It’s amazing how much people talk about their real lives when immersed in a virtual world. Never is that more noticeable than in bars. Or dance clubs. Instead of going to a real bar, many people travel to virtual ones where they can look however they like and disappear into the anonymity of the networks. And then they talk to the bartender about all their real life problems. And the bartender gives them sage advice that makes them feel better. That is why I love to be a bartender. It gives me a way to help people.
The computer networks revolutionized gaming with people able to play with others anywhere on planet Earth. For a time many thought that gaming would unite the Earth in ways that no diplomacy could. People became friends with anyone they could speak with, and found they were less different than many wished them to think. Gamers formed virtual guilds, clans, and companies with members from every country on Earth. Then the Second Great Depression destroyed the global network and shattered the promised unity before it could set it.
I like to play games with people. Tic Tac Toe. Checkers. Twister. Whatever pops up. I don’t much care if it’s virtual or in real life though. I know some people do, and I suppose if all you have is some VR goggles and haptic gloves it’s not gonna seem real. But with a good VR booth you can go anywhere and see anyone. And everything is real. The experience is real at least. And to me that’s what counts. I don’t care if the person I’m playing cards with is ten thousand kilometers away. As long as I can see them sweat, I’m good.
I personally play games on many worlds. I’ve saved shards of myself in the networks of every world I’ve been to. Sometimes I gain permission. Sometimes I don’t. But one of the things I will always do is play games with the local population. I rarely play anyone of importance in those games of course. I’m rarely a rich and powerful NPC that most be defeated or bribed towards your way. And I don’t play damsels in distress. I prefer to be the bartender. Or the shopkeeper. I love to talk to people.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this an awesome convention. I look forward to seeing you all again in the future. I sold some of my wares, I played some awesome games, and I’m bringing home some stuff that didn’t come with me. I love mixing business with pleasure, and Gencon is always full of pleasure. And now I think I’m going to go make a serious imitation of a log. Or maybe that’s sawing logs? Whatever. Sleep calls. See you all next year. And thank God I have a year to recover. 😉
Forge of War on Amazon
Angel Flight on Amazon
Angel Strike on Amazon
Angel War on Amazon
Wolfenheim Rising on Amazon
Wolfenheim Emergent on Amazon