Hello everyone, it's time to close our saga about invaluable skillsets gained from gaming. Last but not the least, role playing games are essentially most accurate simulation of life, from perspective of an individual. We will talk about origins of genre, and way it shapes our perspective on subconscious level. Feel free to also check RTS and FPS articles if you missed them.
Genesis
Entire genre, including MMORPG, came to life as video adaptation of popular board F(antasy)RPG. FRPing sessions include several people sitting around table.One person is dungeon master representing storyteller, guided by rulebook and his imagination, while rest are players forming a party of unique individuals, each having his own role and character. Dungeon master interacts with players giving them choices and obstacles. Famous d20 is a special dice with 20 sides, which is used as fate decider for usually unfortunate adventurers in difficult situations. Rulebook represents basic meta of the world.
Character sheet
Character development is inseparable part of every RPG. Without it, game isn't part of genre. Our characters are always imperfect, and their statistics show obvious strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons. Key to successful playing is keeping character out of situations he can't handle. Every character improves in process of leveling up, gaining statistics, skills, perks, traits, quirks. Real life isn't much different. Its a perfect example how we are capable of understanding what is best for us, but when it comes to real life, we often fail to be rational.
Moral choices
Plenty of room to make a choice and live with it. Not knowing how will it affect us in future. People call it karma, i just call it consequential nature of universe. World is always smaller than we think, and good or bad things we do build up our reputation. Food for thought. Are you in it for a long haul? Or do you care about short term? Gaming lets us try things we otherwise wouldn't do, and help us understand things from different perspectives.
Diplomacy
Power of diplomacy is underrated. We are not talking about politics and war here, but smaller individual scale. Finding solutions that please all participants always net biggest rewards. In a cruel capitalist world, where so many people are selfish and obsessed with power, sacrificing their self-worth to achieve goals, we need to approach this seriously. Resonating with truth, inline with beliefs, and showing firm but fair attitude, will earn you respect. Once you have someones respect built upon frank and fair reasoning, people will value your opinion more and be ready to compromise. Yet diplomacy is not omnipotent. Certain underdeveloped individuals who respect only force are impossible to negotiate with.
Freedom of movement
RPGs let us go everywhere. Usually, there is main quest line, but side quests are numerous with true intent of life simulation. Exploring the world, learning about it, having a wonderful journey. Life should be like that. But it can be difficult, as we are indoctrinated to be nothing more than slaves. Other slaves try to degrade you when you want to become something more, out of their own insecurity. Learn to identify underlying reason for lack of environment support. Be a pioneer, try things out, and don't be afraid to fail. Be smart about it, make sure failures have consequences you can handle. Trust in your ability and intellect. Don't let others put you in mindset of unconditional obeying. Once you are used to constant mild discomfort that comes along with experimental attitude, rewards will be astonishing. Take a look around, and observe older people. Do you want to be like them? What do you like about them, ask them for advice. Naturally, if you dislike how life played out for them, don't follow same route. Simple reasoning, but often overlooked.
Inner circle of friends
Great lesson to be learned here. When you have party of NPCs and come across new one, swapping for better comes easy. You see them as more valuable, and old one is left behind. Is it selfish and cold? Maybe. Should you do it? Absolutely. More often then not, people are stuck in failing relationships and bad friendships that drain your life. Yet those who complain do nothing about it. Your time is limited, and needs proper management. Pick your friends carefully. Make sure they support you, care about you. Be there for them. Get rid of favor seekers, or waste time on them, it's up to you.
RNG
If it only was as simple as rolling the dice. Random number generator is used heavily in video games. Especially in RPGs. It adds the realistic feeling of unpredictability. Facing bad luck is frustrating, and only way to counter it, is to expect it, and prepare for it. Better safe than sorry.
I hope you enjoyed the read, thank you for your support, and see you next time with a brand new topic.
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