Why do you play RPGs?

I been thinking of making a YT video discussing this and I'd love to pull some input and convos from this thread if any of yall are interested and ok with me using any combination of name+text.

But why do you play RPGs vs any other genre of games?

Is it the stories usually? Is it for the combat? The exploration? The little details? etc..

For me when i think of one my favorite RPGs of all time, I think of Skyrim.

Now while I may not play Skyrim anymore, it still holds many fond memories.

From the very first moment i booted up the game to hear the intro and title screen music, to escaping helgen and stepping out of that cave into the world, to the first dragon kill. It was to signify that this was going to be a awesome journey. One filled with literal magic, exploration and combat.

I don't really play games for story but on the occasion there is a good story that speaks to me like Red Dead Redemption 2. Where the narrative was to me tied with the best thing about that game. The character development, the voice acting, the animations everything.

I love RPGs because it is a moment to step away from IRL and be immersed in a fantasy world. Much like how fantasy books I prefer than non fiction. But unlike books, I can literally see and "interact" with this fantasy world.

Just some my takes. What are yours? Lets chat with each other everyone!

EDIT:
Wow didn't expect this many comments! Please keep chatting it up. it is awesome to read about the different reasons we all play RPGs vs other genres. I'm excited to respond to each of you and to gather all this to write up a video discussing this exact topic with quotes from you awesome folks.

EDIT2: i'm editing and recording the script right now. Thanks all i'll update here when its up on my YT channel(check my bio)