THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING ROLEPLAYING GAMES

Why are roleplaying games subject to such close scrutiny?

      Roleplaying games differ from many traditional sports in that they are based on ideas and imagination rather than actions. While physical steps can be easy to diagram and explain, ideas and the work of the imagination can be a lot more difficult to articulate in a way that others will understand. Although roleplaying games are played by a wide adult audience, they also appeal to children and teenagers. Since parents and families are very concerned about the ideas that their children encounter, roleplaying games can raise a lot of questions. And while parents might have seen football at some time in their lives, it is less likely that they've had contact with roleplaying games. Unlike widely known or televised kinds of games, roleplaying games are not as readily accessible to the public and it can be difficult to find someone to use as a resource for concerns. Most public libraries offer books teaching chess but it is safe to say that few to none have anything about the nature of roleplaying games.

      On the other hand, roleplaying games have received a lot of negative publicity that has sullied their reputation. News reports exist about various deaths blamed on roleplaying games, but few reports ever touch on the manner in which these games are usually played - they focus instead on the allegations at hand. Thus, many people have heard about roleplaying games through tragic news reports. Even if a person doesn't know anything about roleplaying games, it can be difficult not to be suspicious when the only information readily available is negative information.

      This section is aimed at exploring the benefits, pitfalls, and real life concerns about roleplaying games. While I cannot claim to be neutral - I support roleplaying games and have done so for over a decade - I can say that I would like to help others understand what roleplaying games are about. I can say that I would like to look at roleplaying games in the most rational light possible, even when discussing its darkest corners. I cannot ignore the legacy of fear and litigation that has plagued this hobby - but I can help to explore it.

	Some Benefits of Roleplaying Games: Fun isn't the only thing roleplaying games are good for
	Some Pitfalls of Roleplaying Games: Some common problems that people have with RPGs
	Concerns about Occult Material: Are roleplaying games encouraging the occult?
	Concerns about Violence: Do roleplaying games drive players to kill?  A look at the moral panic of the 1980s in America
	Further Reading (Links): A listing of web sites on both sides of the controversy

Note: Although this section is written with care, it is not intended to be a college-level discourse on the controversy concerning roleplaying games. It is meant to be a resource, however, and there are many links provided on the Further Reading page. Many links lead to organized and carefully referenced arguments.