[Discuss] What is a powergamer?

[Timothy Collett]

On Mar 8, 2007, at 8:14 AM, Robert Croson, Jr wrote:
> "In role-playing games, powergaming is a particular way of playing  
> in which the
> emphasis lies on developing a player character that is as powerful  
> as possible,
> usually to the detriment of other aspects of the game, such as  
> character
> interaction."
>
> This WikiPedia definition is the one I have used most commonly seen  
> used for
> the past 10 or so years I have been involved with online gaming.  
> The focus of
> "powergamers" has been on developing character stats, as opposed to  
> the
> character's persona.

I would tend to agree--though for such most people in BattleMaster,  
it is most applicable if you substitute the power of their realm for  
the stats of their character.

> This type of definition, "...to dominate and frustrate other  
> players." goes too
> far. This more fits in with the definition of a griefer, or someone  
> who's purpose
> in the game is to ruin other people's enjoyment of the game.

True--but there are various people in BattleMaster I have noted  
through my 3+ years here who, while they may not have been actively  
*seeking* to "dominate and frustrate other players" as their ultimate  
goal, have achieved that in their pursuit of greater wealth and power  
for their characters or their realms.

Timothy Collett
Anaris Family

--

"The only thing you can't trade for your heart's desire is your heart."
  ~ Miles Naismith Vorkosigan