Is the roleplay aspect of D&D gone, replaced by optimization?

[Sam K]

Ideally that sort of thing should be sorted out in a session 0 with the DM where you discuss character ideas, what sort of tone/genre the game will have and the like. DMs and players should be upfront with each other so that they're all singing from the same hymn sheet when it gets to session 1 time.

I've found the concept of session 0 is not that well known and rarely used. The most common problems I hear about on these forums could all be resolved by having a good session 0.