Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Hectic Life
Good day all, I am preparing my next installment for Misfit Brew. During this time however Ive been following other Geeky pursuits including Movies, books, and other non geeky things like work and the like. I will be working up an audio essay on SotC and an installment here as I talk about contenders. Its been a very busy last few weeks but I will be updating my journey more throughout July
Saturday, June 23, 2007
GNS - Why?
Ok IM not trying to deflate the GNS Theory. The ideas of the three main areas are intriguing from an intellectual angle. The styles of play as it were encompass much in the way one can think about gaming. I also realize that GNS has become the Big Model theory of some of game design. And From the design aspect I can see where is can be a tool to creating unique and fun games.
However I have become to question why we as gamers feel the need to fit ourselves or others into these labels. I know I did it too. I am, according to the theory, a Narrativist with some leaning toward simulationist. And this is why I started to wonder, why I worried about this. At the time it seemed important to fit into an area within the theory. Some of you proudly state which area you fit in and a few sneer at one side or the other. I’m not naming names, but you know who you are.
I have come to my own conclusion in that I’m a gamer, this theory is good for intellectual debate, sure, nice when you’re looking into actual game design, but why label your play style, Enjoy what you do and enjoy what you play. Take time to really look at the games you play and if your anything like me, you will see that you enjoy games that fall along the whole spectrum of the GNS theory.
So do you think you need to fall into these labels, or are you like me and just want to promote gaming? So in all things…Go Game!
However I have become to question why we as gamers feel the need to fit ourselves or others into these labels. I know I did it too. I am, according to the theory, a Narrativist with some leaning toward simulationist. And this is why I started to wonder, why I worried about this. At the time it seemed important to fit into an area within the theory. Some of you proudly state which area you fit in and a few sneer at one side or the other. I’m not naming names, but you know who you are.
I have come to my own conclusion in that I’m a gamer, this theory is good for intellectual debate, sure, nice when you’re looking into actual game design, but why label your play style, Enjoy what you do and enjoy what you play. Take time to really look at the games you play and if your anything like me, you will see that you enjoy games that fall along the whole spectrum of the GNS theory.
So do you think you need to fall into these labels, or are you like me and just want to promote gaming? So in all things…Go Game!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Adventuring in Prime Time
Hey Misfitites, Thayan again talking about my adventuring down the path less traveled. Today I want to take a moment and talk about TV in gaming, well sorta. No not how the Dresden Files is a TV show and Now an RPG, but in the way PTA has captivated me as an audience.
Now Prime Time Adventures, by dog eared publications, is a Story Game with some GM Lite qualities. In it you create the Greatest Show Not on TV. Sound Fun? It is. This was the first Story game I ran with my group and we had a blast. With DOgs In The Vineyard fresh in our minds we sat down to tackle PTA, well I have to be honest I kinda pushed it on the group. I wish I could say Everyone showed up early but truth be told it was a night with 2 players missing and the rest lack luster at first.
On this night I became the Producer. The GM lite position allowed me to place obsticals in the players way and force some conflict. But I had a budget. Thats right I had to work with a budget. I couldnt throw things at the players willy nilley I had to spend tokens to get the cards, PTA uses a card based mechanics, to oppose the players.
So working within the budget I start formulating my evil GM plans as the players start creating characters. Now its been awhile so I cant remember everything but they did decide to create a show that is besed Described as "Veronica Mars On Mars" Called "Red October Skies" with the Main Charcater being October Sky, a too smart for his own good inquistive young man with a penchant for trouble. At his side was his "Cousin" a resident of Mars and also an Android (discovered by October in the pilot) and a sassy, sarcastic Alien.
This is when it gets good. The players start slow but the group really dives in as PTA helps with how the mechanics go and we really get a Story now moment. Granted I had been developing a "Plot" while they were creating characters and grabbing ideas from NPCs and things they came up with as they developed the characters. Well as the story ends the group is loving it alot more then they thought going into it and I had a blast as well.
I do realize this gaming story is a bit longer then last time amd I promise next episode will be a bit more theory and less experience but I needed to share this one with you all. It was really the first Story now experience I have had and It blew me away with how much fun we all had. And Yes I as the GM worked within the budget and havent had as much fun GMing even with an unlimited budget normally.
Well I think that about covers it this Misfit Brew, Thanks again for walking the journey with me and as always...Go Game!
Now Prime Time Adventures, by dog eared publications, is a Story Game with some GM Lite qualities. In it you create the Greatest Show Not on TV. Sound Fun? It is. This was the first Story game I ran with my group and we had a blast. With DOgs In The Vineyard fresh in our minds we sat down to tackle PTA, well I have to be honest I kinda pushed it on the group. I wish I could say Everyone showed up early but truth be told it was a night with 2 players missing and the rest lack luster at first.
On this night I became the Producer. The GM lite position allowed me to place obsticals in the players way and force some conflict. But I had a budget. Thats right I had to work with a budget. I couldnt throw things at the players willy nilley I had to spend tokens to get the cards, PTA uses a card based mechanics, to oppose the players.
So working within the budget I start formulating my evil GM plans as the players start creating characters. Now its been awhile so I cant remember everything but they did decide to create a show that is besed Described as "Veronica Mars On Mars" Called "Red October Skies" with the Main Charcater being October Sky, a too smart for his own good inquistive young man with a penchant for trouble. At his side was his "Cousin" a resident of Mars and also an Android (discovered by October in the pilot) and a sassy, sarcastic Alien.
This is when it gets good. The players start slow but the group really dives in as PTA helps with how the mechanics go and we really get a Story now moment. Granted I had been developing a "Plot" while they were creating characters and grabbing ideas from NPCs and things they came up with as they developed the characters. Well as the story ends the group is loving it alot more then they thought going into it and I had a blast as well.
I do realize this gaming story is a bit longer then last time amd I promise next episode will be a bit more theory and less experience but I needed to share this one with you all. It was really the first Story now experience I have had and It blew me away with how much fun we all had. And Yes I as the GM worked within the budget and havent had as much fun GMing even with an unlimited budget normally.
Well I think that about covers it this Misfit Brew, Thanks again for walking the journey with me and as always...Go Game!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Been Busy
Hey Guys and Gals,
Sorry I havent updated, look for a new one in the next few days. However Ive had a chance to podcast with some friends the last few days. First off I got to sit down on the New The Wandering Geek Podcast. SO when its released go check it out. Curt the Camera Guy runs a great show.
Look for a new post about Prime Time adventures later this month as it will coincide with the Misfit Brew Essay this month.
Sorry I havent updated, look for a new one in the next few days. However Ive had a chance to podcast with some friends the last few days. First off I got to sit down on the New The Wandering Geek Podcast. SO when its released go check it out. Curt the Camera Guy runs a great show.
Look for a new post about Prime Time adventures later this month as it will coincide with the Misfit Brew Essay this month.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
GM and GM Less
This topic is one that is brought up on the current Misfit Brew EP 21 which debuts my aduio Essay for this Blog. Well that said time to delve into this topic head first. This truly is a sticky wicket when it comes to topics as the ehated debate can at times seem to fly in the face of not only Traditional Gaming But in an individuals prefered gaming style.
I want to preface any comments with the fact that as long as your having fun, you win the game so please remember that we have all kinds of games because we have all kinds of gamers. But I want to take a moment with the gloves off and really look at the topic and try to make no apologies.
First GM Games. These are traditional games for the most part. Some INdie games have a GM of a sot but realistically this is a way of gaming that has been around since RPGs early inception. Now is this a bad way of gaming. By No Means. I would view most GM type games as a More Story Before as a general rule.
These type of games can be fun and they are a fine way of gaming.
Now looking at GMLess Games. These are as a general rule more of a collabrative style games. They tend to mediate GM like powers to each and every player and it is a way for the players themselves to together tell the story the group wants not what one person wants.
This is a very Story Now style game and provides a lot of freedom for players to work their characters in and weave this collabrative narrative. This too is a fine and fun way to play. This is actually the style of game I feel I have grown to wanting personally.
Ok so we see both are fine and fun, so why the big debate? What is the problem between these games? Why does it seem when you mention the idea of removing the GM do people tend to cringe?
Well I think its a control issue. Its a predisposition of a final authority. Its also the fact that there are players who will take advantage of certain powers and piss on everyones fun cause they want to be the God Mode character. Trust me The last guy, Yea Ive gamed iwth him, Often.
Do I believe that a GM is responsible for controlling his Players? NO, with this caveat. If the players are all underage preteen and an adult is running the game. The adult should keep the kids in line and at the table, especially if gmaing in a public locale.
Otherwise The GM should not Have to "Control" the player. The Player him or herself should control themselves. They should play within the rules and should play within character. Do people, sometimes and sometimes not. So I understand in a Social setting sometimes the GM Has to "Control" certain players who want to exploit rules and exploit cheats.
A GM Should know what type of group they have and the group should determine how much control a GM has and together police themselves. And just because one player from an old group would Cheat doesnt mean their current group will. A GM who takes their bias's of negative experience and lay it on a group that isnt that way is Bad GMing.
Thats what I have on this topic. Please let me know where you stand and let me know if you agree or disagree.
And remember No Matter what. Go game!
Mark "Thayan" Reed
I want to preface any comments with the fact that as long as your having fun, you win the game so please remember that we have all kinds of games because we have all kinds of gamers. But I want to take a moment with the gloves off and really look at the topic and try to make no apologies.
First GM Games. These are traditional games for the most part. Some INdie games have a GM of a sot but realistically this is a way of gaming that has been around since RPGs early inception. Now is this a bad way of gaming. By No Means. I would view most GM type games as a More Story Before as a general rule.
These type of games can be fun and they are a fine way of gaming.
Now looking at GMLess Games. These are as a general rule more of a collabrative style games. They tend to mediate GM like powers to each and every player and it is a way for the players themselves to together tell the story the group wants not what one person wants.
This is a very Story Now style game and provides a lot of freedom for players to work their characters in and weave this collabrative narrative. This too is a fine and fun way to play. This is actually the style of game I feel I have grown to wanting personally.
Ok so we see both are fine and fun, so why the big debate? What is the problem between these games? Why does it seem when you mention the idea of removing the GM do people tend to cringe?
Well I think its a control issue. Its a predisposition of a final authority. Its also the fact that there are players who will take advantage of certain powers and piss on everyones fun cause they want to be the God Mode character. Trust me The last guy, Yea Ive gamed iwth him, Often.
Do I believe that a GM is responsible for controlling his Players? NO, with this caveat. If the players are all underage preteen and an adult is running the game. The adult should keep the kids in line and at the table, especially if gmaing in a public locale.
Otherwise The GM should not Have to "Control" the player. The Player him or herself should control themselves. They should play within the rules and should play within character. Do people, sometimes and sometimes not. So I understand in a Social setting sometimes the GM Has to "Control" certain players who want to exploit rules and exploit cheats.
A GM Should know what type of group they have and the group should determine how much control a GM has and together police themselves. And just because one player from an old group would Cheat doesnt mean their current group will. A GM who takes their bias's of negative experience and lay it on a group that isnt that way is Bad GMing.
Thats what I have on this topic. Please let me know where you stand and let me know if you agree or disagree.
And remember No Matter what. Go game!
Mark "Thayan" Reed
Friday, May 25, 2007
Agreeing in my Disagreeing
OK, Ive listened mostly to the Ron Edwards interview that Paul Tevis and Mick Bradley informed me about over at Theory from the Closet, a pretty cool Gaming podcast. And from that I still dont agree with Mr. Edwards in his Brain Damage comments, though I relent I can see what he is saying.
I must agree with him on Story Now as being a interesting fun way to game. ANd its something I want to do. It answered a lot of my questions about what I was looking for, specifically in my Play by Post gaming. However, I do not see those who have played WW games in teh early editions as being brin damamged. I do understand now though he is refering to a small group and not the Overall community. He is refering to a group of expectations of some individuals. those who wanted and expected Story Now and got what they got.
However I do not believe this to be the mass of players that is infered. As there are countless valid ways to play and valid expectations from gaming we look for when we game. Story before is a wonderful way to play sometimes. SOmetimes I want to be inside someone elses story to help tell my Characters story within the larger story. Just as soemtimes I want to tell a collabrative story.
However those who played a certain way expecting somethign are not brain damamged just misguided. And I believe thses creative people are and will be leading the forefront of Game design as we search for different ways to game, different ways to tell the story.
I do however see this misguided set of expectations as something which gets in the way of gaming, sometimes, especially in PbP Gaming. The expectation of the GM feeding story to his/her players is a fine and sometiems Fun way to game, but in a more collabrative work, the player needs to realize that he/she must sometiems give back to the GM, and teh GM needs to realize that in PbP Gaming he needs his players to give more then just reactionary accounts of the story. Both sides need to be proactive.
This reactionary mindset can be a stumbling block, and it is the comfortable normal mindset of MOst gamers, especially story before players. THis is not brain damaged players, just a mindset that players incorporate. And it is one which can get in the way of Story Now Games.
So While I disagree vehemently with Ron Edwards and his psycho babble, I do have to give him this, he is close on the mark, and I think that education and shared experience under a story now model is useful to those who want that kind of Game. But in the long run its the expectations and wants We as Gamers bring to the table which ultimatly decide if we are having fun.
So Whatever you do Go Game.
Mark Thayan Reed
I must agree with him on Story Now as being a interesting fun way to game. ANd its something I want to do. It answered a lot of my questions about what I was looking for, specifically in my Play by Post gaming. However, I do not see those who have played WW games in teh early editions as being brin damamged. I do understand now though he is refering to a small group and not the Overall community. He is refering to a group of expectations of some individuals. those who wanted and expected Story Now and got what they got.
However I do not believe this to be the mass of players that is infered. As there are countless valid ways to play and valid expectations from gaming we look for when we game. Story before is a wonderful way to play sometimes. SOmetimes I want to be inside someone elses story to help tell my Characters story within the larger story. Just as soemtimes I want to tell a collabrative story.
However those who played a certain way expecting somethign are not brain damamged just misguided. And I believe thses creative people are and will be leading the forefront of Game design as we search for different ways to game, different ways to tell the story.
I do however see this misguided set of expectations as something which gets in the way of gaming, sometimes, especially in PbP Gaming. The expectation of the GM feeding story to his/her players is a fine and sometiems Fun way to game, but in a more collabrative work, the player needs to realize that he/she must sometiems give back to the GM, and teh GM needs to realize that in PbP Gaming he needs his players to give more then just reactionary accounts of the story. Both sides need to be proactive.
This reactionary mindset can be a stumbling block, and it is the comfortable normal mindset of MOst gamers, especially story before players. THis is not brain damaged players, just a mindset that players incorporate. And it is one which can get in the way of Story Now Games.
So While I disagree vehemently with Ron Edwards and his psycho babble, I do have to give him this, he is close on the mark, and I think that education and shared experience under a story now model is useful to those who want that kind of Game. But in the long run its the expectations and wants We as Gamers bring to the table which ultimatly decide if we are having fun.
So Whatever you do Go Game.
Mark Thayan Reed
Journey #1 - Misfit Brew
As a service to my fellow misfits and gamers I will post the essay I wrote which became my first Misfit Brew Essay. SO here and enjoy...
Hello my fellow MIsfits and Gamers. This is Thayan. And welcome to my Journey for Independence. As I delve into Indie/Story games I am going to be recording my thoughts and ideas for the Misfit Brew as well as chronicalling them over at my new blog at thayans.blogspor.com . Today I want to look at my where for me this began.
OK fair warning, gaming story ahead. It will be short I promise. I remember about a year or so ago I was sitting at my Gaming table with my face to face group. We were playing DnD d20 and it was a marvelous campaign. I really have to give props to my GM as he really did weave a very good plot, wvwn though we did end up in a lot of dungeon crawls, THey made sense so to speak. Needless to say I wanted to have more then just listening to the story and interacting with whats going on. I felt like I had more to tell. COuple that with playtesting for Atlas Games and beging exposed to some really fun and Bad games the Gamer in me started to grow up.
So fast forward several months, nearly a year I suppose. And at this point I had started to become interested more in Game design and was starting to "Grow" as a gamer. And one of my friends at the Gaming table suggested "Dogs in the Vinyards" Now I had heard about Dogs but hadn't played it yet. So we all agree to give it a shot, and Oh My Goodness I am glad I did. My group really hadn't "Roleplayed" that much in a long time and well while it wasnt All in Character, the mechanics of the game really helped promote Story Now. The night ended in a big Character vs Character argument which fit in story and fit characters, Myself and my Friend at one point were standing up pointing fingers, all smiles as it was in fun, Dut at that moment the Characters had it out for each other and by god we the players felt the excitement.
Thus my addiction was started. I had to find more games, DOgs was fun and awsome but I had other interests, other genres, and so I went searching. I found many games Ive read now and many I want to play. And we will look into those games as the need arises.
So please walk with me on this, my own Journey, and perhaps you will find yourself coming along not just to listen to me but for your own discoveries. All I ask is you share them with us all. For gaming Is a social event and we can learn a lot from eachother. So share here at The Harping Monkey but please also visit me at thayans.blogspot.com there I will be posting these essays as well as additional thoughts and theories.
Thanks again my fellow misfits and please go game.
Hello my fellow MIsfits and Gamers. This is Thayan. And welcome to my Journey for Independence. As I delve into Indie/Story games I am going to be recording my thoughts and ideas for the Misfit Brew as well as chronicalling them over at my new blog at thayans.blogspor.com . Today I want to look at my where for me this began.
OK fair warning, gaming story ahead. It will be short I promise. I remember about a year or so ago I was sitting at my Gaming table with my face to face group. We were playing DnD d20 and it was a marvelous campaign. I really have to give props to my GM as he really did weave a very good plot, wvwn though we did end up in a lot of dungeon crawls, THey made sense so to speak. Needless to say I wanted to have more then just listening to the story and interacting with whats going on. I felt like I had more to tell. COuple that with playtesting for Atlas Games and beging exposed to some really fun and Bad games the Gamer in me started to grow up.
So fast forward several months, nearly a year I suppose. And at this point I had started to become interested more in Game design and was starting to "Grow" as a gamer. And one of my friends at the Gaming table suggested "Dogs in the Vinyards" Now I had heard about Dogs but hadn't played it yet. So we all agree to give it a shot, and Oh My Goodness I am glad I did. My group really hadn't "Roleplayed" that much in a long time and well while it wasnt All in Character, the mechanics of the game really helped promote Story Now. The night ended in a big Character vs Character argument which fit in story and fit characters, Myself and my Friend at one point were standing up pointing fingers, all smiles as it was in fun, Dut at that moment the Characters had it out for each other and by god we the players felt the excitement.
Thus my addiction was started. I had to find more games, DOgs was fun and awsome but I had other interests, other genres, and so I went searching. I found many games Ive read now and many I want to play. And we will look into those games as the need arises.
So please walk with me on this, my own Journey, and perhaps you will find yourself coming along not just to listen to me but for your own discoveries. All I ask is you share them with us all. For gaming Is a social event and we can learn a lot from eachother. So share here at The Harping Monkey but please also visit me at thayans.blogspot.com there I will be posting these essays as well as additional thoughts and theories.
Thanks again my fellow misfits and please go game.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Story Now
I have to give abig thank you to Paul Tevis for bringing this to my attention through "Have Games WIll Travel" POdcast. This is a thought brought about by Ron Edwards, who I can honestly say I have some differences with, but since he doesnt forgive his opinions, I dont either.
However this nugget of Brilliance is one thing Ive been looking for to define what Ive been looking for.
The basic premise is that story is the game and not just the Product of the game. This is a perfect definition of what Ive been looking for in some of my gaming. My understanding is that you as a group tell the story in play and not just one guys story through play.
Normally one person brings the plot and everyone controls their own character within the "GMs" Story. And you get story as aproduct of play. This is a fine way to play and one I enjoy quite alot. HOwever Story Now puts the story happening in play allowing each player to tell the story together. Without preconception or expectation for a specific story.
I have more thoughts on this however this is my intial comments on this.
However this nugget of Brilliance is one thing Ive been looking for to define what Ive been looking for.
The basic premise is that story is the game and not just the Product of the game. This is a perfect definition of what Ive been looking for in some of my gaming. My understanding is that you as a group tell the story in play and not just one guys story through play.
Normally one person brings the plot and everyone controls their own character within the "GMs" Story. And you get story as aproduct of play. This is a fine way to play and one I enjoy quite alot. HOwever Story Now puts the story happening in play allowing each player to tell the story together. Without preconception or expectation for a specific story.
I have more thoughts on this however this is my intial comments on this.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The First Steps - A Letter to all
Hey everyone,
Most of you know who I am, as I dont think amny people will read this blog who dont know me. But I will take a moment to introduce myself for those who may be new. My name is Mark "Thayan" Reed and I plan on using this blog to show my evolution from generic gaming to looking for Story Gaming. I plan on using the Misfit Brew podcast to verbalize some of my thoughts and I plan on posting those essays here as well, hopefully I can wait until after I record before I do.
I am a long time gamer, fairly new Game designer, and someone who has been starving at his gaming table. I enjoyed gaming as a kid and then the dungeon crawls and Characters named Fy-Tor worked for me, as I was young and un developed. As Ive grown Ive started to realize I needed much mroe then the new flavor, d20, was offering. I was staving and drowinging in miniture warefare. I dont mind mini's in fact I really do enjoy mini Games, but not when I want to tell a story.
SO I sat and waited... THen I discovered Story games. I dont want to get into much yet as I want to give this blog something worth reading. I will say this though, While I am still hungry at the gaming table I have wet my appetite and have found new flavors in gaming. I have been re-awoken to the possabilities which my favorite podcasts have opened. SHows like those found at The Harping Monkey, Dragons Landing, Fear the Boot, and All Games Considered. Plus many others of which I listen have really helped me realize What I want in gaming. Thanks Guys...
Other things I will talk about will include "Holding Court" the Game Ive designed, and want to get out for playtesting, and other gaming ideas I have, so please come back and leave comments.
THanks All
Mark "Thayan" Reed
Most of you know who I am, as I dont think amny people will read this blog who dont know me. But I will take a moment to introduce myself for those who may be new. My name is Mark "Thayan" Reed and I plan on using this blog to show my evolution from generic gaming to looking for Story Gaming. I plan on using the Misfit Brew podcast to verbalize some of my thoughts and I plan on posting those essays here as well, hopefully I can wait until after I record before I do.
I am a long time gamer, fairly new Game designer, and someone who has been starving at his gaming table. I enjoyed gaming as a kid and then the dungeon crawls and Characters named Fy-Tor worked for me, as I was young and un developed. As Ive grown Ive started to realize I needed much mroe then the new flavor, d20, was offering. I was staving and drowinging in miniture warefare. I dont mind mini's in fact I really do enjoy mini Games, but not when I want to tell a story.
SO I sat and waited... THen I discovered Story games. I dont want to get into much yet as I want to give this blog something worth reading. I will say this though, While I am still hungry at the gaming table I have wet my appetite and have found new flavors in gaming. I have been re-awoken to the possabilities which my favorite podcasts have opened. SHows like those found at The Harping Monkey, Dragons Landing, Fear the Boot, and All Games Considered. Plus many others of which I listen have really helped me realize What I want in gaming. Thanks Guys...
Other things I will talk about will include "Holding Court" the Game Ive designed, and want to get out for playtesting, and other gaming ideas I have, so please come back and leave comments.
THanks All
Mark "Thayan" Reed
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)