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Online Gaming: The Why of It

© Brandy Ross

I want to make it quite clear to the readers that this article is part of a series on gaming online but it does not reflect Frank’s opinions on the differences between online and table top gaming. This article is about my experiences and my thoughts on the game.

I was first introduced to D&D through a novel I read as a young teen. My love for fantasy was already evident but at the time I had no idea what D&D was or how to go about finding more information. The concept of a role-playing game was tucked away in my mind.

More than eleven years ago, Frank reintroduced me to that tucked away interest. He was already a long time gamer. It took me awhile to really enjoy the game. The rules confused me at first because it was a game unlike any I had ever played before.

I continued experimenting with classes and races until I found a few character types that would become my signature choices. My passion for creating stories about vivid characters finally found an outlet with a role-playing.

My love for the game only deepened when we made the discovery of online gaming. I certainly cannot say that online play was the perfect gaming experience. I have alternated my pleasure with frustration and anger. As one of the people who made our online group possible I discovered that I could not turn to someone more experienced for advice. The road for a high player scaled game was yet unmapped.

I remember the early days when we were first beginning our online group. I remember what drew me to it. I am an intense role player. I enjoy deeply delving into a character’s background and personality. Turn on the computer, turn down the lights, slip my favorite cd in and it’s play time! I am in the mind set to immerse myself into the world of fantasy. It’s a world where my written creation takes life and interacts with others.

Each player adds their part to a tale led by the DM. It was a thrilling tale of action, adventure, romance, drama, magical creatures, legends, and other things beyond the realm of reality.

Web sites were another joyful addition to gaming. I like having the opportunity to share some history and insight to my pc through a colorful and visual medium. I spend quite a bit of my time preparing these peeks at my work. I also enjoy viewing the web sites of other players. These help me to visualize what the other players are trying to portray their characters as. I can use this to work with as I am deciding how my character will react to the one he or she is facing.