May 27

May 27 Why I play the Game (and why you shouldn't care)

I get asked a fair amount, "Why do you still play D&D?" Because it's fun, I tell them, and mean I it when I say that. But in today's world, it seems like there are no easy answers. Everyone has their own opinion and, thanks to the internet, many think it is their personal duty to share that opinion with the world (which, of course, includes this article). According to the screaming masses, we should or shouldn't be playing the game for so many reasons. They are expressed by thousands of screaming voices, and sometimes it feels like the oxygen is being sucked out of the room, and along with it, the enjoyment of playing the game.

Dungeons & Dragons players can't even agree which version of the game is fun. Countless hours have been wasted with people arguing over which edition of D&D is better. 1st and 2nd editions were no fun because the DM was actively trying to kill players. 3rd edition was too crunchy. 4th edition…well, I'll just leave that alone. With the 5th edition, people say the game has too much emphasis on roleplaying, and it's like playing a video game on easy mode. While I was avoiding having to write this, I came across this Reddit thread posted during the time I was writing this. These are just a few of the multitudes of complaints you hear people shouting into the void. Here's the thing…

They are all right, and yet they are all wrong.

Do you want an active challenge where you fail a saving throw and die immediately? Play 1st edition. We often state that we think that Gygax hated players because he went out of his way to try and kill players. We say it as a joke, but if you look through the 1e Monster Manual, you'll quickly realize there is A LOT that can kill you instantaneously in this edition. Sure, if you hated math, then it might not be the game for you since you could add upwards of five or six modifiers to every roll, but getting a slew of feats sure seemed like it was worth it. The 3rd edition slimmed the number of tables down (there was a table for literally everything in the 1st edition) and allowed more customization than we'd seen before. If you enjoy funny voices and the verbal interaction portion of the game, then 5e is the edition for you. When you are new to the game and want to learn how to play, the 5th edition is also the way to go. It's a game for the masses and has brought thousands of new people to the game.

If you like a specific edition of the game, then play that edition and apologize to no one. You can always talk up what you love about the 2nd edition, but that doesn't mean you have to bash anyone who thinks differently. And yes, that includes the 4th edition.

People are also quick to point out that Wizards of the Coast has serious issues. They've been accused of promoting a toxic culture within the workplace. Freelancer artists and writers have accused them of racism and unfair practices. Even worse if they are owned by Hasbro, and all the parent company cares about is making money. Some individuals believe that you are passively supporting such behavior by playing the game.

Nope, not buying it. Me playing the game in no way invalidates your feelings or concerns, which need to be addressed and corrected when proven to be accurate. I believe those who say they have been victims of sexual harassment and/or discrimination in the workplace, not only at WotC but in many other companies throughout the country. This is just not the hill I am going to die on. If you feel so passionately about this issue, you are willing to stop playing the game. I admire your commitment and respect your choice.

That doesn't mean you're shut out of the tabletop RPG world. There are so many to choose from it can be overwhelming, but in reality, having that many choices is fantastic. There is a game for everyone out there, and if you look around, you can find the right one for you. Goblin Quest is an excellent game for people that want fewer rules and like silly voices. Want to be the bad guy for a change? Then Blades in the Dark is for you. If matchbox cars are your thing, play Gaslands. Love Star Wars? You have three distinct options to choose from. My point is that Dungeons & Dragons may be the biggest tabletop RPG out there by far, but it's not the end all be all.

Let's get back to the main question that started us off. I play for a few reasons. First, it's fun to sit around a table and play a game with people whose company I enjoy. We spend 4 or so hours playing, but we also chat about what's happened in the last week, have dinner and poke fun at each other in a comfortable setting. Second, I enjoy the system. Of course, there are aspects of the game I don't like, but nothing in this world is perfect. The beauty of the game is that you can adjust and change many items via homebrew, and it's totally acceptable.

The third and probably most significant reason is escapism. For those few hours a week, I can honestly say I can forget about my troubles, relax and enjoy myself. I've needed that in my life of late. The last three or four years have sucked hard. I had cancer and lost my sense of taste because of it. The cruel irony is I worked in restaurants for 30 years, love food, and have given up all my other vices (and there were a lot) except sugar, butter, sauces, etc. A few months after getting a clean bill of health, Covid hit. Both my kids had it, but thankfully it was mild, with no long-term effects. Then right as things started getting back to normal, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. After finishing chemo, I had surgery to remove teeth and some of my jaw. The radiation not only killed my cancer but caused necrosis in my lower jaw. It turns out I've been taking ongoing necrotic damage.

The last few years have been harsh. Knowing that I get to see my friends, whether in person or online during Covid, once a week and forget my troubles gives me something to look forward to when I am down. No one wants to listen to my sob story, nor do I want to tell it. So when people ask me why I still play the game, the answer is simple.

It's fun.

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