Immersion - Just Not Into It?

This may come as a Surprise!

As an RPG player I strive to immerse myself in the setting, putting myself into my character's mindset is part of the challenge, so it comes as a bit of a surprise for me to learn (or remember) that not everyone approaches the game from this same perspective. The fact that I have almost forgotten how to enjoy the game's mechanics as a "game" and not as an immersive tool to "experience adventure" is an insight that I will use to adjust my future approach to the game - at least from a referee's point of view.

Once upon a time, back when I was first learning this new type of game which has come to be commonly known as "role-playing", I saw it as just a new "game". Roll some dice, make some moves, win some gold or "die" and roll up a new playing piece/character. The mechanics were the game. Strategy involved "playing" the game for its own sake. And I loved it!

Then I discovered "role-playing" and imagining that I was actually in the fiction, imagining that I was  "inhabiting" my character's make-believe body (my alter-ego). I strove to answer the question, "What would I do?" Essentially I was projecting or immersing myself into the fiction - and what a fun activity that became!. This new "adventure" appealed to me because it was an experience very similar to how I enjoy reading and engaging with a book written in first person, or when watching certain movies directed in a manner so as to engage the audience on a personal level - emotional responses included. This is the "you are there" experience to borrow a phrase. 

Not everyone experiences an RPG (or movie or novel) in the same way, however. You may be saying, "Duh!" at this point, but I had mostly forgotten this fact until a recently revealing "ah-ha! moment", The player, audience, or reader can enjoy the respective game, movie, or book experience while coming from any one of a number of different interests and expectations. For example, a movie critic may look at the technical aspects of the movie-making art rather than suspending disbelief and immersing themselves in the unfolding story. What we are looking for will vary according to the individual.

For many, experienced and novice alike, the joy of playing a popular RPG may be gained from clever play using the rules to their advantage. For players taking this approach, predictable well established rules are essential. Options and combinations are their friend. At the table "Rulings", which may appear arbitrary to such players, can definitely spoil their fun. I can respect that! This is part of the appeal that I personally enjoy while playing my favorite "rules heavy" games.

I guess the reveal for me as a referee is to be reminded of the old adage, "Know thy players!" Not everyone approaches the game with the same expectations of fun. Some folks just play the "game" and that's okay. A good referee should try to provide each player an opportunity to enjoy the game on their own level.