Fast forward a couple years, and I found that I was completely wrong.
Yeah, that’s because it’s like every job out there.
Now I indulge in role-playing games as often as I can.
The Benefits
Playing Cultivates Creativity
Creativity is the bread and butter of role-playing games.
They have a certain quality that allows you to transcend typical game interactions.
You have real freedom and the ability to move the story forward how you see fit.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways toactivate our brains, and role-playing games do this incredibly well.
While you’re playing a role-playing game, your brain is firing on all cylinders.
It’s good for you, the same way socializing or reading a book is good for you.
But, more fundamentally, you cannot play D. & D. without readinga lot.
I read them with studious devotion and headlong glee.
Almost immediately, television all but disappeared from my life.
Before Michaud started playing, he spent his days watching TV while his grades were plummeting.
As soon as the fantasy of D&D came into his life, however, that all changed.
Perhaps it won’t back up your life, but it can still enhance it.
As you play, you’ll develop creativity in a way you might not have experienced before.
Dungeon Mastersalso called Game Masters in some gamesmust be particularly good storytellers.
Role-playing games force you to draw from what you know and create something that you and others can enjoy.
A lot of famous creators have been influenced byDungeons & Dragonsas well.
Dive in to another world and see what kind of cool stuff you’re free to come up.
You might surprise yourself with what you come up with.
Role-playing games are 100% social.
Role-playing games come with a social online grid built directly into them.
Sure, to an extent, video games do the same thingbut it isn’t quite the same.
Role-playing games bring the interaction right to your face, no screens between you.
Plus, you get to hang out with your friends.
Once you know the rules for a particular game, you might easily make new friends too.
This engrained social data pipe can be particularly helpful for kids too.
Additionally, kids and adults alike can use role-playing games to combat shyness.
Players are given a mask in the form of their character that allows them to feel less vulnerable.
Using my characters as a vehicle helped me feel more comfortable talking to others.
Over time I got over shyness and felt comfortable cracking jokes and starting conversations on my own.
Additionally, learning to be a team player is highly important in the professional world.
Your character normally has a particular skillset, and that fills a role on a diverse team.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that role-playing games are as serious as work.
They can just help you learn the basics of working with others.
You get a feel for how you handle interactions in stressful parameters.
There are no good or bad roles, just the roles you could fill.
By learning to play with a team, you’re able to learn how to work with one.
Layers upon layers of problems stand in front of you and your fellow party members.
Role-playing games and their campaigns are problem after problem, all just barely solvable.
As each event of your game unfolds, you’re forced to think on your feet and react.
In role-playing games you’re simultaneously the chess player and the chess piece.
Playing Is Fun
Seriously, playing role-playing games is an absolute blast.
Try this: Imagine a time in your past that you did something that felt a little silly.
That’s what role-playing games are like.
Can you honestly say that fun like that isn’t for everybody?
First, you want to find a game that would interest you.
If you like sci-fi, there’s plenty of that.
If you like fantasy, there’s plenty of that too.
So don’t worry ifDungeons & Dragonsdoesn’t sound like your cup of tea.
Do some research and see what it’s possible for you to dig up.
Google “[thing you like] role-playing game” and you might be surprised at what you find.
If you’re still lost, hit up a game and hobby store and ask around.
You’re sure to get more recommendations than you’ll what to do with.
When you find something that interests you, see what materials you need.
Most role-playing games require that you at least own a copy of its player’s manual.
Some games may require additional books as well, so check that you’re getting what you need.
Shop around online and check local game and hobby stores to find the best deals.
you might also find digital versions of almost every current game and those can be significantly cheaper.
Dice:You’ll usually need more than the standard six-sided (d6) dice.
Some games require sets of their own special dice.
Always check to see what you need.
Pencils:Not pensespecially if you’re just starting out.
A table:The more space you have for books and character sheets the better.
Some people like to use grid mats and figurines, but they aren’t completely necessary.
People:Alas, you cannot play these games alone.
Trust me, I’ve tried.
It’s not nearly as fun.
when you’ve got all of those things, you’re gonna wanna read.
Role-playing games require some investment.
If you know someone that knows how to play, ask them to teach you!
They’ll likely be glad to show you the ropes.
If none of your current friends play, ask around your local gaming stores.
At the very least, someone might be able to point you in the right direction.
you might also find playgroups online.
Lastly, if you’re having trouble understanding how things work,YouTubeis your friend.
Watch a few games and you’ll start to see how the flow of a game should feel.
This can be especially helpful if you want to spin up the game too.
Role-playing games are fun, exciting, and can actually help you learn a thing or two.
So get out there, find a group, and don’t let the concept overwhelm you.
Ease into the games and you may even make some new friends along the way.
Role-playing games really are for everyone, especially you.
