the most was your end points for each subject, one of which I am using as a core concept for MACE - "Only conflict is interesting".
I don't just mean in the sense of Combat, but I think you have hit the core of gaming on the head. The ultimate goal of anyone playing a game is to compete. Someone reading this has just thought of the dreaded munchkin, but I think it is important to recognise this facet of roleplay. What makes a RPG exciting is to face challenges and conquer them. I can think of a couple of sessions I tried with my players that didn't go well, and I now realise why. I didn't provide that level of challenge, I was too preoccupied with "good roleplaying". I needed more challenge, less discussion.
This isn't just on the basis of mechanics, the challenge can be moral. Your term of crossroads is also vital in this idea - it is the choices the player makes that defines the RPG session. By CHALLENGING the players with decisions as well as conflict, I feel a lot can be learned not only about the character they are playing, but about the player themselves.
I also enjoy how you analysed the importance of a setting in an adventure. In truth, a setting is only there to have bits and pieces taken and put together for the game. You will never use the entirety of a setting, only what is important to your characters. I will be definately keeping this in mind when I continue work on Silverdam Island for MACE.
I think that your Blog came at the perfect time for me, as I was struggling not with the mechanics side (I feel I am decent at that), but with the structure, feel and presentation of the game. I just want to thank you for posting this.
It is funny I think, as I feel that you are un-influenced by the various big budget RPG's and gaming cultures, which brings a new perspective to the rest of us RPG drenched gamers. I hope you continue to post Blogs such as this one and your Social RPG.
Thanks!
http://www.1km1kt.net/Aaron-White.htm