Why I Play Runescape

[Cat_Spaseman]

Why on Earth would I waste my precious time playing a game in a virtual reality? Whenever I mention Runescape in physical conversation, for those who actually know what I'm talking about, often I am asked why I'd play the game. It doesn't make sense, to the 'rational' minds of my peers, to do tasks in a virtual world for no 'real' gain. I don't sell gold so I will not profit monetarily from my work, and I am not sponsored or funded by my playing. If simply for fun, couldn't I play something like Modern Warfare 2? If I'm not going to fill my time with production or partying, there must be games with a lot of activity that would surely be more interesting. What's the allure of a game focused entirely around clicking?

 

Maybe there are higher dimensions that banal enjoyment.

 

Maybe the fact that the entirety of the Runescape Universe occurs isolated from the real world. Maybe the sheer obscurity and esoterism make it worthwhile. This whole separate universe follows a different set of rules; new things to learn and comprehend. The Ethos of Runescape intrigued me from the get-go, more so than any other MMO. Why that is I cannot fully articulate, but my most poignant Runescape memories were of Rimmington, Bronze Scimitars, mining copper and tin, and that stack of 1k coins that amounted my bank in the Very Beginning. Those impressionistic recollections would stir in my head faintly with every mined iron or completed quest, as I built; created something - my Runescape character.

 

But, does the character really exist? He is only pixels, no doubt. Pixels have no value save their amount of luminescence and wavelength. The pixel cannot move a car or build a house or save a life.

 

To quote an old Buddhist saying, 'do not confuse the finger pointing toward the moon, for the moon itself.' The pixels are not what I value, but what they point to. Human beings are one of the few living species with an ability to have symbolic thought (if not the only one), and what those pixels symbolize, the direction in which they lead the mind, is to an imagination exercise. When I play Runescape, I am letting my mind stretch its mental muscles, holding my glowing screen as an alternate existence. If anything, to claim this game as being 'just pixels' is to say you renounce your amazing ability to have symbolism.

 

The saying illustrates the fallacy of so-called 'objective' thinking that relies on very subjective givens; even the quest for a profitable life hinges around the ethereal thing we call credit. All money is, that super-powerful driving force behind almost everything humanity does, is a thought that people hold. The thought that at one point a work or service was rendered to be 'worth' another work or service unrelated. Money bridges the locality of our actions and creates a transcendent net on which humanity's efforts flow. Without our concept of money, we would not be able to work together; but there is absolutely nothing physical about it... except those pointing fingers, the sweat on our brow and the calluses on our hands.

 

While this game most certainly is not just 'pixels', other games have greater intricacies and better gameplay, graphics, and action. Of those MMOs and other popular games (namely FPSes), the focus is on combat. The normal human might be drawn to the safe vent of their primal urge for dominance; but I am by no means normal. I have never had an urge to fight. By the will of my psyche, I am a man of non-competition most especially in violent matters. When I was younger I had those lusts for power and brute superiority, but they fell by the wayside as I learned about my world and how unnecessary those survival-oriented impulses are. In Runescape, I do not have to fight anyone. I may not experience the full game should I choose that path, but that is surely the same in Real Life (I'll never join the military). While I do combat in Runescape, the focus is rarely on being 'better' than others; usually it is merely creating a better character - self improvement I enjoy. Runescape's skill-centric gameplay is far more broad than any other MMO (World of Warcraft's profession system feels only an enhancement to combat, not a path all itself).

 

The most profound reason I play Runescape, at which I'm sure those without an open mind will scoff, is the creation. Runescape offers the ability to create; something almost forgotten in our consumerist age. While it is always easier to buy your way to greatness, in Runescape it is fully possible to create what you need. Not only that, but the creation of a character with attributes and a history activates an impulse buried in my genes - that impulse to form. So often our activities in video games surround around destorying; those with a focus on creating like Runescape or Civilization feel almost euphoric to me. Those games are essentially test runs for what I plan to do with my life - create. When I am graduated from college I plan to create whole existences of my own with their stories and intricacies. I plan to create ideas from raw thoughts, and movements from raw impulses. All that mystical transformation, that metaphysical alchemy that I perform in my craft of writing, stems originally from the seed within my brain that all humans have. What watered that seed during my creative drought (my adolescence) was Runescape, as even when I felt there was nothing in the real world to create, there was always some more pixels to spring into existence in that universe that doesn't exist.

 

Of course, you might think I'm full of crap. In which case, the only answer that should ever be required of me for why I play Runescape I will deliver to you: I play it because I want to, and I can make up all the insane reasons I want.

[J35u5_M4]

tl;dr

 

But I play RuneScape because I like the game, whenever I stop liking it I'll quit.

[Hamtaro]

That was an excellently written post. I can say that I relate to the way you feel on this issue. Some of my friends question why I play RuneScape instead of games like MW2 as well. I try to explain to them that this isn't just a game that you throw away when the next one comes out. You meet people like yourself on the game which creates a social community that has been unprecedented by any other games. Your character may just be pixels, but it's worth so much to you. I know I would be a lot more crushed if I was banned than if someone, say, stole $100 from me (partially because of the $270 I've spent on membs over the years, but still).

 

P.S. Welcome to Tip.It. We need more logical people like you floating around these parts =D>

[strilmus]

While there are many noncombat activities in RS, I can't really think of any skill that's not connected to combat in some way aside from Thieving.

[Bad911]

=D>That was beautiful. You sure do have a way with words - to say the least.

Obviously I concur with everything you say; however, there are bad side effects to playing Runescape, never forget.

 

What should be lamented is that players like you recognize the ingenuity and preciousness of Runescape, yet Jagex themselves seem to have lost their focus in implementing such ideals and ideology through the content they provide. It could easily be considered the fault of real life restrictions, but their focus has wavered - no?

 

Now, I don't want this to become a debate, just bringing up a point. Nothing would diminish the intricacy with which you have praised Runescape.

<hat off> <bow>

[Cat_Spaseman]

To Be Honest, I may not be very new at all. I'll keep that ambiguous in case that's breaking a rule, but I am playing a different account with a name exactly similar to the name of this forum account.

 

 

As for Jagex's intentions, they most definitely have shifted; as is the case with any corporate entity (the non-locality of the corporate 'face' makes empathy take a back-seat to efficiency of profit, to some probability-value at least). However, I believe Runescape still retains vestiges of its original intent, even through its manipulation over the years. The basic concepts still exist as reminders of a less profit-oriented day. Until those depart, which would make the game impossibly different, we still have the soul of old Runescape, no matter what the people around us claim to be true.

[NukeMarine]

When I moved to Japan three years I pretty much stopped altogether aside from occasional holiday quest and trying out new skills. It was only chance that dungeoneering came out during the three months of moving from Africa and waiting to go back to Japan. Heck, I even re-upped membership to give it a go. Still, after next month I probably won't play at all.

 

Why "did" I play Runescape? I think I played Runescape as it was an interesting game to figure out, however I just didn't like the grinding aspect. It was a puzzle to find the best way to do something. Truth be told, I enjoyed talking and discussing the game and theories behind the game with other people more than playing the game itself. I sort of have the same problem with Japanese as I tend to discuss about learning it more than I spend actually learning it. Exact same quirk when it comes to physical fitness.

 

Yeah, that's why I played Runescape: I got an intellectual thrill from figuring out the mechanics and a social enjoyment from interacting with other people. The exact reason I find pleasure in other areas of life.

[Saru Inc]

This post is so fake.

 

aka

 

tl;dr

 

just do what I do: bot thousands of accounts, sell them and use it to buy mail order bribes from Asia that play rs for you.

 

 

 

-----------------------

 

In all seriousness, it's kind of a dumb post. You'll most likely report this post for me 'flaming,' but I'm not flaming. I called it fake because I'm posting my opinion. If this was any other post, it would be flooded with "wat2discuss..."

 

You're trying to inflate your e-intelligence with words that don't need to be there, and you come across as a douche.

 

Now, unless I missed it, in reality the whole post was

 

" I play it because I want to, and I can make up all the insane reasons I want. "

 

Why not say that?

 

Anyways. I play rs because I hate playing it. And I love the feeling I get where I do something I don't want to do.

[Cat_Spaseman]

This post is so fake.

 

aka

 

tl;dr

 

just do what I do: bot thousands of accounts, sell them and use it to buy mail order bribes from Asia that play rs for you.

 

 

 

-----------------------

 

In all seriousness, it's kind of a dumb post. You'll most likely report this post for me 'flaming,' but I'm not flaming. I called it fake because I'm posting my opinion. If this was any other post, it would be flooded with "wat2discuss..."

 

You're trying to inflate your e-intelligence with words that don't need to be there, and you come across as a douche.

 

Now, unless I missed it, in reality the whole post was

 

" I play it because I want to, and I can make up all the insane reasons I want. "

 

Why not say that?

 

Anyways. I play rs because I hate playing it. And I love the feeling I get where I do something I don't want to do.

 

 

I treat what I do, this pointless pomp of words, as an art. I'm sorry if it seems fake and unnecessary to you, but then again those to which I worship were considered pointless wastes of flesh by people, or worse. It's a game I cannot win.

[Saru Inc]

This post is so fake.

 

aka

 

tl;dr

 

just do what I do: bot thousands of accounts, sell them and use it to buy mail order bribes from Asia that play rs for you.

 

 

 

-----------------------

 

In all seriousness, it's kind of a dumb post. You'll most likely report this post for me 'flaming,' but I'm not flaming. I called it fake because I'm posting my opinion. If this was any other post, it would be flooded with "wat2discuss..."

 

You're trying to inflate your e-intelligence with words that don't need to be there, and you come across as a douche.

 

Now, unless I missed it, in reality the whole post was

 

" I play it because I want to, and I can make up all the insane reasons I want. "

 

Why not say that?

 

Anyways. I play rs because I hate playing it. And I love the feeling I get where I do something I don't want to do.

 

 

I treat what I do, this pointless pomp of words, as an art. I'm sorry if it seems fake and unnecessary to you, but then again those to which I worship were considered pointless wastes of flesh by people, or worse. It's a game I cannot win.

 

 

ok if this was a you rage you lose thread i lost. so before I say something I regret I'll just say this:

 

First impression are important, be careful you know which impression you're giving off, because once it sets into the minds of your peers, it is rarely easily removed.

 

And as I stated, I play runescape because I like the feeling of accomplishment.

[Jehosaphat]

I smell a future RS Article writer. Join tip.it times crew nao pl0x.

 

A rather good read, although I skimmed a bit at the ending.

 

And you seem to have the same ideas as to why you play as I do - there's so much variety, so much that can be done, so much that can be made of your character... and not all of it is beating the living hell out of stuff.

[Da_Latios]

TLDNR

 

Sentimental value from when I was younger. For me, it's more 'RuneScape is a part of my life'. RuneScape taught me things my parents and teachers never taught me. The guys in the Tip.It IRC practically raised me.

[Maximusa]

I play because I 23 and beat all the other games, most of the things that are released are just remakes and cant be bothered wasting my time on them, runescape on the other hand offers a huge challenge and takes me many years to complete my goals. (Infact I been playing runescape so long that I am terrible at other games now lol. :rolleyes:)

 

However whenever a new game does come out thats worth my time I play it. Maybe not for a challenge but some other aspect. Challenge is usually what I prefer and this game offers that. Maybe too much but thats a good thing for me. Although the new skill is just ridiculous requirement to fully complete the rest of the game is quite exciting to work towards.

 

I have to be frank, although I love this baby, I could quickly replace it once I felt finished and wanted to move onto a new game. Might take me many more years but that besides the point. I mean.. Before this I maxed out char's in diablo 2. I eventually beat that game so bad that I eventually did get bored of it. Maybe one day that will happen to runescape but I am not sure when that will be or what my ultimate goals will be. Certainly not 200m in all skills. :rolleyes: But some other hard to reach goal. (Diablo 3 might make me semi quite/duel play both games.) Also ofcourse I may have kids at some point. I can maintain study/work but if I had that AND kids then I might struggle for the time to play a game like this. May prefer easier to complete stuff.

 

(I dont treat women that way btw lol. :P Thats completely different.)

 

I dont think regular updates would be enough to lure me back but I probably come back to do new skills and then read and work through all the new content.

 

I do hold it to my heart, I been playing for 7-8 years, how couldnt i? Maybe another 3-4 years left or even more. However I also feel that about other games and all I do is play them again sometimes lol. Never have to abandon them completely. I just know that once I felt complete that I could move on quite easily and hunt for my next challenge.. Runescape is the ultimate goal maker though so I would presume I be here for a very long time. :thumbsup: Which I love and love achieving. Its not necessarily my favourite game but I guess I could say its the game I love the most. Until Diablo 3 anyway. :rolleyes:

[Bows]

That was quite the awe inspiring post. You described a virtual world by tying to real-world ideas and objects. It's a simple connection that few are able to make; or even see. I tip my hat to you, sir or madam. I play Runescape because I want too as well. And I can make up all the insane reasons I want.

[Pinkbullet3]

Anyways. I play rs because I hate playing it. And I love the feeling I get where I do something I don't want to do.

[Bladewing]

I can't believe this thread. What's more I can't believe all the replies praising it as "insightful". What's insightful about a bombastic non-analysis of leisure?

 

--

 

I play because the endorphins make me feel good.

[Mirror]

Fantastic writing. You conveyed your ideas so well and defended them, I am pleased by this work. I do agree, this 'world' that we play in with creation is an interesting viewpoint. I think the part of Runescape I enjoy so much is how many different viewpoints can be seen from the same window. The culture within the Runescape Community society can be studied and understood in so many ways, and you have provided us with your viewpoint which I thank you for.

 

I just have one question/argument to your post. You state you play for any insane reason you want. How do you connotate the word insane? For as I see it, you may have one reason that goes against the popular action, but the meaning behind it is what defines as insane. Just was wondering how you would define it.

 

Once again, thanks for this refreshing post. :)

[Kaida23]

A most excellent post, Cat Spaseman. I wish more people could be that articulate when presenting thoughts and ideas. You really should consider submitting something to the Tip.It Times. I actually had the "why do you play RuneScape?" conversation with my girlfriend a few months ago, and this sums up the intangibles of the game quite well. Like yourself, I don't put much emphasis on PvP (or much on combat at all) preferring to focus more on skilling.

 

To all the "tl;dr" people, you really should take some time out from your busy schedules to read the whole post before simply posting blindly. Not only does it insult the poster (More than three sentences, can't be bothered. But here's what I think anyway.), it presents us in a bad light to a new member. Yes, they've admitted they're not "new", but you get my meaning.

[Saru Inc]

A most excellent post, Cat Spaseman. I wish more people could be that articulate when presenting thoughts and ideas. You really should consider submitting something to the Tip.It Times. I actually had the "why do you play RuneScape?" conversation with my girlfriend a few months ago, and this sums up the intangibles of the game quite well. Like yourself, I don't put much emphasis on PvP (or much on combat at all) preferring to focus more on skilling.

 

To all the "tl;dr" people, you really should take some time out from your busy schedules to read the whole post before simply posting blindly. Not only does it insult the poster (More than three sentences, can't be bothered. But here's what I think anyway.), it presents us in a bad light to a new member. Yes, they've admitted they're not "new", but you get my meaning.

 

 

I always thought you were a grrrl. L

 

 

And it was too long, it should have been more... Whats that one word. O consise but to each his own. And Why do appearances matter to a new member? This is tip.it, take it or leave it L

[Ezz]

Excellent post. I play both MW2 and RS just for the variety. Think I'll stop playing MW2 now though because it's mostly getting annoying, and no fun anymore, while in RS i can always find something fun to do.

[Bows]

This is tip.it, ftake it or leave it L

 

fixed

[Slayer_Jesse]

Very well written article. This should be picked up for the Tip.It times. We need more people like you. Community was the reason I joined tip.it, and we have been sorely lacking it in recent years. Your whole point about symbolism was very good. As for why I play, id have to say it comes down to choice. I'm mainly a fighter, but i prefer slaying beasts than warring my fellow man. I could easily fight in other games, but they are so combat heavy to be sickening. In runescape, i can go seamlessly from combat to skilling to minigames all within a minute.

 

P.S. To all who say TL;DR you missed a very insightful, beautifully written article. spare yourself 5 minutes and read it!

[tortilliachp]

the simplification of pixel as holding no value, reduces the argument in a form that renders it of little use: pixels are time. time is definitely involved in the real world, runescape is definitely part of your real world. You spend your time playing runescape where you do not perform other activities. Why do you choose to play runescape? because it's more enjoyable than your real life at certain times.

 

That's a brutal truth to accept, not a relative truth you can simply deny.

 

Accepting that virtual reality fulfills your need for entertainment in your spare time better than reality, that is the basic reason for why you play runescape, not the profundity of creation. Creation is the manifestation in which you subvert your attention to virtual reality; the means to an end. (you could say the same for reading a book, or watching tv)

 

The original poster is right in saying that we can all create our own personal reasons for playing runescape. However, it all boils down "rejecting reality and substituting your own" in the words of a certain mythbuster.

[sarg1010]

This is tip.it, ftake it or leave it L

 

fixed

It is? :-| Looks like a fail typo to me.

[Will H]

The original poster is right in saying that we can all create our own personal reasons for playing runescape. However, it all boils down "rejecting reality and substituting your own" in the words of a certain mythbuster.

 

I don't believe that is true for Runescape. It's got nothing to do with rejecting reality at all, it's simply adding another medium to the world in which you can create something that you can call your own. It has many parallels with getting out a blank canvas and creating a picture to take home and enjoy. Is that an escape from reality? We might be tempted to call it that, but the result is not separate from the world, it is part of it. The world could be split up into billions of mediums, speech, music, architecture, technology, but none of them are separate from the others.