Episode 51: Life Lessons from a Chinese Murder Mystery RPG (A/V Club)

Play Saves the World

In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of role play, both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others.

In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the social dynamics of playing Jubensha and the emotional dimensions of role-playing games. They explore the idea that playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. They also discuss the satisfaction of solving logic deduction puzzles and the self-discovery that can come from playing a role. The hosts delve into the topic of violence in games and the different reactions to murder versus assault. They question why murder is often seen as acceptable entertainment while other forms of violence are not. The conversation ends with a discussion on the potential marginalization of women's experiences in gaming and the need for further exploration of these topics. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the benefits of role-playing in games and in everyday life. They explore the idea of assuming different roles and how it can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. They also touch on the potential threats to games, such as increasing state interference and censorship. The conversation delves into the parallels between role-playing in games and in religious life, highlighting the idea of playing our best selves and the potential for personal transformation. They also mention the use of role-playing in therapy and the positive impact it can have. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of role-playing and its potential for building community and personal development.

Takeaways

• We all play different roles every day, whether it's in games or in real life.
• Role-playing games involve deep character development and commitment, allowing players to - explore different personas and motivations.
• Role play can be a powerful tool for building empathy and connection with others.
• The popular role-playing game Jubensha in China has gained massive popularity and has many dedicated shops.
• There are both benefits and risks associated with role play, and it's important to approach it with intention and awareness. Playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers.
• Role-playing games provide satisfaction through solving logic deduction puzzles and self-discovery.
• There is a discrepancy in society's acceptance of murder as entertainment compared to other forms of violence.
• The marginalization of women's experiences in gaming may be reflected in the different reactions to murder versus assault. Role-playing in games and in everyday life can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding.
• Increasing state interference and censorship pose threats to games and their appreciation in different parts of the world.
• Role-playing in religious life can help individuals play their best selves and foster personal transformation.
• Role-playing can be used in therapy as a therapeutic tool.
• Role-playing has the potential to build community and create positive social connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Roles We Play in Life
01:19 Welcome to Board Game Faith
12:37 Personal Experiences with Role-Playing Games
15:59 Benefits of Role-Playing Games
27:45 The Cozy Murder Genre
28:22 The Comfort of Murder
29:28 The Acceptance of Murder as Entertainment
32:12 The Role of Conflict and Risqué Elements in Fiction
33:21 The Influence of Patriarchy on the Perception of Violence
34:48 State Interference and Censorship in Role-Playing Games
36:25 The Benefits of Role-Playing in Everyday Life
40:10 The Geopolitical Implications of Role-Playing Games
41:28 The Therapeutic Potential of Role-Playing
52:09 The Role of Religion as Role-Playing
54:05 The Intersection of Gaming and Faith
55:11 Upcoming Episode: Seasons of Life and Gaming

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Links:

• (4) The Murder Game Revolution That Has Gripped China - YouTube
• Jubensha - Wikipedia