tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261591.post4595313486104889167..comments2024-02-14T19:34:27.983-05:00Comments on Pulsipher Game Design: Why aren't computer RPGs (especially MMOs) as much FUN to play as old-time D&D?Lewis Pulsipherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998403221823705918noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261591.post-8780036872365499712016-04-14T20:29:01.940-04:002016-04-14T20:29:01.940-04:00True, the prisoners are the ones who want to make ...True, the prisoners are the ones who want to make a living at it.Lewis Pulsipherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11998403221823705918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261591.post-54543151948647660852016-04-14T19:34:18.709-04:002016-04-14T19:34:18.709-04:00I've thought about this question too. Thanks f...I've thought about this question too. Thanks for the post. <br /><br />You did say, "We have to remember always that tabletop RPGs are prisoners of capitalism: they have to keep publishing new material, so more loot, more levels, are exceptionally hard to avoid putting into the game."<br /><br />I'm not so sure. For the Big Boys, yes, but I've seen a renaissance of Sawdusthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01530629376801900476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261591.post-50279847819379553592016-04-14T15:36:45.063-04:002016-04-14T15:36:45.063-04:00Yes, there are those rare moments in books/movies ...Yes, there are those rare moments in books/movies when the hero learns something like that. John Carter fights the Yellow Martians (near the North Pole) for the first time, and they use unusual swords with hooks that he has never seen before. But after the first fight he knows how to deal with that. So it is a specific skill, not just improved sword-skill in general. He is also taught how to planatereehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13879868489157393205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261591.post-78215341194424763512016-04-14T09:45:16.082-04:002016-04-14T09:45:16.082-04:00Interesting thoughts, for sure.
I'd have said...Interesting thoughts, for sure.<br /><br />I'd have said that some of those heroes experienced increases in capability. Conan gets better compared with his young adult self. I recall one point where it even happens to John Carter. He fights just one old guy - I think this was the third book and it was up at the N pole. This guy is so good with a sword that JC takes a long time to defeat him, Lewis Pulsipherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11998403221823705918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261591.post-62872981326396495352016-04-14T09:11:48.652-04:002016-04-14T09:11:48.652-04:00Great post! I have been thinking even in the oppos...Great post! I have been thinking even in the opposite direction though: Could you imagine a successful computer (or pen-and-paper) RPG that completely eliminates leveling up, other types of stats-increases, AND constant hunt for better magic weapons etc? Sounds silly perhaps, but I was reading the Playing At The World book (you know the one about D&D history; iirc you were even mentioned?) planatereehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13879868489157393205noreply@blogger.com