Why Game?
Often when I talk to new people the topic of roleplaying games comes up (particularly after I’m asked “so what do you do?”), at which point I learn whether they’re gamers or not. If they’re not I usually get the classic question, “What’s a roleplaying game?” Then I explain about tabletop gaming—most often I define it as “collaborative interactive storytelling, like a mix between improv theater and a staged reading.” Sometimes they ask a few more questions about how it works, but that definition is enough to satisfy most people. But then I may get the follow-up question: “Why?”
Why do we game? It’s a fair question, actually, and especially now with our preponderance of entertainment options. Why game when I could read a book, watch a movie, play a computer game or video game, surf the Web, play cards, play a board game, etc.? What’s so cool about gaming?
There’s the escapism aspect, of course. Had a rotten day at work? Slaughter some orcs or raid an alien enclave. Feel like you’re not getting enough respect in your life? Play the conquering general or the rescuing hero. But most of our other entertainment provides that as well, at least vicariously—you can sit back and imagine you’re John McLane or King Leonidas or Bruce Wayne, or lose yourself in the adventures of Harry Potter or Sebastian or countless others. And many of those other forms provide more immediate escapism, with far less effort. So there must be something more, something else a roleplaying game offers.
For too long, paranormal dramas have been restricted to basic cable where they become weighed down with melodrama and morals that everyday teens can take away from each episode. I’d like to say that [[[True Blood]]] breaks that trend, but, sadly, it does not and with the exception of a few expletives and some exposed body parts, this show could certainly be made for ABC or the oh-so-hip CW.
Greg Berlanti is rapidly getting busier in Hollywood. In addition to his work with Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green on the screenplay to the Green Lantern feature film, he’s been working on the second season of ABC’s Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money and third season of Brothers & Sisters, all of which debut later this month. 
The Chicago Tribune
Even if we are lucky enough to ever see another Serenity feature, there are far too many questions to be answered in one sitting. One of those is just who is Shepherd Book. Joss Whedon talks about why he chose character for a new Dark Horse mini-series, plus:
or 
Oni Press has sold the film rights to their forthcoming graphic novel Ciudad to Paramount Pictures. Anthony and Joe Russo (You, Me and Dupree) wrote the comic and will pen and direct the screen adaptation according to 
Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello has been one of the biggest supporters of Veronica Mars, the three season CW semi-hit that always had more buzz than ratings. It did turn Kristen Bell into a star and helped creator Rob Thomas land additional work such as a revival of his Cupid for ABC.
Kirsten Dunst is expected back as Mary Jane although she may find a different rival than Bryce Dallas Howard’s Gwen Stacy.
