We are talking about a fantasy computer game, not about a realistic simulation.(...)
Thats why it is more importent that the game is balanced (at least a little bit) than a fantasy game being realistic.
Nobody is talking about realism only that the ranges needs to be consistent with P&P rules.
1 - RPG's should be living breathing alternative worlds. Not just boring work like most modern games are.
2 - Nobody is talking about automatic guns. We are talking about having a 5e game with 5e ranges for 5e weapons like longbows.
3 - Other classes aren't useless on P&P.
4 - Even IRL, automatic guns are mostly used on short bursts or in semi auto mode. And the best weapon for CQB urban enforcement and for anti air warfare are completely different
5 - Balance is not only a immersion killer but a variety killer, fun killer and replayability killer. Look to VtMB. Nosferatu are cursed with deformity. In a highly social game, they can't even be seen in the streets without breaking the masquarede. If Troika was another game dev who likes to balance everything, they would probably remove the clan(reducing the variety of the game) or made his deformity being just -1 dot on seduction(balancing the clans and killing immerson)
6 - As i've said, what is the point of playing as a ranged character if the enemy can close the gap and knockout you in one round?
In open fields, range should be a massive advantage. Doesn't matter if the setting is fantasy or not. Did you watched Conan, the Barbarian? Conan NEVER mindless rush towards enemy archers because they can only hit a target at 13m. That would be silly in any action movie, in any novel, etc.
Ludonarrative dissonance is always bad
