Entertainment of the Future | Collaborative Storytelling DWARFS Movies, Books & Video Games
For over a year now I have been utterly fascinated by collaborative storytelling!
Ever since witnessing how much fun it can be to sit around a table with friends and conjure up the most amazing tales right on the spot - I am never looking back to my video gamer days. Seriously, screw video games - this here is real entertainment:
TTRPGs also known as tabletop roleplaying games.
Stories in video games and movies have been so dull in recent years decades I eventually lost interest completely. Like reading a boring book before putting it down. It's as if the industry is purposefully dismantling itself with ever poorer quality content that just sparkles ever and ever more. The packaging is ramped up, while the content has long reached abysmal levels. And in those worlds I always felt constricted. "Not convinced".
Playing a game is only fun when it is immersive, when you don't run into invisible walls constantly. When you can think of something to do and then go try it out. And to see what actual effects your choices have.
Well I feel somewhat ashamed that - despite or maybe due to being a video gamer since my first Gameboy - I had completely ignored the phenomenon of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGS) until about a year ago. Better late than never.
Ever since seeing my first mini-session with the now famous Matt Mercer (linked below), I finally understood why that hobby has such a dedicated fanbase. I was hooked.
Collaborative storytelling is alive and man is it fun - open to anyone who enjoys a good story, regardless of age or worldly dispositions.
A new obsession
The results of TTRPGing are utterly unpredictable because the story is written live on the table!
The Dungeon Master (DM) may have ideas about what world he wants to create for the players, what challenges to throw their way and what tense situations are likely to occur. But the players also decide every step of the way: they make their respective character do and say things, shaping the world in collaboration with the other players and all the non-player-characters the DM portrays. It quickly becomes this vortex of interesting storylines and ideas, and eventually turns into adamant curiosity exploring this almost palpable world that exists only in the mind; becoming more and more real the more it is explored and interacted with.
It's just so funny to realize that we - even as mere viewers of such a gaming session - are still just watching people talk to one another. That's it!
But anybody who has been read a good story in their childhood will know the power of a good story! And anyone who loves a good audiobook knows that a good story and a voice is all that is needed.
And if it unfolds organically - rather than predetermined and all planned out as in books, movies, tv or video games - we as viewers feel the difference. It is genuine. It is real. It's a human pastime, and an ancient one at that. It just got a few nice new spins that introduce randomness (die rolls) and a certain set of rules to make the intangible mind world more reliable.
If you always wondered what this nerdy pastime is about and what it would look like in practice but you weren't quite sure where to start: this video is one rare occasion where the mainstream delivered amazingly, featuring an exciting one-on-one short adventure that gathered enormous attention. It's a cute little story throwing you right into the thick of the TTRPG experience with Dungeons & Dragons.
The play portion starts at 10:30
I feel I will speak much more of this especially as I gather more play experience myself. It's only been a few times thus far as collaborative storytelling does require other people... but those have been immense fun already!
So, have you ever dabbled in tabletop roleplaying with your friends and family? And if so, how was your experience?
Almost 2 decades ago, in my Uni days, I tried my hand on table top role playing with a bunch of male flatmates. I gave up though, after taking part twice or so, as the others were way more nerdy than I was and I wasn't able to enjoy it, nor to put in the time for preparation of my character and all that. I might have a vivid imagination, this was just too boring for me.
i wouldn't have been ready at that time myself. guess it really depends on the people you play with and the chosen approach to the game.
i learned that a lot of skills are involved
thanks vince
I agree
it might not have been the right time and people.
Have a nice one buddy!
It's awesome to see you this active, once again, on Hive.✨
Your presence has been missed.
it warms my heart to read that <3
❤️
I never took part in a game like that. Though I am inspired by your enthusiasm. :) - but love all kinds of table top games. Mostly, we are playing cards, also with self invented rules. Really enjoy it. If you like, I dig out an old posting of mine, where you can also see the design of a self made card game of mine.
This also reminds me of the old days on the chain when we had this regular "finish the story contest", where one blogger initiated the first part, and all participants chose on their individual finishing of the story. It's something totally different, but boy, had I fun. It never gained much attraction in terms of payouts, but nevertheless, as long as it lasted, it had a lively atmosphere through its members and how eager they were to present their ideas.
Have fun!
Oh, and thanks for the re-blogging. Appreciated.
I had a lot of fun playing D&D with my kids and their friends. It was great for their homeschooling education, opening up their imaginations while taxing their skills at maths with multi-sided dice, their writing and record keeping abilities, and social skills.
Thanks!
hey thanks for the feedback.
there are quite the number of articles online how dnd saved their family during the lockdowns.