Reverb Gamers – Questions 1 Through 5
This year Atlas Games came out with a list of 31 RPG related questions that they wanted people to answer. I will tackle them in small bite sized morsels to make them a bit easier to swallow. Here are the first five questions.
REVERB GAMERS 2012, #1: What was your first roleplaying experience? Who introduced you to it? How did that introduction shape the gamer you’ve become?
I first start role-playing in the 6th grade (aka in 1978). A friend introduced us to Dungeons And Dragons. It was the old blue cover editions from TSR. After only a few sessions I was hooked. I became the DM and continue that tradition.
I think starting with D&D influenced me because I became used to that type of class based system. Moving from D&D to my second RPG system, Hero, seemed like a monumental move. What do you mean I can build whatever I want!?! Wow this special effect idea is neato!?! Etc. The static nature of D&D actually influenced me negatively in some ways. The impact made me more receptive to other systems and ideas in the RPG space. I really love reading all different types of RPGS and I think this transition was one of the main reasons.
REVERB GAMERS 2012, #2: What is it about gaming that you enjoy the most? Why do you game? Is it the adrenaline rush, the social aspect, or something else?
For me there are two things that I really enjoy about gaming. I enjoy escaping to other worlds where I can be a wizard, superhero, spy, etc. It allows me to leave my normal stressed out existence for a precious few moments. The other thing I really enjoy is the social angle. Some folks bowl or play poker with their friends…I game with them. 🙂
REVERB GAMERS 2012, #3: What kind of gamer are you? Rules Lawyer, Munchkin/Power Gamer, Lurker, Storyteller/Method Actor, or something else? (Search “types of gamer” for more ideas!) How does this affect the kinds of games you play? For example, maybe you prefer crunchy rules-heavy systems to more theatrical rules-light ones.
I really like the Aaron Allston gamer types the best so I will use those definitions. Here is how I would break it out:
Builder = 40%
Combat Monster = 20%
Mad Thinker = 10%
Plumber = 20%
Showoff = 10%
REVERB GAMERS 2012, #4: Are you a “closet gamer?” Have you ever hidden the fact that you’re a gamer from your co-workers, friends, family, or significant other? Why or why not? How did they react if they found out?
Definitely not. In fact I wear the fact that I am an RPG gamer on my sleeve! I love my hobby and want everyone to try it. Keep reading…
REVERB GAMERS 2012, #5: Have you ever introduced a child to gaming, or played a game with a young person? How is gaming with kids different than gaming with adults?
Even early on the passion I held for my hobby bled out to others. I taught 6th graders how to play Champions when I was in high school. It was a GREAT experience! They loved it. I hope I inspired some of them to buy some books.
Now that I am a “Gamer Dad” I am waiting for my kids to get old enough to be able to game…maybe soon… :]
GAME ON! 😀
