RPGaDay: Foundation

Most years on the run up to Christmas I see an image on facebook about how when Rihanna releases a lipstick everyone rushes out to buy it but won't buy from their friends' small businesses.  This annoys me for three reasons.

First, this is inevitably about some multi level marketing business, not an actual small business.  Second, I do support my friends' small businesses.  I've bought a bunch of mini painting stuff from friends with gaming shops, and skincare from a friend with her own hand made cosmetics business.  And third, bringing things to the subject at hand, the reason people rushed out to by Rihanna's Fenty Beauty range isn't just because it's got her name on it.  It's because of this.

I'm not a habitual make-up wearer, but for the occasions when I do want to wear it, I'm lucky enough to be a colour where pretty much every high street brand makes a foundation that's more or less OK.  A lot of people aren't, especially people of colour.  Rihanna's aim with Fenty was to cater to everyone, regardless of skintone, and that's why people rushed out to buy it.  She made makeup accessible to everyone.

So what's the connection with RPGs?

First of all it's a reminder of the benefits of diversity - not just in the players, but in the available games.  The foundation I use, available in six shades of beige, is like the D&D 5e of makeup: ideal for some, good enough for others, but far from a universal solution.  Different people have different wants and needs, and having a bunch of different games out there means more people get to have fun.

One of the most baffling things I've seen on Twitter is people complaining when a new game isn't exactly what they want to play.  Fate of Cthulhu not having a sanity mechanic springs to mind; there were people who seemed actively offended that it did something different to Call of Cthulhu.  Personally I enjoy sanity mechanics so wasn't particularly interested in Fate of Cthulhu, but one game not having them doesn't stop me playing the many others that do.  There are people who don't like sanity mechanics and this game is for them.  Complaining about it would be like complaining that Fenty shade #430 doesn't match my skin.  Gaming should for everybody, but individual games don't have to be.

(I say baffling.  Of course I know where it comes from.  When you're used to being the target audience and everything catering to your tastes, it's easy to conclude that something that doesn't is bad, rather than just not made for you.  See also: the entire history of video games.)

And second, if you're appearing in videos or live streams, even if you've never worn makeup before you might want to wear some for the camera.  Bald headed men, in particular, have mentioned filming difficulties when the lights reflect off the shiny bits of their scalps.  A bit of matt foundation and/or powder will sort that right out.  And if you're having trouble finding a suitable shade to match your skin, maybe try Fenty?