When it comes to online gaming, there are a multitude of factors that can make or break the experience. Sure, the gameplay itself is certainly a major part of it, but something that often gets overlooked is the community that surrounds it.
For many gamers, their online interactions serve as a means of socialization and connection, and it’s no secret that a strong community can greatly enhance the overall experience. This is especially true when it comes to Role Playing Games (RPGs), where players are often heavily invested in their characters and the worlds they inhabit.
I personally found a home away from home in the RPS forums. RPS (Rock, Paper, Shotgun) is a website dedicated to PC gaming, and their forums were a bustling hub of like-minded individuals. What drew me to the RPS forums was their dedication to roleplaying, which was something I had always been interested in but had never really found a community for.
The forums featured a variety of different RPGs, from Dungeons and Dragons to Vampire: The Masquerade, with each game having its own dedicated subforum. I dove headfirst into their Vampire game, creating a character and getting involved in the ongoing storylines.
It was through this game that I met some truly wonderful individuals who became some of my closest friends. We spent hours upon hours chatting in character, bouncing ideas off of each other, and creating intricate plotlines that kept us all engaged and invested.
What really stood out to me was the community’s willingness to help new players. As someone who was relatively new to tabletop RPGs, I had a lot of questions and was constantly seeking clarification on rules and gameplay mechanics. The other players were always happy to help and never made me feel like a burden or an annoyance.
As I continued to participate in the RPS forums, I found myself rising up in the ranks. I became a moderator of the Vampire game, helping to oversee the subforum and assist in creating new storylines. It was a role that I took a lot of pride in and it helped me to feel even more connected to the community.
Looking back on my time spent in the RPS forums, I realize just how much of an impact it had on my overall gaming experience. The friendships I made there are still going strong today, years after the forums closed down. The sense of community and camaraderie that was fostered within those virtual walls is something that I will always cherish.
So, to any gamers out there who may be feeling a bit jaded or disenchanted with their online experiences, I would highly recommend seeking out a community like the RPS forums. You never know what kind of lifelong connections you may make or how much it will enhance your gameplay.[ad_2]