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RPG Loosely Defined
As my examination of the Gamism-biased Capes RPG has led me to refine the definition of "roleplaying game," examination of the Gamism-biased 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons, as well as the newish development of storygaming, has led others to the same goal, ahead of me. The linked essay loosely defines "RPG" as a game where "the mechanics of the ( Read more... ) -
Nature or Nurture
My Human Factors professor says the benefits of technological aids are much less than the benefits of training / practice and of innate ability. He spoke of flight simulators, but I wonder how this affects game design -- specifically the idea that System Does MatterSystem Does Matter suggests that a game's design shapes how the game is played. So a ( Read more... ) -
Capes Convergence
I think I've figured out Capes.
Capes is a roleplaying game that doesn't seem as if it should work. Most RPGs have a central authority to decide what happens in the imagined game world. Even without that authority, all (?) RPGs have rules that describe what's possible within the game world, and all (?) are bound by the game world's internal logic ( Read more... ) -
Where's the Goal?
People play roleplaying games using different approaches, with different goals. It's been hotly debated if different styles are compatible, or if games should be designed to target single styles.
Bernard Suits defined "game" as "bringing about a specific state of affairs, using only means permitted by rules, where the rules prohibit more ( Read more... ) -
Conflict Resolution
"Conflict resolution" is a fuzzy roleplaying concept. I've read a lot about it. I have games that claim to use it. I've read a lot of angry rejections of it. But I'm not sure I know what it is, or how to use it well. So I went online to do some research...
While looking for Vincent Baker's original presentation of "conflict resolution," I ( Read more... ) -
RPG Character Limits
Roleplaying games often struggle to model characters. Many games tell players to begin play by imagining a character, and then force them to compromise that image to fit into the game mechanics. A few games try to fix this problem, but with only mixed results.
( Details within. ) -
RPG Design Tensions
I don't write as much these days, partly because my subjects are of limited interest and partly because I get overwhelmed by projects that spiral out of control. For example ( Read more... ) -
"Pacific Rim" Disappointment
I surprised some friends by not liking Pacific Rim. I like giant robots. It's a movie about giant robots. Why would I not like it?
I found quite a few false steps in the film, such as the pointlessness of Hannibal Chau or the oddness of drift technology, but my disappointment is largely based on three issues:- Kaiju, not Mecha
- Mindless Monsters ( Read more... )
- Kaiju, not Mecha
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Current Gaming
Lately, I've been playing computer (PC) games:( Details within, for the curious. ) -
"Errand of Mercy"
This weekend, I rewatched the Star Trek episode "Errand of Mercy." It's a classic episode, written by Gene L. Coon and introducing the Klingons. But I hadn't realized that its writing was so weak.
( Spoiler-filled synopsis. )