What is it about #TTRPGs that makes them so difficult to grasp? Other #TabletopGames don't need so much self-explanation or extensive play examples. Similar pursuits like participatory theater, mystery games, and other parlor games don't need them either. So why for RPGs?
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Come to think it's largely cultural. In part the huge #ActualPlay scene setting some expectations. In part well predating that, from the "overthinking" #nerd culture from whence roleplaying games arose. Newbies just don't seem to need as much #TTRPG guidance or explanation.
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In my experience, experienced #TRPG players or heavy AP viewers more often need play examples, example combat scenes, actual plays, and similar reference material. People with little RPG experience generally just roll with the concept and rules as explained. Your thoughts?
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@thoughtpunks I posit that it's likely more due to overcoming preconceived notions and assumptions. If they've played a game system a lot, or listened to a lot of Actual Play, then they have a defined idea of "how games like this work". But if it doesn't work like that, (or worse, the differences are small, but super important) then they have to see where it diverges from what they already know and retrain themselves to something new. Habits/thought patterns are harder to break than to form.
@thoughtpunks I see what you are saying. I would offer your evidence reflects the concept that adults learn in a variety of modalities. Your examples of XP levels may skew toward readers. I view APs as the TL:DR of the how to play chapter of a game.
@thoughtpunks My father couldn't quite grasp RPGs. "What's the object of the game?" was the tripping point for him; he couldn't quite grasp that it's more about the journey than finding the most efficient path to the destination, so to speak. "Games" were for "winning" to him.