So you mention playing RPGs and someone will often chime in with "oh I tried that and I didn't like it"..... now at this point I get a little stumped. But then I always loved doing RPGs.
It got me thinking, what could lead someone to not like an RPG!
How Many Times?
Like many things in life our tastes change as we mature. There may be some things that will stick with us all our lives, but there are plenty of things we didn't like when we were younger that we really dig when we get older! Sometimes people gave RPGs 1 shot and declared they didn't' like it and just like that it becomes set in stone. They don't like them and will never try again! Go on .. give it another try but bare in mind the following bits too!
The Genre
There are so many genres out there. Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, Sch-Fi-Horror etc. that maybe they just played a genre they didn't like. Maybe if they tried with a totally different genre they would enjoy it? Check out all the different genres and see if you can get in on a game that your really intrigued by, or even better gets you really excited or passionate about playing the game!
The System
Just as there are many genres there are many systems. Sure lots of them share similarities in gaming mechanics, but it really is true that some people just can't get on with certain gaming systems. I'm quite agnostic, but I can see I wouldn't like a system that enforced minute detail. I prefer larger scale generic approaches to things. If you don't enjoy an RPG try some different styles of systems, you may find it was just the system holding back your enjoyment!
The Other Players
Lets be brutally honest. The group you game with is key. In a way you bare a little part of your soul to the people in that room. They get to see a part of you that no-one else will ever see. There is an almost sacred element to it. What happens on game night stays in game night! You have to not only be comfortable with the group, but comfortable enough to show elements of yourself and see others. You may not have really gelled or felt comfortable with the players when you first tried an RPG, so give it a go with another gaming group, maybe that will work for you!
The GM
Ok after the players there is also the GM. Are they out to play every little aspect of the system to try and foil you, or kill your character. Are they delaying the inevitable just long enough to really make it smart when the ogre crushes your skull. Different people enjoy different elements. Some people may enjoy an adversarial GM. Me, I like a GM who works with the players to make a fun enjoyable game. Again work out what would be best for you and make sure your getting in on a game with a GM who is going to suit your play style.
The Adventure
Ok we have the genre you like, you have a bunch of people you are cool with and a GM who wants to see you all be fantastic. But what if the adventure itself just sort of falls flat. Maybe it just doesn't capture your imagination. In my mind an average adventure is made or broken by the skills of the GM and the players round the table. They can make an average adventure awesome, and an awesome adventure mundane. But like it or love it, if you don't dig the adventure your on then your just not going to have fun. Discuss with the group what would be interesting to do adventure wise!
They Wore What?
Did everyone else turn up to that session in cloaks, swords belted to their sides and slightly crooked fake elf ears? You didn't feel comfortable with that? That's OK. There are plenty of RPG groups that don't go for the fully immersive style, but then again maybe it was the other way round. You flounced into the room and with a florid bow introduced yourself as Lorell the archer only to realise everyone else was wearing jeans and t-shirts ... that's OK too, there are plenty of groups who dig really getting into the whole scene. It is about what your really going to enjoy, so whichever style suits you, roll with it. But don't discount the game from a single bad experience.
I guess what I'm saying is ... if you had 1 bad RPG experience try and analyse why it wasn't working for you, and see if those elements can be addressed. You know, if you liked the group and GM but didn't really get the Fantasy vibe, maybe they would be happy to play a Sci-Fi campaign. Never hurts to ask, and ultimately RPGs are games, there to play and have fun.
So anyways that's what I think when someone says they don't like RPGs. Maybe next time someone says that we can all encourage them to have another go.
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