I think I’m getting old.
Back in the day I used to be able to sit down and force-feed myself the entire HERO System rulebook in a single sitting, get a headache, and build a character (with errors, of course) by the next day.
Today, I’m not certain if that’s actually a good use of my time anymore.
Don’t get me wrong. HERO is still one of the most flexible of game systems around, and I’d use it in a heartbeat when running supers, but I don’t think I have the time, or ability to commit to studying a game system of that sort of complexity without giving up.
I think it might have something to do with the fact that I don’t have as much free time as I used to, and I’d like to spend whatever free time I do have actually running (or even playing) something. I’m more open to trying new, less crunchy systems for the sake of faster gameplay, and hopefully the quiet understanding that the players are willing to set system aside for 1) common sense and 2) story.
As of late my attention has gone towards rules-medium to rules-light systems such as nWoD, Savage Worlds or the Ubiquity System. Quick character creation that can cover a broad range of concepts, with rules systems that rarely require book lookups and flipping through tables.
Anyway, I’m probably rambling on this post, but that’s how I feel right now. I love the hobby just as much, but at this point, I’m probably not going to be a rules-heavy GM anytime soon.
