It is an epidemic that is sweeping the nation; an activity meant for all ages. Role-playing is an imaginative experience. Whether you choose to do it on a computer, console, or live, your mind is always racing. You gain quick reflexes from playing the ever-popular massive multiplayer online role-play games (MMORPGs), efficient typing skills from literate role-playing, improved hand-eye coordination, self-defense and more—no wonder it is such a widely popular activity among fellow fantasy fans. Role-play games, no matter how much they may be looked down upon by others, are a worthwhile hobby and can serve a purpose much more than that of pure amusement.
The most popular way to role-play is with MMORPGs and RPGs. They are the easiest to access and are generally made for PC or gaming consoles. Because these role-play games are considered video games, they help hone the user's hand-eye coordination. You aren't given the chance to continually check the position of your hands during game-play so it is obligatory that you become accustomed to it. It increases your reflexes as well. Often games will have reaction commands in which you need to react to quickly in order to achieve the best results. And from this you experience a feeling of true accomplishment. This feeling also often comes with literate role-playing, as you are the one creating the story. It is a pastime to be praised for the pleasant, make-believe atmosphere and, better yet, benefits.
Literate role-playing is also very popular; it often takes place in forums and enhances your knowledge of spelling, grammar and creates a limitless imagination. During the time you role-play, you are writing your own character's part of the story alongside your role-play peers. You take the place of a completely different person (or possibly another being); it's a chance for you to try something brand new. Furthermore, online you can meet new friends—generally you share similar interests with those you role-play with. Literate role-playing lets you put creative and oftentimes nonsensical ideas to good use; all role-playing lets you be anything you ever wanted to be and more.
Despite having unusual stories appear while taking part in literate role-playing, the most bizarre way to role-play is live action role-playing (LARPing). It is an interesting experience to witness among teenagers and adults. Despite looking slightly peculiar, LARPing is the most beneficial type of role-playing; it is by far the most creative, and techniques with swords and staves can be put to use with self-defense. Likewise, you can learn practical presentation and performance skills. Who says you can't get a workout from hauling around a twenty pound sword for a few hours? This is yet more proof that role-playing is not just a crazed hobby for the youth. LARPing is very commonly considered as inappropriate age-wise; those who do it are too old to dress up and play pretend. But the benefits are still there, and people continue to LARP—society's opinion doesn't affect the minds of the true role-players.
Role-playing is a delightful way to spend one's time, not to mention extremely useful. Reaction times improve, grammar is put to the test and self-defense is achieved within the means of amusement. It is becoming more popular by the second and is slowly being adopted by teenagers and adults alike. When we need a place to ourselves, role-playing can act as a sanctuary. The benefits of it are too many to count, and the possibilities are endless. Where will you take yourself? Who will you become?