The real reason why we play role playing games

by Francis Arsenault 

After reading many editorials from various people, I think most of them made their points. Either if it's to give an opinion on why they liked or disliked a game or an aspect of a game, to debate the ending of Final Fantasy VII or to discuss whether old school or new school is better. All those subjects are absolutely valuable but my opinion is that we do not ask ourselves the right question. We have to go to the roots, to the very reason that drives us to discuss those subjects. That question is : "Why do we play role playing games?" I have seen only one person getting into that subject and that person is Rubik Haftevani.

He was stating that we played games because we liked it. Very good editorial, you should read it if you haven't. I had to agree with his opinion (obviously, human beings do something because they want to). Never, by free will, we'll feel the need to do something which goes against our well-being. Even masochists act the way they do because they enjoy pain. At the end, enjoyment is the point. But his opinion is not quite mine. Here it is:

We play RPGs because we are weak. Explanations? I'll try to be as forthcoming as I can. From the very beginning, humans tried to find a meaning to their lives. That is simply because we couldn't accept our mortality. We are the top of the evolution, the only so-said intelligent being but still, equal to any other animal in death. Could we accept that so easily? I believe not. The truth is we have a magnificent toy, the brain and we flatter ourselves for it by thinking that we are chosen. However, doubt remains. I am aware that I am here questionning the very existence of God but please understand that it's not my goal to attack anyone in their beliefs. There is numerous answers to this discomfort but most of the time, we choose to "escape".

The way to achieve this escape is depending on the person. Some would be able to do it through music, others would choose drawing. Anything is good. We gamers, escape with games. It's our lie. Our lie to reality. Reality is that if I get shot, I die. If my best friend gets killed, I probably won't be able to get revenge, though I wish I could. If a demon comes through a time gate to destroy the earth and to put humankind to eternal slavery, I'll be in my bedroom playing RPGs trying to forget it and not burst into tears.

On the other hand, if I'm Squall, I will pick up my gunblade and go get some. It soothes the pain. It's a mask I put on just to forget, after a hard day that my life is not the one I had dreamed of. I'm not a hero, but I have a good life. Don't you worry, it's normal. Who wouldn't want to be a knight in a shiny armor? Who never dreamt of being able to change things, to leave your mark on people's memories? If you fail, don't worry. Just load and try again in a different way.

What I mean is, just be yourself. Most of you probably won't agree with me and to be honest, I really don't mind. It's not a matter of right or wrong. It's a matter of opening your eyes. There is many beautiful things you can imagine with your eyes closed, but eventually you'll have to open them if you actually want to see that maybe, those things exist out there. No matter the choices you've made, just be happy with what you believe in.