A lot to think about here...

[RPGnet Columns]

Post originally by Ian Sokoliwski at 2005-03-25 13:12:12
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Great column - comparing the various 'archetypes' of players you list makes me realize how lucky I am with the players in my games right now - pretty much just 'normal' and 'hypersocial' players :)

It is funny how similar your thoughts on the people involved in the RPG industry mirror many peoples' thoughts on the people involved in the comic book industry (or computer industry, for that matter).. those who, when they refer to 'user', actually mean 'idiot'... I wonder how prevelant that is in all industries?

I agree, most gamers I know (and especially those who began gaming in or before high school) have passed through at least two of the stages/types of gamers you were referring to. I think (hope) that I myself have only gone through three of them...

[RPGnet Columns]

Post originally by Bob the Fighter at 2005-03-28 15:23:59
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Heh, I think that Ian brings up a good point when he mentions other industries. If I just think of gamers as customers, then it makes perfect sense why designers would have such a dim (if unwarranted) view of their fellow gamers. I'm sure folks know way better than I do how much customers can drive ya nuts.
That being said, I agree that people make sweeping generalizations based on early or formative gaming experiences. Alli, my current V:tM Storyteller, has been telling me for years that I should design games with what Ross called asocial and antisocial gamers in mind. Personally, I've had mixed experiences with gamers, but after a Lead a Normal Life pact I swore in 8th grade, I usually slither away from the socially dysfunctional.
There's a part of me that wants people to run games just like I do, and that wants people to play characters like I do. But ya know, even if it'd drive me nuts to run something for a cadre of number-crunchers, I figure that I don't really want to make people do anything.

[RPGnet Columns]

Post originally by Jim Bob at 2005-03-29 07:05:35
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One thing to bear in mind is that almost nobody is 100% any of the types presented. Unless you're gaming with Ted Bundy, no-one's entirely antisocial. Unless you're gaming with Cat Piss Man, no-one's entirely asocial.

Sometimes people are just grumpy, or shy. Yes, you should design game systems with such people in mind, because everyone is that from time to time. A good game system and good GM should combine to make antisocial gamers more social, and asocial gamers less shy or obtuse.

Of course, for some there's no hope:( But for most gamers out there, you just have to bring their "hypersocial" self out. It's a bit like the introvert/extrovert thing - no-one's entirely one or the other. You can bring out different aspects of the same person in different situations.