D&D 5E What does D&D mean to you? Why do you play it?

[Sacrosanct]

Poll should be up shortly. You can select multiple options, but try to limit to your top 2 or 3 motivations. I was watching a video today by VOX about D&D, and it got me thinking. We have so many discussions where we don't ever agree, and it almost always comes down to style of play. So I am curious to see where folks place their priorities.

 

[iserith]

I went with Social, Co-Op, Fantasy, and Tactical.

We're coming together socially to enjoy each other's company and tell archetypal fantasy stories together by playing in the framework of a strategic and tactical game.

 

[mrpopstar]

I went with social, coop, storytelling, versus, fantasy, and other.

I love hanging with my friends and collaborating on a shared narrative where I challenge them as we play pretend.



As for other, I find D&D to be a rewarding creative outlet!

 

[Invisible Stalker]

All options are good, but probably the fantasy element edges out the others.

It's something to do when I can't play golf.

 

[Sacrosanct]

I went with social and storytelling. Social first and foremost, as often it's the only time I can see some of my friends. So I love to hang out, eat snacks, and and have fun. The game always comes secondary. In a distant second is storytelling. I.e., those "Remember when Iolo decided to shoot a magic missile at the ogre who was rambling on in a monologue because he was impatient?" Creating those memorable stories.

 

[Sadras]

Social and Fantasy aspect with Other.

 

[Sacrosanct]

As soon as there are a lot more answers, I'd like to compare that to see how it aligns with how D&D is designed. I doubt we'd have 100% consensus, but we can look at the books, and the feedback the design team gave to probably identify the top three or so priorities of the game is designed. And if those priorities match peoples' responses, then that would be a good sign. If not, then I think there is probably an area of opportunity for the design team to address.

As far as my personal opinion, if I had to pick three, I think 5e prioritizes the following:

Social
Storytelling
Fantasy

At the bottom are probably tactical and versus



Not to say the others aren't factored or important, but with optional rules, and the text in the DM's Guide about guidelines, and feedback, I'd say those are probably at the top. I put storytelling up there because 5e seems to really stress the lore, history, and story of the D&D world in their products. If I were part of the 5e design team and asked to give a one liner, it would be "Get together with friends either in person, in an AL game, or online to engage in a heroic fantasy game to create memorable stories." I probably wouldn't even mention mechanics, even though it's a big part of the game.

 

[Schmoe]

I chose Social, Coop, and Other. For me, Other is that I use it as a wonderful creative outlet. Each session provides me with inspiration for a flurry of imagination and writing. Essentially, I am "riffing" off of the play sessions.

 

[Tallifer]

It is hard for me to choose between Fantasy and Social: fundamentally I love fantasy and make-believe but it is especially through D&D that I can socialize with other friends who appreciate such things.

 

[77IM]

The "Product Support" option kind of muddles the question: Are you asking why I play D&D as opposed to other RPGs, or why I play D&D as opposed to other ways of spending my time in general? These are quite different questions to me, for which I have very different answers.