An interesting concept and part of a conversation I was recently in. The conversation started out more of a old school versus new and how old school.gaming was better than newer games. I disputed the fact.
First better is completely relative - better for you is not necessarily better for me. Secondly the core of almost every debate I have heard on this topic really revolves around complexity. Games from the 60s and 70s were products of their time. In general the density and complexity we see in more modern games is born from our adaptation to technology.
If you look at and poll games created over the last few decades you'll see a rise in complexity, both in how the rules work mechanically and the situations they address. Some see this as limiting and yearn for simpler days. Which is fine. Not all the changes are good or comfortable.
Games are a reflection of the general populace, at least the popular ones. We've gotten more complex and capable of handling information. Is it any wonder our games have followed?
I see the newer games and gamers as getting simpler and easier. To me it is a trend I don't like. It seems to lend itself to players that don't develop their characters enough to have basic goals and or desires. SOMETHING always should drive a character. Just like people, we should always be wanting to do something. Personally I blame video games. MMORPG... doesn't exist.. it is just MMO... Their is no RPG online, they just tag that to try and capture old table top gamers!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about MMOs. RPG they are not.
ReplyDeleteThink about our beginning days. Keep on the Borderlands, In Search of the Unknown. classic works of adventure that were little more than a map, a random encounter chart and some NPCs. That is what old school types really talk about when they voice their displeasure. The dislike revolves around the complexities of running and playing in a game where rules have been created to assist people.
I guess I really haven't changed my style much then. I generally develop some key NPC's with motivations at odds with the PCs. Throw a hook at the party. If they bite and everything goes as planned I might have some maps for residences and such ready, but of course nothing ever progresses as I forsaw. Maybe because I refuse to take the PCs by the nose and as you pointed out earlier, micromanage their characters. Like you I think I am just spoiled from players that love the game enough to have self motivated desires and are able to find trouble:)
ReplyDeleteSadly I don't believe our groups represent the majority out there. Many, and I've met plenty of them at conventions and in other groups, want and need the spoiling in order to game.
ReplyDeleteIts sad and frustrating at times.
It's the video game generation man. Each encounter leads into the next and it is all carefully scripted and predictable.
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