Do RPGs mold your thoughts?

[cyst13]

This is a bit of a sticky subject and I've been wary of posting it for fear of being misunderstood. Back in the Reagan 80's, certain God-fearing do-gooders decided RPGs turn kids to the Dark Side. That's the stupid version of this question. It is not what I want to ask.

My question is: What affect, if any, do you feel RPGs have on the ways in which you think about the world?

I usually don't like to offer my own answer in my original post so as to avoid biasing the question, but I'll do it here to give you a sense of what I'm getting at.

I've spent most of my spare time over the past few years either researching or writing campaigns. One of the ways in which I think this has affected my overall thought process is that it has encouraged me to think in terms of systems rather than individuals. When I was reading about our whole run-up to the War in Iraq, instead of just saying to myself "Bush is a war-mongering jerk," I tried thinking of him as an NPC in a campaign. What motivations does he have? How does the system in which he is embedded (the U.S. Presidency) constrain and direct the choices he makes? I was fascinated by the diplomacy going on at the U.N. with Colin Powell on one side and Dominique Villepin on the other. I couldn't help but imagine them as characters in a campaign. I was thinking: if I was GM and Colin or Dominique was my player, how would he interact with the NPCs? What would I tell him about his character's motivation? How would I describe the ambassador's environment?

I do this whenever I read history books as well. It all seems like a potential campaign to me. Who would be good as PCs? In what ways would they interact with those around them? What is the plot of this history?

Perhaps I've always thought like this to an extent. Then again, I've been gaming since I was twelve. I think RPGs really have had a profound impact on my thought process. How 'bout you?

[Ternaugh]

Does driving by the "World of Clowns" museum and factory in Henderson, NV and thinking, "Gee, that would make a truly great supervillain base" count?

JoeG

[Badger]

Dont know. I have always tried to find out both sides of an issue before making a decision. Dont know if that counts.

[Maccabe]

Sounds like you are loking around yourself in the real world for inspiration.
Comic book worlds seem to run on opposite rules then the real world,
example;George W Bush ay appear regularly in the news, in the real world, but I doubt he plays much a role in "everyday" heroes worlds.

[cyst13]

Who said anything about comic books?

So, the question was "Do you think playing role-playing games has influenced the way in which you think about the world?" Anybody have an answer?

[Magmarock]

So, the question was "Do you think playing role-playing games has influenced the way in which you think about the world?" Anybody have an answer?

I'd say that the only infuence RPGs have on how I view things is when I go to a movie or watch a TV show... I think of the SFX in Champions terms (or D&D if it's a fantasy genre, or Cyberpunk, VtM, etc.. whatever is appropriate).

The Matrix, Hellboy, Van Helsing, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and other superhero genre shows- I see the powers and think of how they are built in the Hero System rules (including advantages and limitations). I see the social and personal difficulties the characters have and think of Disads. I wonder how many total points such a character takes to build. I tend to note plots and subplots more readily, too.

That is about it.

However, the reverse is even more true... that the real world influences how I think about the RPGs I play. But that, my friend, is another topic.


Mags

[Osprey]

[b]MOST DEFINITELY[\b]

-Friend gets hand stuck in door- My Response, "Ouch, 4D6!"

Of course, I do the Movie Power thing too (and Comics, books, the circus, sports events..) {His Skill roll was made by 2 that time!}

In short, I'm pathetic! :winkgrin:

It may be affecting my politics, though I had not thought of that before.

[Doc Democracy]

Does driving by the "World of Clowns" museum and factory in Henderson, NV and thinking, "Gee, that would make a truly great supervillain base" count?

I think it does! :)

My friend cannot go to a new town without wondering how much fun a superhero trashing the main features of that town would be...


Doc

[cyst13]

I second Magmarock's comment on movies. That's exactly what I did all through Spiderman. If someone told me that the writer of that movie was a Champs player, I wouldn't be the least surprised.

[TheQuestionMan]

It's a good question. While I was attending university. The gaming club I was part of particpated in several student projects on different subjects.

The Psychology survey (is that the right term) determined that Gamers were problem solvers and fast ones too.

The Communications study survey determined that Gamers were part of a small subculture that crosses every boundry of society, class, race and religion. (at post secondary levels)

The Education study determined that Gamers are more literate, detail oriented, and creative. It also inclueded some of the Psychology and Communications results.

Personally, I always find myself creating stories for strangers I see. Based on their actions, body language, etc...

I do not know if my choice of profession was coloured by it, but I suspect so. I have noticed that it swings both ways. I have created adventures based loosely and dramatized by things that happened at work.

I would love to see someone address Gaming from a Philosophy view point.

It's not just a social activity with friends, it a stress valve, and support group. I do not think I know my own family as well as I know some of my long time gamer friends.

Cheers

QM

[BlackSword]

I'd say that the only infuence RPGs have on how I view things is when I go to a movie or watch a TV show... I think of the SFX in Champions terms (or D&D if it's a fantasy genre, or Cyberpunk, VtM, etc.. whatever is appropriate).

I watched Spirited Away and was trying to figure out to model the different powers. Ditto with some other movies or shows. Anytime someone does something non-normal, I pause, hmm, how could that be modeled, how would it fit into a character.

On topic; RPGs don't really mold my thoughts. I have always been fairly rationale, creative and tend to look at the broader picture as opposed to details. I think this is why I am drawn to RPGs, not developed because I play RPGs. As I said in another thread, our games tend to be very laid back so we don't write or play anything that is likely to try to change someones beliefs.

[cyst13]

Questionman,

I was intrigued about your comment on addressing RPGs from a philosophy viewpoint. Can you elaborate, please?

[Greatwyrm]

I don't know if games have molded my thoughts, but I do know I look at the world a little differently now. It's mostly just small things that I look for or notice, but some weird stuff, too.

I tend to notice security cameras that have been put in out-of-the-way places, for example. Then I wonder why they're there. A few years ago, I went for a job interview at an insurance company. When I went into the reception area, I saw it was rather small, but nice. Then I looked around and realized there were one obvious camera and one hidden in the AC vent above me, the glass in front of the receptionist was about half an inch thick, and the door I came in as well as the one leading into the office both had keypad locks on them.

When I mentioned it to the lady interviewing me, she was surprised I'd found the camera in the vents (not sure why, all you had to do was look up, but most people don't). Anyway, she explained part of the reason for all the security was that they administered some workers comp claims. Apparently some people get really "cranky" if you catch them making a fraudulent claim.

Other than that, I have a defense planned out in case someone ever tries to lay seige to our office. One of my gaming buddies has a planned escape route in the event one of his coworkers flips out and starts shooting people.

[Badger]

I think I see now. Yes I am guilty of the movie character building thing myself. And (not always directly) am influenced with getting ideas at work. Sometimes something happens thant makes me think of something that would work.

[Susano]

Count me in as one of the "Now how would I do that in HERO?" crowd. I often watch something and think "I need/want to write that up some day." As one can see from my website, I usually do, to. :lol:

[TheQuestionMan]

TheQuestionMan,

I was intrigued about your comment on addressing RPGs from a philosophy viewpoint. Can you elaborate, please?

Unfortunately no, in my first year of university I took a Introduction to Philosophy and I the Professor and I ended up discussing, debating, and arguing everything solid for two weeks. We were both having fun. I finally decided to drop out. We hadn't even started in on the coarse material yet. I have forgotten the basics of philosophical debate and quite often find myself falling into fallacies. To me proper philosophy is a discipline. Harder than many physical disciplines I learned.

For a philosophical debate on Role Playing Games you need to ask the RIGHT question? ;) (sound framiliar). If you find that question then post it. I would love to explore it with my fellow HEROphiles.

The Great Philosophical Debate !!! :)

Thanks

QM

[cyst13]

For a guy named The Question Man, you seem strangely intimidated by asking the Right Question. I think all you need is a kickstart. So consider this a glove upside your face, Question Dude. I formally challenge you to open a philosophical debate about either Hero gaming or RPGs in general. It'd probably be best if you started a new thread for it so browsers will know what it is. Don't be overly worried about getting it all right from the start. Over 2,000 years later, we're still arguing Plato. No philosopher EVER gets it right on the first try; if they did, it'd be religion, not philosophy.

So, as they say, Just do it!

[TheRealVector]

Grandpa Simpson Voice: "Those games are Evil, EVIL I tells ya!!" :angst:

[Tasha]

I'd say that the only infuence RPGs have on how I view things is when I go to a movie or watch a TV show... I think of the SFX in Champions terms (or D&D if it's a fantasy genre, or Cyberpunk, VtM, etc.. whatever is appropriate).

The Matrix, Hellboy, Van Helsing, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and other superhero genre shows- I see the powers and think of how they are built in the Hero System rules (including advantages and limitations). I see the social and personal difficulties the characters have and think of Disads. I wonder how many total points such a character takes to build. I tend to note plots and subplots more readily, too.

That is about it.

However, the reverse is even more true... that the real world influences how I think about the RPGs I play. But that, my friend, is another topic.

Mags

For me, RPGs haven't really changed the way that I think about the world. Because I GM, I have a tendency to take apart the plot lines in movies and TV shows. This makes poorly scripted movies sort of frustrating to me. I also tend to have a "Gamer's View" on what characters in movies and television shows. I am always wondering why they didn't do the obvious thing. Which is the thing that most gamers would do.

Tasha :)

[TheQuestionMan]

For a guy named The Question Man, you seem strangely intimidated by asking the Right Question. I think all you need is a kickstart. So consider this a glove upside your face, Question Dude. I formally challenge you to open a philosophical debate about either Hero gaming or RPGs in general. It'd probably be best if you started a new thread for it so browsers will know what it is. Don't be overly worried about getting it all right from the start. Over 2,000 years later, we're still arguing Plato. No philosopher EVER gets it right on the first try; if they did, it'd be religion, not philosophy.

So, as they say, Just do it!

The difficulty I percieve good cyst13 is that this sort of forum would be more apropriate to the Non Gaming Thread. Secondly, while passionate about gaming it is not this sort of debate would be more fun to observe than participate in.

Challenge provisionally accepted

QM

P.S.: Answers always lead to new Questions and not everyone agrees with the Answers. As to your challenge, What should be in the first question in The Great Philosophical Debate!!!?

[cyst13]

Question Man,

A couple of suggestions, O Inquisitive One. First, if the philosophy in question directly relates to gaming, then I think starting a thread on the general roleplaying board would be fine. I've started a number of threads myself on this board addressing social issues as the apply to gaming. The good folks here aren't all that picky about categories as long as you are interesting.

Second, if you prefer to observe rather than participate, you can do so. Simply come up with an intriguing thread title. Pick something a bit more catchy than, say, "A philosophical inquiry into the fundamental metaphysics of the cooperative storytelling mode of narrative". Pick something that will pique people's interest and stir their debating juices. Then write an initial post which poses your question in as clear a manner as possible so that people understand the topic you wish to address. After that, just sit back and watch the posts fly. It usually doesn't take much to get this crowd going. People may be stingy with money, but it's a rare soul who is stingy with his opinions.

[zornwil]

I don't think RPGing has directly affected my world view at all, but the friendships formed through it certainly have. Hmmm, I guess I should add that RPGing was a good mechanism for learning to socialize and I was a very non-social kid, so I think it did have a strong impact that way. Also, I think it was good for me in particular in doing something team-oriented and cooperation without being competitive - so yeah, socialization-wise it helped a lot, I probably wouldn't be so "fluid" in social situations that require it without the experience.

[Shinitra]

I do the movie thing all the time. Think up stats and powers that characters have, that sort of thing. Tho most often it's because I want to write up a similar character, not just because I think of things in gaming terms automatically.

I've been racking my brain as I've read other posts, and I have come to the conclusion that I far more freqently think of how to put RL things into the gaming world than applying gaming things to the real world.

The only time my thoughts get truly molded by RPGs isn't a general RPG thing. I used to run a mu*, and I used to play on many many. And whenever I would spent WAY too much time online I would find myself either:

1) Having dreams where I was communicating through text instead of speech. I'd literally be standing in front of someone but a text box would appear and as I thought of things to say they'd appear on the screen, or

2) I'd start thinking in mux code. I've caught myself several times working on a web page and instead of using < P > tags for a paragraph, I'd be using %r%r from mux code. Or, I'd have some kind of technical/problem solving issue and I'd start working out how to solve it with mux code.

But that's very specific stuff and hasn't happened since I quit mu*ing.

[SuperBlue]

I too do the "movie writeups" thing... but also I have day dreams where I wish I had a cool super power or something of that nature. When underworld came out I wish I had Vampire or Lycan powers. With Spiderman two I wish I had Doc Oc's tentacles (then I could trash the bozos that pester me at work AND get my work done faster... stupid fast food lol).

[McCoy]

Little thing, kind of embaressing.

When I'm tempted to cheat on my diet, if I can think of it in terms of making an EGO roll, the temptation becomes a lot easier to resist.

[Magmarock]

I also tend to have a "Gamer's View" on what characters in movies and television shows. I am always wondering why they didn't do the obvious thing. Which is the thing that most gamers would do.



Me too. After the end of Return of the King, I turned to my brother and asked, "Now, wouldn't it have been a lot smarter if the hobbits just flew to Mount Doom on that eagle's back in the first place? But I guess that would've been too easy, eh?

:D

Mags

[SuperBlue]

Me too. After the end of Return of the King, I turned to my brother and asked, "Now, wouldn't it have been a lot smarter if the hobbits just flew to Mount Doom on that eagle's back in the first place? But I guess that would've been too easy, eh?

:D

Mags

I did the same thing. But I guess the Nazgul would've come after them a lot faster. That and the Orcs DO have archers. *Shrug*

[dbsousa]

Gaming has influenced my choices as a theater director. I know a number of directors who don't trust their actors, and try to block everything down to the tiniest stage movement. (I have literally had a director ask me to raise my right eyebrow on a given line...) as a GM, I know that what I am doing on stage as a director is setting the scene. I trust the players, and I ask them questions to help them create their characters. I also think that running games has improved my sense of theater pacing, and vice versa. Breaking a scene down into beats, is very much like breaking combat down into phases/actions/whatever the game mechanics call for.


I am very fortunate to be gaming with three friends of mine from my college theater days, recently returned from far off lands. We gamed in college together (4th Edition Champions, Good Guys, Incorporated) and we shared the same classes in directing, acting, improv, and dialects. Gaming with them is at times as satisfying creatively as any part I've played, or show I've directed...

[Killer Shrike]

Its sort of a chicken/egg type of question. Do I think the way I do because I have been gaming for 20 years, or was I attracted to gaming because it was a good fit for the way I think?

The truth is probably somewhere down the middle. I was probably drawn to gaming because it allowed me to express my creativity and grooved nicely with my detail-oriented classification-driven mentality, and in turn the mental discipline of gaming refined these natural tendencies into a more realized form.


I do know one thing; years of gaming experience was a big help when I was an Intelligence Specialist in the military. A lot of the same thought processes handy for a good GM (keeping track of many NPC's, thinking through patterns of likely responses for PC's and NPC's, figuring out the most effective and least effective actions possible in given scenarios and determining responses to each, etc etc etc) were extremely analogous to figuring out what an enemy force is likely to be up to.

It also helped a lot when doing wargames. On many occasions I was able to anticipate what the gameplanners were up to and both predict events and recommend responses in advance. Those I worked with thought it was amazing, but I knew better -- because it was an artificial environment and I understood the basic premise behind the wargames was to test for proper responses and specific SOP's it was easy to anticipate where things were going and just recommend the "approved" course of action. Wouldnt work worth a damn in a real operation when most of the SOP goes out the window and events are driven by opponents not interested in aligning their actions to expectations. Of course, I didnt see a need to point that out. Bucking the system never got anyone anywhere in the military, where the motto might as well be "The Nail that sticks up must be Hammered down" ;)

I do the movie thing too, of course, but it irritates my current wife, so I try to keep it to myself. :D

[Dr. Dementos]

In some ways. When I watch the more extravagant movies, I sometimes point out to my friends (the ones that game with me) "See that? THAT'S KNOCKBACK!" As you can tell, this happened several times during Spiderman 2. That, and I also told them that Spiderman 2 was to a high degree the kind of game that I wanted to play.

[Dr. Dementos]

In some ways. When I watch the more extravagant movies, I sometimes point out to my friends (the ones that game with me) "See that? THAT'S KNOCKBACK!" As you can tell, this happened several times during Spiderman 2. That, and I also told them that Spiderman 2 was to a high degree the kind of style game that I wanted them to play.

[Supreme Serpent]

It's made me even less enamored of lots of thriller/horror movies. Whenever I see characters in one of these that has problems (ie monster, psycho, etc) that could be solved by either a) leaving the area or b) getting a shotgun, and they don't do it I quickly lose interest. I think that's why movies like Tremors and John Carpenter's Vampires appealed to me as much as they did.

Also pick apart plots of movies, shows, and appreciate either when a) they do what I would have done as GM or b) take a completely unexpected, but interesting twist.

My gamer-friends and I drop into game-speak often. "Oops, blew my Dex roll" and the like.