Over the years, I have heard other people explain why they like D&D so much, why they play and why they run. Some people like the social aspect, it is an excuse for them to hang out with friends; others like the world building and creative outlet, some like to see a story unfold. there are as many reasons as there are people playing the game. All of these explanations never really resonated with me, I always felt that one particular reason might have some impact on on why I like to DM, but I was never able to pinpoint a singular aspect of the game that drove me to this obsession with D&D. Oh, I am able to say why I like to be a player in RPGs; I am there for the social environment, it is somewhere where I can be myself and spend time with family and friends. when I act as a player in games where I don't know anybody I just don't really enjoy the game as much. But this isn't the case for me when I DM, sometimes I prefer to run for total strangers.
I was reading this post over at Paul's gameblog, and I had an epiphany; of course there are many contributing factors to why I like to DM so much, but the main reason I do so is the same reason I like to play large scale strategy computer games. I like to be challenged mentally, having to juggle several different variables and making on the fly judgement calls. It's all about strategy and planning and adapting to new circumstances. After so long playing these strategy computer games (Civilization, Age of Empires, Total War) they become stale and I begin to lose interest because even if the situations are new and the variables are never the same, the game engine is programmed and predictable. Once you learn how to manipulate the game, it is no longer a challenge. Even if the situation is different the solution will be the same. The game is programmed and therefore cannot have infinite variety and continuous challenge. D&D and other RPGs never have that problem, every situation is different and and every group is different. The challenge is always there and it will never seem stale.
That’s interesting.i had never thought about this aspect. Probably because I don’t think of being the DM as oppositional or antagonistic - it didn’t occur to me that I’m trying to “defeat” anything.
ReplyDeleteBut the many-variables aspect and real-time-strategy analog definitely works. I agree: it takes a lot of mental energy to juggle stuff on your side of the screen.
Maybe try using paragraphs so it’s easier to read?
I haven't really thought of the DM's role as adversarial either because I don't think it's the DMs job to try to kill the PCs. However now I can see some enjoyment in an adversarial role, but as the players being adversaries for the DM; I have to figure out how elements of the setting would change and react to the consequences of the players actions.
ReplyDeleteor to think of it in terms of these computer strategy games: the DM is the player, making decisions from a top down global view, while the players are the AI that creates challenges for the DM as player.
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