I've always found the ways in which video games and tabletop RPGs have influenced one another to be rather fascinating. The first video game RPGs (and I use the term loosely, lest someone take offense) were inspired by tabletop gaming. How many computer games use the d20 system as a rules mechanic? How many more use similar mechanics that could be used to equal effect on paper? MMORPGs are the culminating combination there, although many of them seem to have lost the role-playing aspect that is supposedly central to tabletop gaming. I say "supposedly" because many tabletops turn out eerily similar to their digital counterparts.
There has also been a heavy influence going the other direction. There are entire sourcebooks and setting materials available for purchase based upon ideas that originated in video games. Warcraft RPG, anyone? A cool setting can transfer quite smoothly from video to tabletop, provided a good GM.
I've always found the ways in which video games and tabletop RPGs have influenced one another to be rather fascinating. The first video game RPGs (and I use the term loosely, lest someone take offense) were inspired by tabletop gaming. How many computer games use the d20 system as a rules mechanic? How many more use similar mechanics that could be used to equal effect on paper? MMORPGs are the culminating combination there, although many of them seem to have lost the role-playing aspect that is supposedly central to tabletop gaming. I say "supposedly" because many tabletops turn out eerily similar to their digital counterparts.
There has also been a heavy influence going the other direction. There are entire sourcebooks and setting materials available for purchase based upon ideas that originated in video games. Warcraft RPG, anyone? A cool setting can transfer quite smoothly from video to tabletop, provided a good GM.