Internal and External Perspectives On the Role-Playing Gamer Subculture
Senior Research Paper
Linfield College
Spring 2002
For more than twenty years role-playing games and the people who play them have belonged to their own sub-culture. The media and conservative religious groups have largely perpetuated the stigma associated with this subculture. This study takes a closer look at the stigma as seen from non-members and members of the sub-culture. By introducing non-members to the culture we can see how their negative preconceptions changed to a greater amount of acceptance. I found that with introduction, the negative image of role-playing games was reversed. Additionally I looked at the perceptions of experienced gamers and found that the group interaction is seen as the greatest benefit of being part of the sub-culture.
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