So, the fav thing to do in my new neighborhood is to sit in you driveway, drink beer, burn things and chat while all this occurs. Inevitably, they ask what I do and the standard "Oh, I do software and publish game books." One thing leads to another and eventually we get to discussing the construction of game books and RPGs. The toughest thing here (and yes, I was surprised that it was) was explaining the concept of one setting, many systems. Eventually, I was able to sum it up as

"Think of it like Monopoly and Sorry. They use similar systems (roll dice, move around board, do things) but are different games. Different systems means you take the Monopoly rules and play on the Sorry board."

This seemed to work.

So, what difficulties have you had in explaining RPGs to non-gamers? How did you resolve them?

Thanks,
Bill

Bill,
 I started a whole thread about that kind of thing over on some other forum.
 Is this also going to get moved to the role-playing section ?
 {{{:-)

 How I explain to people where I work is that RPGs are games where the players are suppoosed to cooperate to "win" the situation or challenge.  I usually compare it to watching a movie or reading a book. There is always that part where you thnk "Well that was stupid, they (the main characters) should have done this..." . In roleplaying games you get to decide what you do next.  They're similiar to bettter action-adventure movies.

That analogy normally works with most people.

Sometimes if necessary I mention examples like The Magnificent Seven , Kelly's Heroes, or Big Trouble In Little China.   Those are movies that have basic RPG set-ups as the starting premise of the story.

- Ed C.

Ed,
Well, I think much like you, this topic strikes me as meta-RPG at best. This is why I thought OT was the place for it. I considered the Actual play and Design forums but, well, that did not sound right either. Meh, if an admin wants to move it I have no problem.

Also, I thought the topic different enough from yours, which seemed more about store encounters and people taking initiative to introduce themselves to RPGs than the difficulties we face when explaining RPGs to non-RPGers. Again, If it is redundant we can lock this thread or merge it.

To your point, yes, that is usually my lead in as well. The whole, "What-If" strategy. It seems to work well but I also find it can lead to a shut down of the conversation. This is not necessarily bad since some folks really are not interested beyond the basics. I find a "What-If" combined with a "This is how you do it" works well to stimulate conversation. Maybe a peppering of CRPG as well.

Bill

I tell them it's like improv theatre mixed with board games.  That always seems to do the trick.

Most people who ask don't really care, at least that has been my experience.  Those that are really, seriously interest I'll go further into detail with or invite over to play.

Quote from: C.W.RichesonI tell them it's like improv theatre mixed with board games.  That always seems to do the trick.

Most people who ask don't really care, at least that has been my experience.  Those that are really, seriously interest I'll go further into detail with or invite over to play.

 You do get a decent percentage who had never had it explained in a good way . If you're really skillful when descriping RPGs - you gain a potential new player.  Or even someone hat fits into that other category ...they "recruit" themselves because they've met someone who seems relatively normal who plays these things.

- Ed C.

Maybe if they're really interested.

Most folk are interested in the same way I'm interested in the sports they like or the TV shows they watch - it's just polite small talk.

I wish I knew who it was who said "It's like World Of Warcraft but with friends and beer".  

I leave out the beer, obviously, but that's a good description, I think.  Either that, or I just talk about it like I assume the listener knows what Im talking about, like it's nothing special.  Like the weather.

Quote from: Dr Rotwang!I wish I knew who it was who said "It's like World Of Warcraft but with friends and beer".  

I leave out the beer, obviously, but that's a good description, I think.  Either that, or I just talk about it like I assume the listener knows what Im talking about, like it's nothing special.  Like the weather.

Uh. That was me.

We don't have beer at the games lately, just because everyone drives so far now.

Quote from: Abyssal MawUh. That was me.

High-five, then, my brother.

I have had some thoughts about World of Warcraft lately. I'm still trying to get them together....

Basicaly, I have been playing lately off and on with some guys at work. And these guys are hardcore PVP-guys. Theyre kinda hilarious, but its like 100% different than what I am used to. Theyre also, totally "out" as World of Warcraft guys. Like they'll talk about it at work... It's kinda funny the way they treat me, (as I am a "n00b" they are always giving me stuff. Like gold and items..)

There's a lot of rough stuff like .. calculated ambushes on other-aligned PCs.. but a lot of camaraderie too. Like they'll go out of their way to help complete strangers if your'e on the same side. (We're all on the Horde).  

These guys aren't particularly nerdy, either.

Did you know there are whole WoW cons?

I'm still trying to formulate my post on the whole PVP thing.