Morality & Responsibility

Even though I’m no moralizer - I have commented in the past about the moral “grey area” of WizBro’s marketing. How it’s an example of corporate greed, and that I believe it’s going to be damaging to the hobby in the long run.

I’ve had my dissenters, (you know who you are Mister B) and there have been yells and whines about how they are a business and need to make money.

Whilst that is true, I don’t think it’s right dumbing it all down to the level it has been (the rumour is character sheets are going next, to be replaced by cards – another product in the line no doubt) whilst exploiting it to the level they have.

D&D T-Shirts have been around for years, worn in “geek pride” by many a gamer – but a line of Soft Drinks, even a ‘limited edition’ one is taking the p**s IMHO.

A lot of parents have been running 4e with their kids, and whilst I think it’s a good thing – the ages concern me. Getting very young kids (even in one instance a pre-schooler) taught to play D&D – feels a little more like indoctrination than a family activity. As at very young ages they hear the word “game” and are up for anything, without the ability to make a decision about wanting or not wanting to play it on their own.

D&D has been aimed at kids before – that’s a fact I know.

Sure there have been colouring books in the past - and the Classic Animated Series (which I still adore). But if it IS to be marketed at kids, it should be done in a more appropriate and responsible way – Making a "kiddy friendly" product.

The Harvesters RPG from Troll Lord Games is a brilliant example of a game designed to be played by kids and their parents.

But, if such marketing exists – it should be tempered with a little morality and responsibility. Something WizBro seems to be lacking.

Still not convinced – then scoot over to the Virgin Casino and check out “Crystal Caverns” – a Dungeons and Dragons slot machine game (I kid you not).

“Adventure & fortune awaits in Dungeons & Dragons: Crystal Caverns. Now with Tumbling Reels® plus free spins & a scatter feature.”

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS - CRYSTAL CAVERNS

Of course, you can play for free – but to allow such an obvious abuse of the D&D brand and linking it to gambling - is despicable behaviour at best.

Well done WizBro – you really suck now!

Living in a Fantasy World

Around twelve years ago, I was visiting my Parents before traveling over to my friend Chris's House to DM a game.

My older Brother was there, and caught me mid-conversation with my Mother (Hazel) who always took an interest in my Hobby as she too had a very active imagination.

My Brother, in his usual arrogant and pushy way passed comment - "You want to stop living in a fantasy world mate"- rather than argue, I simply kissed my Mum goodbye and bid farewell to my Dad and left (slightly early) for the game.

Fortunately, Chris was already home when I got there and we had one of our long and interesting chats (which still go on regularly by Email even though we don't meet up really these days) - but I digress.

A while, I had an uncharacteristic (as in he rang me more than once that day) phone call from my Dad. He was obviously irked about something. When I asked what was wrong he responded "Its your Brother, he really does live in a fantasy world".

As you can imagine, I was a little taken aback by this - and asked what my Dad meant as my Brother had always been very rooted in the real world with little or no imagination.

Basically my Brother was ignoring problems hoping they go away. Using Bill money to pay credit cards, then using the credit card to pay the bill and another credit card - and so on and so forth.

Now I am no financial Wizard, but I am pretty sure (as is my Father) that you can't do that forever without things going amiss somewhere along the line.

I guess what I am really trying to get at is that a little constructive Fantasy and Imagination is a good and positive thing, whereas ignoring your real world responsibilities is not.

Looks like my Older Brother is the one living in a Fantasy world really . . . . .