Roleplaying games (RPGs) have long captivated the hearts and minds of countless gamers, offering a diverse range of experiences, settings, and mechanics to choose from. Within this vast landscape, a particularly intriguing dichotomy arises between the Old School Revival (OSR) RPGs and narrative-focused systems. As a passionate RPG enthusiast who has predominantly embraced the latter, I’ve often pondered why I never got OSR games; why they’ve never clicked for me. Perhaps my entry point into the hobby with Vampire: The Masquerade has coloured my preferences. Let’s go ahead and delve into this intriguing dynamic, exploring the factors that have shaped my inclination toward narrative RPGs over OSR offerings.
Old School Revival RPGs return to and celebrate the sort of games that were prevalent in the formative days of the hobby, drawing inspiration from classic systems like early editions of Dungeons & Dragons. They often emphasise player resourcefulness, challenge, and the thrill of exploration within intricate and dangerous worlds. For many, this style evokes nostalgia and a sense of purity in its approach to gaming mechanics and settings.
My journey into the world of RPGs began with Vampire: The Masquerade, a narrative-driven game where players inhabit the roles of bloodthirsty vampires navigating a complex web of politics, personal struggles, and supernatural intrigue. The game’s emphasis on character development, personal stories, and the consequences of one’s choices resonated deeply with me. Through its lens, I came to value storytelling, emotional investment, and the exploration of intricate character relationships.
It’s no surprise that my entry into RPGs via Vampire: The Masquerade has left a lasting impression on my preferences. The game’s emphasis on character-driven narrative and its thematic focus on personal struggles and interpersonal dynamics resonated with my storytelling sensibilities. As I later explored other RPGs, I found myself gravitating towards systems that allowed me to delve into rich character arcs and intricate plotlines.
While I can appreciate the depth and challenge that OSR RPGs offer, there’s an inherent difference in approach that has kept me from fully embracing them. The emphasis on survival, resource management, and exploration, while appealing to many, doesn’t always resonate with my desire for immersive storytelling and emotional investment in characters. It’s not that OSR is inherently lacking in narrative potential, but rather that my initial exposure to RPGs set a distinct tone for my gaming experiences.
It’s important to note that personal preferences in RPGs are highly subjective and often influenced by individual tastes, experiences, and creative inclinations. Just as OSR enthusiasts find joy in recreating the gritty challenges of yesteryears’ adventures, narrative enthusiasts like myself find fulfillment in crafting and exploring our stories through characters’ journeys.
In the end, the beauty of the RPG hobby lies in its diversity. There’s room for both OSR and narrative systems, and it’s perfectly acceptable to favor one over the other. As the RPG community continues to evolve and innovate, we can also witness the emergence of hybrid systems that aim to bridge the gap between differing playstyles.
Reflecting on my RPG journey, it’s clear that my initial exposure to “Vampire: The Masquerade” has played a significant role in shaping my affinity for narrative-rich systems. While I may not find myself drawn to the intricacies of OSR RPGs, I’m grateful for the exposure they’ve provided me to diverse gaming experiences. Ultimately, our entry point into the hobby has a profound impact on our preferences, yet the magic of RPGs lies in their ability to adapt, inspire, and unite a community that celebrates myriad ways to tell stories and explore imaginary worlds.
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