Slashdot Mirror
Why Computer RPGs Waste Your Time
spidweb writes "RPGVault has an editorial about two particularly noxious qualities of computer role-playing games. Spiderweb Software's Jeff Vogel goes off on a tear, discussing how you work forever to earn the right to do anything exciting, and must 'prove yourself' by expending tons of your time. From the article: 'So now, thinking about playing an RPG just makes me tired. I'm tired of starting a new game and being a loser. I'm tired of running the same errands to prove myself. The next time I enter my fantasy world, I want it to not assume that I'm a jackass.'" I think Oblivion handled this well, scaling the world as you went and giving you really interesting things to do from the get-go. What other games dodge this bullet? Do you see this timesink as an inevitable part of the RPG genre?
... who notices this:
[snip]
"Finding the shadestones and charging the sunstone took 90 minutes. I could have watched a good movie in that time. It was a completely nonsensical activity[.]"
[snip]
How much more sense does it make to watch a movie in these 90 minutes? It is basically like watching a movie anyways, but with interaction!
<rant>
How about getting some friends or - who knows - maybe even a girlfriend? Spend some time with them! Or do sports (you now, that's when you actually spend some time doing nonsensical activities that are good for your body and your mind).
I think Jeff is pretty pathetic. If you don't like games - don't play them! And don't tell me that you have to because it is your job. Get a different job then.
Get a life.
</rant>