Put on your robes and wizard hats folks: it's time to do some role-playing. Whether you are playing as a knight, a space marine, or a rogue treasure hunter, video games give the player an opportunity to assume an identity different from their own. However, the increasing complexity ofRPGs as well as the inclusion of sophisticated characters in non-RPG games can lead to a conflict between the player and the game: What happens when the player wants to do something that their character would never dream of? Grayson Davis from Beeps and Boops raised this question, inspiring us to explore some possible answers. This is a complicated issue and one that is likely highly influenced by personal taste, so feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts.

Some discussion starters:

• When playing a game, do you role-play your character? How does this affect your play experience?

- What is the balance between providing individual experiences based on specific characters versus ensuring players see all the game has to offer?

• Are there certain games that you feel walk this line particularly well? Are there games in which role-playing actually decreases your enjoyment?

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Show notes:

• Run time: 28 min 32 sec
• "The Player's Role," by Grayson Davis, via Beeps and Boops
• Music provided by Brad Sucks