Role-playing games (RPGs) offer incredible benefits: they are accessible and foster a strong sense of community. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been engaged in a Star Wars RPG with friends from church. Yes, you read that right—my progressive church includes many self-professed geeks. Once a month, we gather for several hours to roll dice, interact with characters, and embark on imaginary adventures across the galaxy.
A New Beginning
Before our group’s first campaign, I hadn’t engaged in gaming for years. During middle and high school, I regularly played video games on my PlayStation, enjoying a mix of story-driven games and action-packed ones where I could battle zombies in a World War II setting. Gaming provided a much-needed escape from daily stresses, whether I played alone or with friends.
However, as my spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) progressed and weakened my arm strength, it became challenging to hold a controller, let alone press the buttons. Eventually, I stopped buying new games, and the ones I owned gathered dust. My PlayStation found a new role as a DVD and Blu-ray player, aligning with my preference for movies over games.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Accessibility features for disabled gamers have come a long way since my teenage years. My colleagues Brie and Sherry have extensively covered this topic, and I’m glad to see games becoming more inclusive and accessible. However, I didn’t dwell much on losing the ability to use a PlayStation controller back then. I always leaned more towards movies, plays, books, and writing, and I was content with those creative outlets.
Discovering RPGs
In 2022, role-playing games reignited my passion for gaming. When a friend who initiated our group invited me to join, I thought it might be fun to try. Although I had never played Dungeons and Dragons or any other RPG, I was well-versed in the Star Wars universe. After a couple of practice sessions, I learned the basics of the game and became hooked. I then jumped into creating my character and developing his backstory, and two years later, I’m still playing.
Accessibility in Action
As a disabled creative, I find RPGs to be some of the most accessible and community-oriented activities I’ve ever participated in. Friends roll the dice for me and help me take notes on my character sheet, but otherwise, I’m independent when I play. I make decisions for my character, choose my actions each turn, and immerse myself in the game world. It’s a fantastic way to utilize my storytelling skills and exercise my imagination.
Building Community
Our group plays in person at one of our members’ houses. We enjoy each other’s company, discussing everything from our personal lives to the latest in pop culture. During sessions, our ragtag team embarks on all kinds of unique missions. We excel at getting on the Empire’s nerves and especially relish when things don’t go according to plan.
A New Lease on Gaming
I once thought my gaming days were behind me, but I’m grateful to have discovered RPGs. It’s something I love and look forward to each month. While SMA often hinders activities that require physical capabilities, role-playing allows me to travel to other planets as a rebel pilot. More importantly, I get to share these adventures with friends.
Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.
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