I want to play DnD, but I haven't found the time to join a campaign. I wonder how different DnD is played in modern times compared to when you started playing in the 80s. Are there any cultural differences in how people play the game and create/interact with each other's characters in a campaign?
@Angel Cobb that's a great question! I would say yes. First, I see many folks using online platforms to play now, meaning that folks are no longer limited to the DnD community (or creating one) in their home location. In contrast, in the 80s communites were very much built around local connections and recruiting new players. I think online platforms have also created more scheduling options. As for the game itself, we do have new rule sets (I played under 1st and 2nd edition rules, and they're on 5th edition now lol) which offer more roleplay opportunities. I think DnD is also far, far more accepted now than it was in my time. Either way, I see DnD as an excellent, healthy activity involving critical thinking skills, strategy, and socialization. What more could we ask from entertainment?
I had such a hard time trying to join a DnD campaign at the infamously nerdy college I went to during the mid 2010s. I don't know if it was this clichey in the 80s, but I was never able to join in with other pre-established groups.
@deedeeblackwater8354 ooh that’s sociology! It is difficult to join established small groups because of the social dynamics. In this case they all have knowledge of past storylines and events and inside jokes which are really difficult to communicate to new members. I’ve been in the same situation. I think online dnd has made this a bit easier but not everyone likes playing dnd online.
I want to play DnD, but I haven't found the time to join a campaign. I wonder how different DnD is played in modern times compared to when you started playing in the 80s. Are there any cultural differences in how people play the game and create/interact with each other's characters in a campaign?
@Angel Cobb that's a great question! I would say yes. First, I see many folks using online platforms to play now, meaning that folks are no longer limited to the DnD community (or creating one) in their home location. In contrast, in the 80s communites were very much built around local connections and recruiting new players. I think online platforms have also created more scheduling options. As for the game itself, we do have new rule sets (I played under 1st and 2nd edition rules, and they're on 5th edition now lol) which offer more roleplay opportunities. I think DnD is also far, far more accepted now than it was in my time. Either way, I see DnD as an excellent, healthy activity involving critical thinking skills, strategy, and socialization. What more could we ask from entertainment?
I had such a hard time trying to join a DnD campaign at the infamously nerdy college I went to during the mid 2010s. I don't know if it was this clichey in the 80s, but I was never able to join in with other pre-established groups.
@deedeeblackwater8354 ooh that’s sociology! It is difficult to join established small groups because of the social dynamics. In this case they all have knowledge of past storylines and events and inside jokes which are really difficult to communicate to new members. I’ve been in the same situation. I think online dnd has made this a bit easier but not everyone likes playing dnd online.