That's a tough one to answer.

I remember back when I first rolled a d20, when I first filled out all the boxes on my character sheet and when I was thrust into my first fight, wondering if I would live long enough to grasp victory on the other side.  The sense of danger and never knowing what would happen next was an instant draw for me.  Then there was this totally different person I got to be; a genuine and courageous hero that I couldn't be in real life.

I've tried to recapture that feeling over the years but have more or less failed.  I haven't been able to play face-to-face in close to two years, only playing some chat based games.  I've relegated myself to more of a creative role.  Writing settings is something I seem to enjoy most these days, having written a fantasy setting (that hardly anyone seems to like), two supers settings (a Silver Age and an Ultimate Marvel style one) and I've started pondering a Space Opera Sci-Fi setting as well.

So out of all that rambling, my answer would be: Creation.

I find RPGs to be mentally stimulating.  

Unlike most other activities, though, RPGs are stimulating both in terms of 'creativity' (coming up with new worlds, adventures, characters, etc.) and 'mechanics' (knowing the rules, making strategic decisions regarding the campaign, making tactical decisions in combat and other dramatic situations, etc.).

Also, unlike my job (which is also mentally stimulating), RPGs do not induce stress.

I like to explore gaming worlds through play.  The more interesting the setting the more fun I have. However, I do also enjoy interaction between other characters. There are just some things that you can't do in real life , but are interesting in gaming.

I play because I enjoy it. I try not to dig any deeper than that; introspection sent my highschool otaku self spiralling into dark oceans of pretension and fangay.

I also play because the pictures in my head are cooler than any artist's.

for the chicks, I do it for the chicks.

I play to have a good time. I like fantasy and scifi, and like the idea of being in control of a character in a story in one of those genres. Plus, the social interaction is always a plus, especially with long-time friends.

But I have to admit that it's been so long since I've had a game to play in, I'm thinking about hangin' it up. And no, I won't post a "Goodbye cruel gaming world!" thread if that happens.

don't give up colonel- I played a character for the first time in 10 years in friday night- it can happen for you!

Why do you play? Because when I was a punk kid a hot older chick asked me if I would like to game with her friends and her. True Story. Okay, she had a boyfriend who was a mean mothefucker but ran a fucking cool Traveller campaign and everyone was older than me, but it was all about having fun and creating these wonderful tales of adventure.

Hell, for a time there, I kind of forgot about reading fiction because I was actually playing it. Times change, taste change, but one thing remains constant - it's all about creating these tales with a bunch of friends.

Regards,
David R

Quote from: ColonelHardisson... But I have to admit that it's been so long since I've had a game to play in, I'm thinking about hangin' it up. And no, I won't post a "Goodbye cruel gaming world!" thread if that happens.

Don't quit Colonel!  Your comments are too valuable.

But if you are thinking about quitting for good, be sure to post about it, so that we can talk you out of it!

Quote from: ColonelHardissonI play to have a good time. I like fantasy and scifi, and like the idea of being in control of a character in a story in one of those genres. Plus, the social interaction is always a plus, especially with long-time friends.

But I have to admit that it's been so long since I've had a game to play in, I'm thinking about hangin' it up. And no, I won't post a "Goodbye cruel gaming world!" thread if that happens.

No man who was lampooned by Gygax himself should ever quit gaming.

I play because it's *usually* fun.
 
I've kind of always played, it's just what comes to mind when I think "free time".

Quote from: AkrasiaDon't quit Colonel!  Your comments are too valuable.

But if you are thinking about quitting for good, be sure to post about it, so that we can talk you out of it!

Quote from: Caesar SlaadNo man who was lampooned by Gygax himself should ever quit gaming.

I'm sorry to have made that comment about getting out of gaming, but I appreciate the sentiments. Thanks.