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Dungeons & Dragons and IT

Posted by samzenpus on from the expedition-to-the-barrier-peaks dept.

boyko.at.netqos writes "An editorial in Network Performance Daily tries to take a (1d6) stab at explaining why geeky engineering types are also typically the types that enjoy a rousing game of D&D. From the article "The greatest barrier to creativity is a lack of boundaries. Counter-intuitive — almost zen-like — but we've found it to be true. This is why people play Dungeons & Dragons (and similar games), and why network engineers often spend time putting out fires when they could be improving the network."

4 of 243 comments (clear)

  1. We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by LordEd · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... if somebody would please take their dragon and keep it outside where it belongs!

    1. Re:We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 5, Funny

      The problem is usually that most companies don't hire any more D&D players than it takes to just barely put fires out. You wouldn't be putting out fires all the time if your employer would hire more wizards, although wizardry doesn't come cheap.

      You can get four or five wizards for the price of one, but the catch is, the wizards come with the curse that Rutger Hauer and his girlfriend Michelle Pfeiffer had in that movie Ladyhawke. He was a wolf at night and his girlfriend Michelle Pfeiffer turned into a hawk during the day. A simple email conversation would have taken them days and days!

    2. Re:We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's not a werewolf, it a guy with a "unix beard(tm)".

      The way to check is that you say "say, what's your opinion on packaging systems?". If they growl and try rip your throat out, use the silver bullets. If they start to tell their grand view of how packaging should work, use regular ammo.

      If ever a werewolf were to evolve that has a fur pattern that looks the same as a short sleeved shirt with pocket protector, the human race is doomed.

  2. Re: this guy has it backwards. by Black+Parrot · · Score: 5, Funny

    D&D helped me be a better engineer by:
    1. learning and working with a complex rule set.
    2. Reading and comprehending specifications. The rulebook is several hundred pages long.
    3. Problem solving within a strict set of boundaries, both individually and as a group
    4. Failing a quest gracefully, without a hissy fit or seppeku, and without blaming the Damned Managers! (DM) 5. Carrying a +5 Bastard Sword, for cutting through the red tape when it gets in your way.

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade