My Experience with Online Role Playing.

        Two years ago, I re-discovered an online Japanese animation community that took place in a specific chat room. However, the users did not behave like in a typical chat room; their conversations were intelligent, there was a topic and even when there were subtopics, they were still organized despite the fact there were many ongoing, apparently random conversations. However, something caught my attention: some phrases were either between asterisks or dashes and were (mostly) narrated in third person. I was no stranger to that system; I'd seen it before and used in on several sporadic occasions; but these were constructed in a more sophisticated and complex way. After a moment of careful observation, I realized: they were role-playing. After becoming an active member of this community, I became convinced that role playing1 can help you develop creativity and writing skills by practicing character creation and development, by stating actions and dialogues. However, there is a very dangerous side to this activity.

        Role-playing is a set of interactions between two or more people who interpret the role of an anime2, manga3, video-game or movie character using a system of dialogue and actions, which are distinguished by being in between asterisks and dashes. It was very intriguing to me because I read wonderful interpretations faithful to the character interacting with another; some of them, where fighting. I was immediately captured by this small cyber-world and, as I got to know it more, I discovered there was more to it that meets the eye.

        There are three types of role-playing: Social role-play, which is based on characters getting to know each other or doing mundane things; where characters merely interact in general, pacifist ways to kill time. Combat role-play is where characters fight in one of many styles which have their own set of rules and adult role-play (or hentai4), where it's pretty obvious what they do.
 
        Adopting a character to interpret can be done in two ways: by using a character that already exists from a video game or anime series for instance, or you can make one of your own. If you chose to use an existing one, it is expected to be faithful to his or her personality when interpreting the character; and use his or her exact same virtues and flaws. However, if you chose to interpret a character of your own, you can develop the character as much as you want and even add special abilities; however, God-mode5 is never well seen.

        One benefit that this type of role playing-games have is that it helps you develop creativity and writing skills. When creating a character, you must make note of how the character looks and thinks like, so when you are required to introduce it, you must detail what the character looks like, his or her personality, and character background. All these things must be taken into consideration when making your moves. Depending on the atmosphere of the scene, other characters playing, one is expected a certain degree of description: from simple to whole paragraphs.

        Non-dialogue descriptions and actions always are in between symbols. Asterisks and dashes are generally (even internationally) recognized and used as standard. Again, depending on gaming conditions, the length of description can vary. It can go from simple, one line actions using plain narrative to beautifully poetic written paragraphs. One can be as extensive as desired, but in this community the more the better, and good grammar and spelling is a sign of quality, status and professionalism; so most players develop an honest interest in learning new vocabulary and spelling.
 
        However, there are dangers that must always be taken into consideration which can affect the player tremendously. It was not long before I noticed that some, if not the vast majority, have ill will towards other players, high egos and lie. For instance, most of the times “pros” look down on those whose writing abilities are not good enough to be considered decent, which often leads to resentment. Normally, “pros” are elite people who have really high egos and think themselves better than the rest. They take the game quite personally, they are also very proud of their writing skills, and their influence on the rules that were accepted on combat RPGs. Generally more popular than the rest, they tend to only socialize with their “equals” or peers; they believe all there is to role playing is only combat, and look down on social and adult; it's quite hard to get along with them if they don't accept you first. Most of these players like to lie, cheat and abuse the trust of other more naive players. It is important to note that not all of them behave this way; there are respected players who don't have this kind of prejudice. “Noobs”, on the other hand, are quite friendly and easy-going; however their writing skills are not that developed, not to mention their descriptive abilities. They abuse the use of smileys and mix (bad) Japanese grammar with spelling.
        Another danger is that it's quite easier to lie and pass as someone else online. It is easy to cheat and fool the naive and innocent. Although there are some ways to try to find out who really is the user they are talking to, these methods tend to be somewhat inaccurate. The primal way of communicating is via Instant Messaging services, like MSN, so it's quite easy to have a lot of accounts and pose as someone else. Throughout my time spent in this community, I learned it is possible to make alliances, develop friendships and even romance. This is when the game can become something even more complex and dangerous. It is common practice for two players to have a relationship, leaving aside character use. However, the riskiness of being subject to lies is still there. Most of the users, whether “pros” or “noobs” tend to cheat, show off how they have more than one partner or using “love” as a tool for avenging others or hurt pride on earlier occasions. Liking someone or being in love with another player regularly used against each other; they tend to abuse and blackmail the other to do certain kind of things, whether in an RPG session or more dangerous ways, for example, over a microphone and web-cams that later can and will be used against them. Like any other relationship, it is important to get to know the other person and always apply common sense.
 
        In conclusion, even though Online Role-Playing can be dangerous if you believe everything and everyone without practicing common sense, you need to keep in mind that it is still a game, though a more complex and interactive one due to its nature. If you decide to engage in a more personal level, you need to make sure the other party is aware of it as well. However, if this activity is carried out with trustworthy friends, it can be a really wonderful experience since you can develop excellent writing skills and creativity as well as long-lasting friendships in other parts of your city, country or any other part of the world.

1 For the purpose of this essay, “role-playing” will only refer to this particular style. Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games and RPG video games will not be considered nor table-type RPGs.
2 Anime: A term for which “Japanese animation” is known.
3 Manga: Japanese comic books.
4 The word "hentai" has a negative connotation to the Japanese and is commonly used to mean "sexually perverted".
5 A character that is invincible; perfect in every single way.

Copyright © 2010, MadderSky.  16/04/2010