Trapped In A Video Game Book 1

Okay, let's talk about trapped in a video game books. We've all seen them. Heck, some of us might have even written them. But let's be honest, sometimes they're a bit... predictable.

Specifically, I'm thinking about the first book. You know, the setup. The "Oh no, I'm stuck in Aethelgard Online" moment. It's a classic, sure. But is it always good?

The 'Newbie' Trope: My Unpopular Opinion

Here's where I might ruffle some feathers. The main character in book one is ALWAYS a newbie. Like, barely touched a controller before. Suddenly they are some chosen one in a digital world? Come on!

I get it. It's relatable. We've all been there, fumbling with the controls. But does it have to be EVERY. SINGLE. TIME?

Levels, Levels Everywhere

And the leveling system! Don't even get me started. They start at level one, weaker than a newborn kitten. By chapter three, they are single-handedly defeating dragons. The power creep is real.

It feels a little rushed. A little… convenient. Where is the believable struggle?

I mean, give me a character who is already decently leveled! Someone who knows their way around the game. Let's skip the tutorial, shall we?

The "Gamer" Myth: Are They Really Gamers?

This might be an unpopular opinion, but does the main character ACTUALLY act like a gamer? In many book ones, not really.

They are surprised by everything. "What's mana?" "What's a quest marker?" These are things a REAL gamer knows, even if they haven't played this specific game before.

"It's like they've never heard of the internet!"

Give me someone who immediately tries to exploit glitches. Someone who understands MMO etiquette. Someone who complains about server lag!

The Romance Angle (Ugh)

Oh boy, here we go. Book one ALWAYS has the seeds of a romance. Usually with some ridiculously attractive NPC or player. I’m just saying...

It's usually so forced and awkward. Can't we just focus on surviving for a chapter or two? Is that too much to ask?

Look, I'm not against romance in books. But in the FIRST book of a series about being trapped in a video game? It feels a bit… tacked on.

Give Me Something Different!

Don't get me wrong. I love the trapped in a video game genre. But I'm begging authors: Let's shake things up!

Let's have a character who is already a pro gamer. Or someone who HATES video games and is utterly miserable. Anything but the same old newbie trope.

Let's skip the overly long tutorial and jump right into the action! Let's see characters who understand the gaming world! Who are clever, resourceful, and maybe just a little bit cynical.

I want a book one that surprises me. That subverts my expectations. That makes me say, "Wow, this is a fresh take!"

Is that too much to ask from my LitRPG?