Video versus Table top

[writersblock]

I don't care if its PC, console, handheld...whatever...do you prefer computer/video RPG or tabletop.

I have known people who fall on both sides of the fence. I knew a guy who played table top RPGs because he found out about them thru a love of computer RPGs. I know a guy who swears off RPGs on computers because of table tops...

Myself, I find the incredible limitations of most computer ones prevent my enjoyment of them (limited by the amount of code, the imagination of the designer, time constraints, whatever; I understand, but it doesn't change that the prob exists).

Very few allow me enough options to really enjoy them, and even fewer have ever gotten me so involved that I was hooked. I have NEVER found one I was willing to pay for play. The closest I tend to get are games that are pretty much a FPS with RPG elements.

On the other hand, I have played (and am playing) table top RPGs that I am totally hooked on. I have games going that have been running almost two decades now...some with the same players...and I have a GM whose games are so cool I have told him if I ever hit the lottery I will pay him very well to GM as a job full time.

I clearly fall on the side of traditional, paper and pencil, table top RPGs.

Your vote?

[Flip]

I can't say for one or the other myself. to me they both seem too different for the comparison. Sure the over all primary reason to play either are the same, entertainment, but so is eating a turkey dinner and an apple.
you eat both to fill yourself up, but the purposes behind them are different. you're not going to serve a whole plate of apples around the table come supper, and you're not likely going to go to the stove and make a 'quick' turkey dinner for a snack on the go.

tabletop RPGs are a social event. they get together with friends and strangers, mix imaginations, and go on creative (sometimes not so creative) enjoyable adventures as a group

this is more of a meal. you can't just pull this off any time, a schedule to play has to be made, other people have to gather

A video game RPG is about when your on your own, matching your tactics and strategies against a computerized foe, through an interactive storyline, following a set path of events, as if playing a character from a novel. (in contrast to tabletop where its more like your creating a novel together with several people)

Both are stimulating and entertaining experience, but one is a full blown full course meal, and the other is something you can do just by yourself. If i had to pick one or the other, it'd probably be video games, simply because i'll always be able to play them, unlike the limitations by scheduling, jerks, and limitless problems of tabletop RPGing that can and will leave a much worst taste in your mouth than any bad video game could, but rather than that, i would much prefer having both, as i love the social, chatter, imaginative responses, and role playing that comes with table top.

just IMO, i suppose you can call me a 'middle of the fence'er'