> Lizard
>
> I disagree. I think that computer RPGs are either neutral or hamrful to
> P&P games, at least from the perspective of bringing in new players.
Your points are well taken, especially the ease-of-use when creating
characters and the limited number of options, but I'm not sure you're
looking at the big picture. P&P RPGs appeal to a very small audience - far
smaller than CRPGs. The free Fluid software will eliminate most of the
headaches of creating characters for new gamers (and old gamers too, I love
the Core Rules CD's, have you ever tried to make a party of mid-level NPCs
under 2e S&P without a computer? Ugh! That's not gaming, its Accounting
101!).
The limited options are actually good for new players, because the whole P&P
experience can be a bit overwhelming at first. It's nice to have a palette
of actions all ready to go, and then gradually add to that palette until
you're coming up with new ideas on the fly in every game. The 3e system is
more 'menu like' than previous editions, given its heavily standardized
terms and 'action'-based combat rounds. This provides a nice way for CRPG
players to relate to the virtually unlimited freedom of P&P.
Even if these features hamper the transition of some of the players, you
must remember that a successful CRPG can easily reach 20 times the audience
of a P&P RPG. Those who make the leap will realize that CRPGs are pretty
much just mind candy, and P&P is where the real creativity lives, and there
will ultimately be more players in the P&P RPG industry than there were
before CRPGs. I liked the Gold Box games from SSI, I loved Baldur's Gate's
multiplayer features, and I'm going to pick up a copy if Neverwinter Nights
as soon as it gets released. Will that change my P&P gaming habits? Not in
the least. They are two different forms of recreation, and not everyone
will enjoy both.
> Lastly, if they come from online games like Ultima Online, they'll think
> the point is to kill the other players, since monsters are "dull".
> They'll make the Black Hands look like the best of friends.
Ultima Online and MMRPGs like it have different issues, but every P&P RPG
player I've met has gone through the 'lets just fight' phase of gaming. It
is a very immature phase, and if they stick with RPGs for very long they'll
grow out of it. Not everybody does, but that is more a factor of the
players than the game itself.
-Brad
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