The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games

By Michael Tresca

Computers & Internet

Puzzles & Games

Language: English Not Rated (NR)

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Buy Online: Amazon.com McFarland Publishing

Overview Ratings & Reviews

Tracing the evolution of fantasy gaming from its origins in tabletop war and collectible card games to contemporary web-based live action and massive multi-player games, this book examines the archetypes and concepts within the fantasy gaming genre alongside the roles and functions of the game players themselves. Other topics include: how The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings helped shape fantasy gaming through Tolkien's obsessive attention to detail and virtual world building; the community-based fellowship embraced by players of both play-by-post and persistent browser-based games, despite the fact that these games are fundamentally solo experiences; the origins of gamebooks and interactive fiction; and the evolution of online gaming in terms of technological capabilities, media richness, narrative structure, coding authority, and participant roles.

Praise and Reviews

"Highly recommended for any and all fans of the RPG genre." Alexander Hinkley, Xbox 360 Examiner.

"A fascinating stroll through history, "The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games" is an excellent pick and is highly recommended." Midwest Book Review