[Pax]

Originally posted by DavidG:
Gee thanks for telling us that for the 100th time. IMO anyone that claims they do not try to win is kidding themselves. You know it is possible to play to win and for fun at the same time.

Here's a trick for you: define "win".

The "win" I look for is a fun game. If I have fun, then I "won" -- even if my race is obliterated.

If, on the other hand, I play a perfect game, somehow wiping everyone out even with all of them united against me and at a severe economic disadvantage, but I did not have much fun in the process ... then I lost.

I cut my "more advanced than chutes and ladders" gaming teeth on RPGs; the defining principle that makes a true RPG different from all other games is, you don't play to "win", the way most people understand it.

You play to accomplish goals, none of which require you to be in conflict with the other players. All of which you choose for yourself.

And the fun happens not solely in achieving those goals, but in the striving to do so. The fun happens even if you fail to accomplish any of them ... and that's the entire point of the game.