Casting Shadows

Today’s question for #RPGaDay2022 is probably a challenge, but that is a good thing. The questions that make us think are the ones that make us stronger. What is this question, you ask? Well, it asks us to share our thoughts on why our most beloved RPGs (or RPG) have remained favorites down through the years. Many people are resistant to the idea of favorites, and others have not had time to develop any from the few (or one) that they have played. Still, reading charitably and positively into the tiny question box, we can perceive that the question asks us to share the points about a game or games that make it/them an enduring choice(s) for you as a gamer.

From a certain, and perhaps not wholly accurate, point of view, some of what has enabled me to stick with certain games for decades is that they have developed in harmony with me. Another viewpoint – perhaps a simultaneous one – is that despite whatever change or growth has occurred over time, the games and I have remained unchanged in appropriate ways.

The game that has been an active part of my gaming the longest has been Call of Cthulhu, but Cthulhu Mythos gaming has been an even larger part in the last ten years or longer. Other games have filled that role in different ways and offer some of the same satisfactions while presenting new satisfactions at the same time. I have not forsaken Call of Cthulhu; I have added new variations on it to the queue.

Ultimately, to endure for me, the game must see relatively regular play. It must resonate with or at least not tax me with system or setting elements that detract from my enjoyment. It must offer its characters something to do which I would do if I were in their position. Anything less fails the test of time.