Reverb Gamers Prompt #2

Reverb Gamers is a project from Atlas Games that includes 31 question prompts to kick off gaming in 2012. It gives a structure to gaming conversations and asks all the right questions. My plan is to do at least 2 questions a week starting here. Also, check out @ReverbGamers on twitter or check it out on Facebook to keep the conversation going.




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?


There are several aspects of gaming that draw me to the hobby. However, the draw really depends on the style of game. I enjoy different types for different reasons.

 The one major crossover is the social aspect. I love hanging out with my friends- even if I rarely like to leave the house. But people coming over for a board game or three? For a weekly RPG session? Or to challenge me to some down and dirty miniature game? Done and Done. Ask my wife, I love very little as much as the sound of my own voice so I'm nothing if not a social butterfly. Even games like Ex-Illis got some major play just to meet new people and play over the internet with clever use of remote viewing/computing programs.

Role-playing Games drag out the storyteller in me. Theres a part of me that writes stories pretty constantly- whether they make it to the page or not. So I relish the chance to see where those stories can go while running a campaign. Or better yet, diving into the boots of some odd character and seeing where he'll take me.

Board and miniature Games, however, bring out something else. The need to completely demolish my opponents until they can only meekly raise an arm begging for the mercy I refuse to give them.

No, not really.

I do enjoy some healthy competition though. And mini games and some board games have that in spades. Of course, whipping out a cooperative game or three brings us back to the Social Aspect.

But the question asked what do I like most, and in more recent years, I've found myself wearing the face of a game designer. So I try to play as many different games as possible to better my craft. Good game, bad game, Monopoly, it doesn't matter. I thrive on discovering new and innovative game mechanics and new ways of using old favorites. I love trying new things, even if it seems odd or too quirky at first. In the end, it only makes me a better designer: knowing where others have succeeded and failed, and trying to forge my own path towards the former.

~Joe