Powergaming

In role-playing games (mainly, but not exclusively), 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.

Role-playing games

Powergaming often involves an expert knowledge of the rules of the game, and knowing how to apply the rules to get maximal results with minimal penalties (often referred to as min-maxing). This implies one willingly takes actions which should be illogical within the game world, or following the rules to the letter rather than in their spirit.

Sometimes seen as an active abuse of the rules, when rules that are expected or intended to model a realistic game world (according to some well-understood definition of "realism") are applied in ways that are manifestly at odds with those expectations. For example, a "Dungeons & Dragons" sorcerer might take two levels of the paladin class for the attractive synergies that come with this, even though paladins are traditionally seen as being devoted to their lifestyle, and the profession is not something you could train in briefly. It is important to note that powergaming, in this sense, doesn't imply active cheating or circumvention of the rules, merely using them in ways that are frowned upon by those who consider the intent of the game more important than its exact implementation - keeping to the letter of the rules, but breaking the 'spirit of the rules'.

Powergamers enjoy finding and exploiting all powerful synergies and combinations regardless of the author's intent, though houserules may be used to curb any abilities that make for particularly unbelievable characters.

Online roleplaying

In text-based online environments such as MUSH, MUCK, MU*s and other role-playing (RP) games that emphasize role-play over acquiring levels or skills (as opposed to most MUDs), a player can be described as a powergamer if (s)he presumes or declares that his or her own action against another player character is successful without giving the other player character the freedom to act on his own prerogative. They may also be a player who tries to force others to participate in role-playing they don't want to engage in. For instance, a player who unilaterally describes his character as doing something with (or to) another character that would usually require the other to play along — such as having a fight or a sexual encounter — is considered to be powergaming. In some environments this is termed godmoding.

Video games

Powergamers enjoy being at the bleeding edge of progression of their selected game. Taking part in every activity that yields the fastest progression, and passing by the lesser activities or any other secondary job/trait/skill. Doing whatever it takes to be the best, have the best gear, kill the hardest mob. This is a wide generalization however. A Gamer that likes to max out all aspects of the game and do so in an expedient manner is also classified as a Powergamer, often seeing more of the world and or game than the "average" player would.

ee also

*Munchkin (role-playing games)
*Powerleveling
*In Character (IC)
*Out of Character (OOC)
*Godmoding
*Min-maxing

Notes

External links

* [http://www.topmudsites.com/rp101-01.shtml Roll-playing vs. Roleplaying] on TopMudSites, by Wes Platt. An article on the basics of role-play as opposed to 'roll-play' in text-based environments.
* [http://www.geocities.com/dasjek/pg.htm The Official Powergamer Homepage: Real Ultimate Power] , a satire on the powergaming concept in the style of Real Ultimate Power
* [http://mickmils2.free.fr/shorts/LifeFAQ.txt A Powergamer's guide to Life] , another satire in which real life is treated as an online game to be powergamed.