11-19-2013, 08:42 AM
If I can comment on the original question of Grimfinger, I think it needs some clarification. What do we mean PBM, games played only via post mail, or generally speaking turn based gaming between human players over distance?
Grainpaw said : "PBM continues to exist in its shrinking bubble having little contact with the rest of the world" and I couldn't agree more. But he also says "That's what has to change, public awareness, and then participation from a new type of player, who didn't grow up playing games." If it is hard to put a gamer into PBM, is it not going to be many times more difficult to put a non-gamer in the hobby?
"That will be hard to achieve in a faster world of instant gratification" Precisely. Playing by Post for me is a dying theme, not because gaming is dying (far from it, it will be the drug of the 21st century according to certain theories), but because *communication* between people is no longer by post. I don't even remember the last time I send a letter by post, even cards I send them electronically these days. Which is why I am asking "What do we mean by PBM". Turn-based gaming for sure has future in many forms. But if we ask for ways to "rebuild" on play by post, then I am afraid I lack ideas. The world has moved forward since late 80s and 90's and gaming is making leaps. Its not an issue of finding a gamer these days, after Lord of the Rings movies, World of Warcraft online "revolution" with 11 million players and more, EVERYONE knows gaming, and most people play something (from silly facebook games, to more sophisticated RPG or Wargames).
What PBM needs if you ask me, is to evolve, not to try and bring people into the old ways.
Grainpaw said : "PBM continues to exist in its shrinking bubble having little contact with the rest of the world" and I couldn't agree more. But he also says "That's what has to change, public awareness, and then participation from a new type of player, who didn't grow up playing games." If it is hard to put a gamer into PBM, is it not going to be many times more difficult to put a non-gamer in the hobby?
"That will be hard to achieve in a faster world of instant gratification" Precisely. Playing by Post for me is a dying theme, not because gaming is dying (far from it, it will be the drug of the 21st century according to certain theories), but because *communication* between people is no longer by post. I don't even remember the last time I send a letter by post, even cards I send them electronically these days. Which is why I am asking "What do we mean by PBM". Turn-based gaming for sure has future in many forms. But if we ask for ways to "rebuild" on play by post, then I am afraid I lack ideas. The world has moved forward since late 80s and 90's and gaming is making leaps. Its not an issue of finding a gamer these days, after Lord of the Rings movies, World of Warcraft online "revolution" with 11 million players and more, EVERYONE knows gaming, and most people play something (from silly facebook games, to more sophisticated RPG or Wargames).
What PBM needs if you ask me, is to evolve, not to try and bring people into the old ways.