| When most people think of role plying games, | | | | First, we have internet chat rooms. This is exactly |
| they think of one of two things. The first is the | | | | the same as LARPing, but done sitting behind your |
| session with the shrink where he asks the | | | | computer, typing what you say. There are a wide |
| husband and wife to switch identities and talk to | | | | variety of topics or genres for you to choose |
| each other. The other type of role paying game | | | | from, and it can be addicting. |
| most often thought of is a pen and paper RPG | | | | Other electronic forms of role playing include |
| (like Dungeons and Dragons). In this article I'll be | | | | play-by-email, where an email is sent to you, |
| expanding on the variety of the types of role | | | | giving you options for the game, and then you |
| playing games. | | | | send the email back with your choices. A more |
| First, you have LARP (live action role playing). You | | | | advanced version of that are those simulation |
| may remember playing Cops and Robbers as a | | | | electronic games, where you take on the identity |
| kid, Cowboys and Indians, House, or even Tea | | | | of a specific person online and have to direct your |
| Party. Those are all a form of LARPing, though it | | | | avatar to eat, sleep, bathe, walk the dog, and |
| is rarely called such. A more common form of | | | | then socialize with others. Continuing on we have |
| LARPing would be in Civil War Reenactments, or | | | | zMUDs, which are basically text-only combat |
| especially in Renaissance Fairs, where people dress | | | | games. The only reason they are included here is |
| up and act like warriors, nobles, and peasants. | | | | because you CAN text others, assuming a role (if |
| After that, you have what are called adventure | | | | you want). After that would be Dungeons and |
| books. In an adventure book, you have a central | | | | Dragons Online and World of Warcraft (among |
| story, but after so many pages you are given | | | | many others). This is different from a zMUD |
| options for how the story could unfold. Depending | | | | because of all the visual graphics. |
| on which option you choose, you are directed to | | | | However, the most prolific of the role playing |
| a specific page to continue reading your | | | | games are those of the pen and paper variety, |
| adventure. In fact, you could read the same book | | | | such as Gurps, Dungeons and Dragons, and |
| several times, but never the same story. In | | | | Whitewolf. Here players make characters with |
| effect, you've taken on the role of the | | | | certain numerical stats, engage in dialogue, and |
| adventurer. | | | | resolve conflicts through dice rolls. |
| Next we have role playing games played | | | | In conclusion, role playing games run a wide |
| electronically. I remember my Atari 800 having | | | | gamut. With time, we'll only see an increase in the |
| adventure games, much like those of the | | | | variety of role playing games, while a few might |
| adventure books. Since then, electronic adventure | | | | disappear. However, I dare say Cowboys and |
| role playing games have spread like wildfire. | | | | Indians will stay the course, and never go away. |