[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Unlike Johnathan T., I never expected to be getting the same game with
> just a
> different setting. Learning new games was part of the fun (wargamer
> in me I
> guess).
There is a definite difference of mindset here.
To leave RPGs completely, lets take a look at cardgames and boardgames
for a moment: I have one group of friends who enjoy learning new games.
They'll, of course, come back to old favorites -- but they enjoy the
thrill of a new ruleset (even if it means that, sometimes, they'll learn
a stinker or two).
I have another group of friends, though, who hate learning new rules.
They'd rather just play Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly or Bullshit --
something they know -- than take the time to learn Cosmic Encounters or
Lunch Money (something they don't).
I think a key difference here is that the former group play games
because they enjoy games. The latter play games because they like
getting together with friends.
In RPGs and CCGs there is some of this same motivation, but there are
also other factors involved (including the simple act of "finding people
to play with", as Ryan postulates). Now, I would argue that the picture
is a lot more complicated than Ryan tends to make it -- but, OTOH, Ryan
is just trying to sell the basic concept. If you're trying to convince
people that a computer is a good idea, you don't mention toasters and CD
players -- even if those are also electronic appliances.
Justin Bacon
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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