[CAR-PGa] Re: The RPG Fact Checker

I hope you are still taking suggestions. I had a flip through
(finally), and here are some thoughts.

Overall, it looks really good. You've tried to explain some of the
details of tabletop gaming that are usually overlooked. It's fairly
short and easy to digest.

Here are some additions or changes I would like to suggest, with the
section headers.

A roleplaying game is a form of collaborative storytelling.
The word "conflict." This is very negative, and if taken out of
context, could imply that all roleplaying games are violent. Something
like "resolve events" might work better.
The phrase "hit opponent." This also sets a negative tone, even with
the other more neutral expressions close by. Maybe say something like
"resolve injuries."

RPGs are played around a table, or in some other comfortable place,
usually indoors.
I would suggest removing the word "whack," as it is a little
unprofessional. The word "attack" might work here.

Roleplaying games do not normally use cards. & Roleplaying games are
not board games.
These sections are good, but needs some explanation about what CCG
and board games are and why roleplaying games aren't them (maybe touch
on winner-loser, usually direct conflict between players, and
investment and gambling undertones for CCG's like MTG's ante).

The frequently heard statement that "A game does not end...
You should mention that it is equally common, if not more common, for
a game to end within a few weeks of play. This presents a less
dualistic portrayal of roleplaying games than the extremes of one-shot
or years of play.

Roleplaying games are not as complex as is commonly believed.
It is worth mentioning that while roleplaying games are often far
more technical than most board games, the rules are often fairly
straight forward and complimentary to one another. You kind of said
this, but I felt that is was not very clear. You could also mention
that many books also contain setting material, which can take up a
great deal of the book.

Roleplaying games are still very popular...
You should try to actively mentioning other games or keep it game
neutral, as it seems like D&D is the only one still in print.

History of the hobby
This section needs more material. Additions could include mentioning
HG Wells' Little Wars (as early influence), the actual release of D&D
(and some other lasting games), recent digital publishing trends, the
recent trend in games to be more simple and faster to play, and maybe
the start of free RPG Day. I can help with some of this if you'd like.

Most gamers do not live in their parent's basements...
This is a bit sassy. It might be better to simply mention that many
gamers have meaningful relationships and children.

Cultural References
ET: It wasn't actually D&D (licensing reasons). It is best to just
mention that they were playing an unnamed roleplaying game.
Additionally, you could also mention Cloak and Dagger, although this
could be damaging if the movie is taken out of context (the kid's
craziness is an idealized image of his otherwise absent father, and
the spy game he's playing is a symbol of his coming of age and loss of
innocence; this movie is screwed up).

Lastly, it might be worth mentioning that roleplaying games are not
unique to North America. Japan seems to have a thriving market for
roleplaying games (with new games coming out frequently by a few
strong companies), and Europe also seems to do well. As an interesting
aside, Japanese games seem to focus more on one-shots, as it is
inappropriate to have company in one's house for the lengths of times
that we do as gamers in North America.

As I mentioned, the article looks great. These suggestions are just a
minor shift in language (plus a more full history section).

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