Gamer or Player?

[timm meyers]

(This is an offshoot of the expanding discussion on the house rules board topic "Leveling up skills")

Pondering the motivations and rewards we gain from participating in an RPG and how this effects our games. I see two different aspects of play that are prominent factors.

"Gamer"- Studies the factors, rules, and systems of the game. Enjoys the mental contest, testing their strategies, and achieving well defined goals/wins.

"Player"- Studies the genre, story, or world building aspect of the game. Enjoys giving agency to their PC or adventure and achieving goals/wins based on personal or unregulated objectives.

These two aspects are not exclusive to one another and all of us employ both in greater and lesser degrees. Example. The 90% Gamer 10% Player is keen on the process and analytical to any outcome. They focus on the trees of a mythical forest location as a series of modifiers to their ballistic skill. The 10% Gamer 90% player is enthralled with the tantalizing mythical environment of the forest while practically ignoring the tactical detriment of the trees.
(can anyone see my poor attempt at the analogy of "One can't see the forest for the trees while the other can't see the trees for the forest")

So when designing a character, we all approach the process within the same guidance of the rule system but with slightly different end goals. Our “Gamer” side seeks to min/max the defense and damage and project optimal outcomes for future adventures. Our “Player” side seeks ways to reflect or amplify the ideas and story of a fantasy we wish to experience.

Informal poll time.
When designing your PC are you more Gamer or Player?

I am going to say I am 30% Gamer and 70% Player.