I’ve been thinking about the parallels in two things lately: ::role-playing game:: systems and ::programming language::s.
In both areas there have been efforts to make universal or generic solutions. The write-once, run-anywhere mantra of Java and the similar message of .NET (which are really only the most successful of many attempts at software portability). In games we have systems like ::GURPS::, ::D20::, Unisystem, TriStat, and so on.
The problem is, and this is recognized to some extent in both camps, though moreso in programming I think (more on this in a bit though) is that when we take part in or participate in these activities, we do so (or should at least) with a particular end in mind. I.e. the goal is not ‘just to write code’ or ‘just to have fun’.
The former is self-evident I should think; we want our code to do something, even if it’s something trivially simple.
In the latter case, I don’t think as many people recognize this. However, if it weren’t true, why is there such a profusion of RPGs and RPG systems? I suggest that it’s because people want to RP in a particular way in a particular setting. I also think that few RPers really recognize this and this contributes a great deal to the ‘failure’ of games. On top of the fact that few RPers are aware of how they want to play, there’s no guarantee that all players in a given group even want the same type of play (consciously or otherwise).
No comments yet.