What Appeals To You?
Hi all I’ve been thinking a lot about LitRPG tropes lately, more specifically not, what people like or dislike, but why they work (or don’t).
As readers, what tropes do you consistently enjoy in LitRPG/progression fantasy, and what makes them satisfying for you?
On the flip side, what tropes instantly lose you, and why?
Not looking for simple “I hate harems” or “OP MCs are bad” answers, I’m more interested in the reasoning behind people’s reactions.
For example:
Does an overpowered MC remove tension for you, even if the story is fun to read. (I.e do you enjoy more grounded approaches)
Do heavy stat sheets feel immersive, or do they start slowing pacing down?
What character traits do you most identify with and which ones spark hate in your hearts lmao.
What events in the opening of a work catch your attention. (Death of a loved one, The chance encounter, Obtaining The “Main Character Trait/Item)
I’m asking partly because I’m writing a LitRPG myself, and I think it’s valuable to understand how readers emotionally engage with certain conventions. Not looking to tailor my story to trends or crowdsource ideas more interested in the psychology behind why certain things resonate so strongly in this genre.
Curious to hear people’s thoughts.