Tabletop role-playing games
1. What is it?
Basically it's kind of drama for rather small group of people (5-6).
Roles are divided:
*Gamemaster (GM) - who controls flow of the game acts as an arbiter for players actions, describes the rules of the game, creates environments for players to interact with
*Player character (PC) - created, controlled and played by other participants of tabletop RPG session
*Non-player characters (NPC) - created and controlled by Gamemaster himself
Players form so called party - most of the time they play as a group, trying to reach for goals defined by GM. I've said "most of the time" because in tabletop RPGs a player can even act against other players - everything you can imagine can happen here.
During the game session players describe actions that they want from their character to make and GM tells how those actions can end. GM judgement is always more important than system rules.
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| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabletop_role-playing_game |
2. History
Tabletop RPGs (Role-playing games) are descendants of classic wargames, which are descendants of strategy games like chess.
The first commercially available tabletop RPG was Dungeons&Dragons (D&D). It was published in 1974 and became well known trademark across the world. In last 10-15 years tabletop RPGs have been losing with computer RPGs.
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| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons |
Dungeons&Dragons
Cyberpunk 2020
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Call of Cthulhu
Vampire: The Masquerade
Ars Magicka
Earthdawn
Crystals of time (Polish game)
3. How does it work?
You gather your friends around. One of you becomes the so called Gamemaster. Rest of you will participate as regular players.
Players create characters using rules from the book. For example, in the fantasy genre, they can choose a name, race, sex, age, height, weight etc. Most of the games use some kind of statistics to describe numerically character's strength, agility, intelligence, willpower and so on. Sometimes rules of character creation allow to distribute points by players, sometimes it's random using dices. A character often has a set of skills that are dependent on primary statistics (ie. the more agility your characters has, the better his acrobatic skill is). So GM is ready, each player has his character and the story begins.
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| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Tabletop_role-playing_game |
GM: You see a wooden bridge, it's in bad condition. Many planks are missing. You feel that your horse is too heavy to cross this bridge safely.
PC: I'm trying to pass the bridge anyway!
GM: You have to roll less than 20 on a 100-sided dice.
PC rolls 25
GM: Oh, a disaster - your horse stumbled and you fall into the river!
And so on…
Standard game session takes 2-4 hours.
4. My experience with tabletop RPGs
My friend asked me one time if I wanted to play this kind of game. I was very curious how it looked like, so I agreed. We played Warhammer FRP that time and till today it’s my favourite tabletop RPG. Of course I don’t have time to play nor do my friends, so now it’s only a sentiment for the title. I’ve been playing actively for about 4-5 years. I think that, besides fun, playing tabletop RPGs helped me develop skills like making fast decisions, taking risk, act in unusual situations.
Sources:
http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-pen-and-paper-rpg_s-v1
1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I doesn't had any opportunity to play it. There were no such games when I was young (in times when I've played often).
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
Yes, it seems to be quite interesting so I would like to try it in the free time.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
Mostly yes. In small extent they can help in developing the brain etc.
1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I have never played tabletop RPG. I have never heard about such game before.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
Of course. I would be happy to try such game. But my friends also did not hear about such a game. Maybe I will organize some tournament
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
Yes, I do. For me it is just a game - way of entertainment or a way to spend time with our friends.
1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, i never played tabletop RPG, yours presentation is my the first time when i heard about that game.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
I don't think so.. because i dont have a time to playing games :( In my freetime i more prefer go workout or reading books.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
Every thing is a busssiness, this game too. I thing the company who made this game the make this no for hobby, just for money.
Yes, lack of time (not only mine) is one of the main reasons I've stopped playing RPGs. When I asked if t-top RPGs are only for entertainment I meant: is playing RPGs only for your entertainment or maybe it aids in developing skills like ie. fast decision making.
Delete1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDelete– No, I haven't. I only have played board games like Monopoly.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
– I think I could give it a try. Board games are fun. I'm not sure how long it would take me to learn how to play as it sounds like a complex game.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
– Well, I think that all board games can not only provide nice way to spend free time, but also teach some skills. Tabeltop RPG probably would be good to learn strategic skills, when for example Monopoly can expand knoledge about money investing.
Tabletop RPGs are closely related with board games. One main difference is that you can play board game instantly (when you know the rules of course), but you can't play t-top RPG as GM without preparing yourself before session. It takes time. About Monopoly and money investing - I don't this it's reliable source of knowledge on that topic ;-)
Delete1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not. I am not a fun of this kind of entertainment, I rather like various sports, like football or voleyball.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
Yes, I would I think it could be very intteresting experience for me. I have a few friend who are very freaky about tabletops.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
Yes, I do. I can not see something more than entertainment on RPGs tabeletop. I do not think it is something wrong but it is only game. The way we spend our free time.
Have you ever heard about this tabletop?
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coolminiornot/rising-sun/description
I hear a lot of kind words about it!
I love volleyball. It's my second best sport, ice hockey is on the first place - but only to watch to. I've played volleyball many years, but stopped because of kind of injuries (knees, spine, etc.). The game from link you gave is a board game, but it looks promising.
Delete1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteYes, when I was a child I used to play tabletop games every free moment (besides going out ofcourse :))
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
With pleasure I'd play with somebody now, If I got an invitation. It is like back to memories, and I can ask you only who wouldn't enjoy that game?
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
I think that not only, because there are many kind of tabletop games, especially educatation ones. I remember game called "Jumping hats". Even now it teaches how to be observant and how to aim properly. Monika D
I did play a tabletop RPG once – I ended up as an elf with a team of two really annoying dwarves. I think the name of the game was Warhammer? It was pretty fun until GM became bored with the game and started making things harder and harder for us just so we died quicker.
ReplyDeleteAs for playing that type of game again – who knows, maybe it could be fun? I’m all up for making up stories and fantasy genre, it’s good to forget about reality sometimes and become someone else, somewhere else.
I don’t think they’re only great for entertainement – playing such a game can really boost your imagination, improve your writing skills or even help you with communicating. Not to mention you can really bond over such experience :)
Yes, this could be Warhammer FRP, my favourite t-top RPG game. Good GM is hard to find - nevertheless I see that you don't take it as a waste of time. I totally agree with you that it improves writing skills and communicating skills.
Delete1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I never played though I heard about them.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
Yes, we often meet after work with friends to play board games.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
Rather yes, although some games develop imagination and education. It all depends on type of game.
Unfortunately I haven't played this kind of game, and I haven't heard that any of my friends played it either. Nevertheless this kind of entertainment seems to be tempting, so I don't say no. I assume that RPGs can help you to develop some social skills and creative way of thinking.
ReplyDelete1. As Joanna above say - I haven't played this kind of games. I have several friends who do it, but it isn't interesting for me.
ReplyDelete2. I have never been invited to play such games.
3. Probably yes, but I've never played before, so I can have poor information :)
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ReplyDeleteI did once played tabletop RPG and I have very bad impression about it. I don't think the problem was with game master or other players. It was hard for me to pretend being someone else. I found it difficult to interact with other players, which is kind of funny, because usually I'm very talkative and social.
ReplyDeleteI not any experiences with tabletop rpg, but your article was be very interesting. Thank you. I think games of this type are good for prepare meetup with friends. It seems to me, that this games develop our imagination and show any unreal good worlds. I like fantasy theme. In my opinion tabletop games is not only entertaiment.
ReplyDeleteYou're right saying that tabletop RPGs are good for meetup with friends. I remember many sessions that ended with regular party till morning :-)
Delete1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not. I play game like: ticket to ride, dixit, bluf or settlers from Catan.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
I think it will be nice experience but the duration of this game is little scared.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
Yes, for sure but I know some people who take seriously this kind of game and sometimes they can be angry on you or take offence.
I've played Settlers from Catan - fine game and my wife has some Dixit cards (very artistic I must say), but we've never played it, she used it in some UX project. About duration of game session - it's true, you have to have 2-3 hours of free time minimum. My longest RPG session took about 10 hours, one of my friends took a nap in middle of it - but it was ok, because his character was unconscious during this.
Delete1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't. As far as I can recall, when I was in Gimnazjum some of my peers were talking about similar games but then it sounded very complicated and I didn't decide to join them.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
I still think it might be too complicated for me :P But how knows, if somebody invited me, I would give it a try ;)
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
For me, such games are only for entertainment and a great way to spend time with friends. I prefer fast and easy board games which create a background of a get-together. However, I realise that there are many geeks that those games might be something more :)
Very interesting topic. Tabletop RPG games are always associated form me with “The Big Bang Theory” and the “Stranger Things” series. This type of games have its own climate as well as this TV series which I mentioned.
ReplyDelete1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
I was always interested with this type of games but have never played tabletop RPGs. I prefer to play board games like “7 Wonders Duel”, “Caverna” or “Terra Mystica”. Mabey this games are something different from tabletop RPGs but I enjoy playing this games very much.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
Of course, if I had a few free hours to play this games, it would be great experience for me. I have only played RPG on PC, so creating a character and expanding his abilities was a big fun for me, so if I had a change to create such character in real life I would definitely like it.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
I think that entertainment is only a part of this event. I haven’t played this games but it can boost your imagination and develop your communication skill same as reading the book or playing board games. Every entertainment brings a lot fun and develops our brains.
I've used to play RPG myself. It was quite a time ago in my high school days and I really enjoyed it. As same as you, nowadays I find it hard to schedule some time to gather with friends and play a scenario.. not saying about whole campaign.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a GM, who I usually was, it's even harder. To come up with a whole plot, prepare quests, NPCs (Non player characters). It's a lot of work but as you've mentioned I think it is very rewarding and helps to develope some skills. Especially creativity and imagination. But I wouldn't go as far as saying that it helps in making fast decisions or taking risk - in the end it's just a game witch you play with your friends in a safe environment.
Like you I was a GM very often and yes - it's a lot of work to prepare good plot, remember last events when you're in the middle of campaign. And players are often very demanding and sly. As for making fast decisions or risk taking - there are games very similar to RPGs that are used for training managers.
DeleteI cannot tell too much about such games.
ReplyDeleteI know existence of such games, but I am rather not fond of it.
I have experience with more simple tabletop games like monopoly, farmer. I have ever play in Civilisation.
But if there is too much rules it is starting to be irritative.
Key succes for such playing games together is one person as master, who know details of rules. Such person can be quarantee to solve rules issues.
Then maybe I will check :)
1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not. However, I heard about them a lot of positive opinions.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
Yes,of course. It could be very interesting experience.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
In my opinion RPGs game are good for other sector of our lives- we could develop our imagination, strategic and creative thinking. Primary we should play RPGs games to deal with solving the problem faster.
1. Have you ever played tabletop RPG?
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't, but in secondary shool my classmates played it. However, I would like to try it in future.
2. Would you play if invited by someone?
Yes, of course. I like new brain challenge. I played a lot of computer RPG games and I heard that tabletop RPGs are much more interesting and more addictive than computer counterparts.
3. Do you think that tabletop RPGs are only for entertainment?
I heard that more important is company then game. My classmates becomes the best friends and they met every friday to play and for example sometimes they watched move or went somewere together against played.
Of course I played tabletop RPG. When I was a child I played a lot with my friends. Mostly We played outside for example in the forest. Sometimes we played with figures at home. I think this is very good game. It's good way to develop your mind. We could play all day. Long time I didn't play it. Today I mostly play boardgames. "D'n'D" is very good game. I recommend it to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI did not play at all, so I never tried this game and I did not hear anything about it. Now I do not have time for this, but if I find a free time then maybe I would try to play and see it. I m sure that I will have o lot of fun with it.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunatelly I haven't had a chance to try out any od tabletop RPG, but now I guess I should and I would definitelly join in if invited. I think they are about much more than plain entertainment. Apart from the benefits that you've already outlined such as e.g. it's good influence on ones ability to make decisions I think they are also great in terms of helping to improve abilities such as thinking outside of the box and simply being creative
ReplyDelete1. Yes, I have. I have to admit that I enjoyed it a lot. I know that experience depends a lot on GM and other PCs, but what I liked most it uniqueness of each game. That’s something none of computer games can offer. There are no even 2 games which would feel the same. You can be a part of different storylines, play different characters with different traits and skills. It allows you to experience multiple roles in a team, but at the same time it puts very strong accent on cooperation and communication between players. Moreover one game can last really long, even weeks if game master is capable of creating enjoyable and diverse quests.
ReplyDelete2. For all the reasons above – yes :)
3. Well, let me put it in that way. RPG stands for role playing GAME, and game from its definition should mean entertainment. Thus ‘fun factor’ should be the main purpose of RPGs. However definitely I wouldn’t say it’s its only attribute. Playing RPGs positively influences your creativeness, develops your intelligence and helps you to cope with potentially not easy situations with no obvious solutions.