Thought Punks

Tag: Point of view (philosophy)

Great TTRPG Newbie Paradox (they’re easier to teach)
This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series RPG Theory
Novice TTRPG Players and Simple Guidance

You should go make a game with Caltrop Core, maybe.

One of the great paradoxes I’ve noticed in TTRPGs is that newer players don’t always need the extensive examples and explanations that seasoned gamers often request. It’s fascinating how the learning process can differ so much depending on experience level. While experienced players may want every detail laid out to navigate complex systems, novice players tend to do just fine with simpler, more straightforward instructions. So why is that?

To really understand why this is, we have to look at how cognitive psychology, gaming culture, and design philosophy come into play. New players are engaging with the game in a fresh way, while veterans approach things with a wealth of past experiences and mental models already in place. This combination of factors explains why simple rules can be so effective for new players, but also why they might leave veterans wanting more.

Cognitive Load Management

Starting out in TTRPGs can be overwhelming. New players are diving into an entirely new hobby, and everything is unfamiliar. From understanding the game’s goals to figuring out how to roleplay effectively, there’s a lot to take in. The key to helping them succeed is to reduce cognitive load, essentially not bombarding them with too much information at once. By simplifying what players need to process, you create a more approachable and enjoyable entry point.

That’s why simple, streamlined rules work so well. New players don’t need to memorize a bunch of rules upfront; they only need the basics to get started. Systems like Fate Accelerated or Lasers & Feelings are perfect for this! They’re rules-light, accessible, and let players focus on having fun without getting bogged down by details. These systems also encourage players to explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex mechanics, fostering a sense of accomplishment early on.

With cognitive load under control, players can dive into the game right away. Which itself enables more easily experiencing the game firsthand, which is often the most effective and engaging way for players to understand how it all fits together.

Learning Through Play

For new players, a good way to learn is often by diving in and engaging directly. Behavioral modeling plays a huge role here. Watching others navigate mechanics, solve problems, and roleplay their characters helps new players build an intuitive understanding of the game.

It’s one thing to read about how a skill check works; it’s another to see someone roll the dice and react in real time. Whether it’s observing how a seasoned GM handles a tricky situation or seeing another player bring their character to life, learning through example is incredibly effective.

This isn’t limited to group play, either. Even in solo roleplaying, the act of playing and reflecting on how it feels is a powerful teacher. Experimenting with the rules, testing out scenarios, and seeing what clicks provides valuable feedback that can’t be replicated by simply reading a manual. It’s all about learning through doing, which resonates deeply with how human psychology is wired.

At its core, experiential learning is the heart of this process. Picking up a new hobby or skill is all about practice, getting in there, trying things out, and gradually getting better. TTRPGs are uniquely suited to this, offering a mix of structure and flexibility that encourages players to jump in and learn as they go.

But what truly sets new players apart is their flexibility. Without years of preconceived notions or expectations, they often adapt more quickly to the rules and find creative ways to engage with the game. This adaptability is a powerful asset, allowing them to embrace simple guidance and make the most of the experience.

Adaptability

What’s amazing about new players is their adaptability. They haven’t been trained to expect certain complexities, and that’s a huge advantage. Without preconceived notions about how rules “should” work, they’re open to whatever the system throws at them. With fewer expectations, they can engage with simple rules without overthinking them, allowing for a more organic experience. This flexibility makes them more open to experimentation and less likely to get caught up in analysis paralysis over myriad options.

The Tabula Rasa effect is big here. Novices often approach rules with fresh eyes, making them open to experimentation. Conversely, experienced players may often compare rules to prior systems and/or hold certain assumptions. Graceful degradation is something newer players excel at as a result. Novices will often default to common sense and broad principles, as well as more often collapse to core rules. Seasoned gamers will look for more nuance, more often look for edge cases, and generally expect more direct guidance.

The Takeaway for Game Designers

For game designers, the lesson is clear: Keep things simple. New players thrive when they can engage with the game without getting overwhelmed by complex rules or excessive explanations. A system that emphasizes simplicity and encourages learning through play will help novices feel confident and enjoy their experience right from the start.

Experienced Players and the Need for Detailed Guidance

Complexity Preference

For seasoned players, simplicity can sometimes feel like a limitation. After years of playing more complex systems, many veterans crave the depth and nuance that come with detailed rules. They want to be able to dive deep into the mechanics, optimize characters, and explore all the strategic options available.

Systems like Pathfinder and Shadowrun thrive in this space. They offer a level of granularity and choice that challenges experienced players and rewards those who enjoy analyzing every aspect of the game. These systems activate analytical thinking, rewarding those who relish strategic complexity. They also often reward system mastery, which encourages a desire for deep rules understandings.

Desire for Comprehensive Understanding

Experienced players often seek clarity on edge cases and exceptions. They need detailed rules and examples to navigate these situations confidently. For them, the finer points of a system matter, especially when the game isn’t going according to the usual script. A system that provides clarity on the exceptions and intricacies helps them play with confidence, ensuring that no one gets stuck in a situation where they’re unsure of how to proceed.

The can also want clarity on edge cases and exceptions because these often define the boundaries of creativity within the game. Detailed examples allow experienced players to confidently navigate unusual scenarios, ensuring they can “play to the rules” without stalling gameplay. In addition, gamers accustomed to systems like Dungeons & Dragons may expect clear guidance for adjudicating specific situations. Understanding this prior experience is key for seasoned gamers.

Integration with Prior Knowledge

Veteran players come into a game with a wealth of experience, so they’re naturally comparing new systems to the ones they already know. They’ve built mental models (or “schemas”) of how TTRPGs “should” work, and if the new system doesn’t align with those expectations, it can cause confusion.

Discrepancies between these expectations and a new game’s mechanics can lead to frustration without sufficient explanation. A well-designed system can acknowledge this by providing clear explanations of how it differs from other games or being very clear about its own nuances. Without these distinctions, experienced players may feel lost or frustrated trying to figure out how things work.

Challenges with Simple Rules for Experienced Players

Overinterpretation

Experienced players often struggle with simple systems because they assume there’s more complexity hidden in the rules. When the system feels too straightforward, they begin to look for deeper meaning or “unspoken” rules. This overthinking can lead to confusion, especially when the simplicity they encounter doesn’t match their mental models.

Cognitive Rigidity

Another challenge is cognitive rigidity. Long-time TTRPG players can become so accustomed to the intricacies of complex systems or robust presentations that transitioning to something simpler or more direct can feel like a step backward. Research indicates that experts in any field can develop a rigidity that limits their ability to adapt to new frameworks; this same psychological principle applies to TTRPGs. This rigidity can make it hard to adapt to lighter systems and simpler explanations that don’t provide the same level of depth they’re used to.

Expectation of Depth

Veterans can expect games to offer rich, strategic gameplay. They are often come to anticipate a certain level of complexity in gameplay and/or detail in rulebooks. Simpler texts may seem “shallow” to them, leaving them unsatisfied. They can feel those lighter books are lacking the intricate balance or emergent possibilities of more robust frameworks and explanations.

Balancing Rule Presentation for Different Players

Layered Rulebooks

One way to meet the needs of both novice and experienced players is to present rules in layers. Start with the core mechanics, keep it simple and easy to digest. Then add deeper, optional rules for those who want them. This approach lets new players engage without feeling overwhelmed while still providing the depth that experienced players crave.

However, balancing this can be tricky. If the rules aren’t organized well, it can feel like you’re constantly flipping through pages to find the right information, which can be frustrating.

Integrated Examples

Including examples directly in the text helps everyone, regardless of experience level. Novices benefit from seeing the rules in action, and experienced players appreciate examples that clarify edge cases. The key here is to keep examples relevant to all types of players, showing how the rules can be applied in different contexts.

This requires a balance of keeping it simple and direct for new players, while providing the clarity and nuance more seasoned players crave. There is also the pressure to maintain the text flow and usefulness as a reference, favoring conciseness that may sacrifice some nuance or detail.

Encouraging Exploration

Another way to bridge the gap between new and experienced players is by encouraging creativity within a structured system. Games that offer flexibility while still keeping things clear and simple can appeal to both groups. Designing systems that promote creativity within clear boundaries can engage both new and seasoned players, accommodating different preferences for complexity.

Systems like Powered by the Apocalypse do this well. New players get to co-create the story alongside the GM, while veteran players can still engage with the rules in a deeper, strategic way. It’s the best of both worlds.

A Few Final Thoughts

The Role of Player Psychology

The psychology of TTRPG players varies greatly. New players are often more risk-tolerant and excited to explore, while experienced players regularly seek mastery and optimization. These different approaches to the game highlight the importance of balancing rules in a way that caters to both. The more we understand these tendencies, the better we can design games that speak to a wider audience.

The Evolution of TTRPG Culture

TTRPGs have evolved a lot over the years, with indie games gaining traction and traditional systems like Dungeons & Dragons continuing to thrive. This diversity in gaming culture means that players bring different expectations based on their experiences. Designers need to be aware of these cultural shifts and cater to the broad spectrum of preferences.

Game Master Dynamics

The role of the GM also changes depending on experience. Novice GMs can benefit from systems that allow flexibility and creativity. Their lack of assumptions, along with the accompanying openness and adaptability, is their great strength. In contrast, veteran GMs typically look for more robust tools that help with complex storytelling and adjudicating rules. Their experience and system mastery, with the knowledge and rules familiarity they provide, form their strong points. Understanding these differences is key to making a game that works for all GMs.

OK, Actual Final Thoughts

The interplay between simplicity and complexity in TTRPG design reflects not only player experience levels but also evolving cultural and cognitive preferences. Novices often thrive on minimalist guidance that reduces cognitive load, encourages exploration, and builds confidence. Veterans, on the other hand, oft demand nuanced mechanics, detailed examples, and robust systems that align with their mental models and expectations.

However, this is all variable and nuanced based on the tabletop roleplaying game niche they embrace, their general mindset and preferences, and their overall experience. Game designers can meet these diverse needs through thoughtful layering of rules, embedded examples, and systems that balance creativity with clarity. Understanding the psychology and preferences of different player groups enables inclusive designs that enrich the TTRPG experience for everyone.

And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Leave a comment here and/or come scream at me about it on Bluesky.

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December 21, 2024
Free Duo Game: The Immortal’s Affairs
This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Free Games
The Immortal’s Affairs – A TTRPG About Legacy and the Passage of Time

Dug up from my slush pile, inspired by this post about dice labels. I never got around to fully fleshing this out. But it’s quite playable as-is.

Welcome to The Immortal’s Affairs, a two-player tabletop roleplaying game about a dying immortal and their final journey toward peace. This game invites players to explore themes of time, legacy, and closure, as one immortal, weary from centuries of existence, seeks to settle their affairs before their inevitable passing. The second player assumes the role of Mother Nature, the ancient force of the world itself, who has come to observe the Immortal’s passing and learn from this unique being. Together, you will navigate the challenges and emotions of final goodbyes, unfinished business, and the ultimate acceptance of death.

Game Overview

The Immortal is an ancient being who has lived for centuries but is now aging, their time in the world coming to a close. They have come to accept the inevitability of death, finding peace in the idea of rest after so many long years. However, before they can pass, they have five complex, unresolved affairs they wish to settle, matters that, if left unfinished, could weigh on their soul forever.

Mother Nature is the spirit of the world, the embodiment of the Earth’s cycles and forces. She has witnessed countless lives, but the Immortal stands out. Mother Nature has come to understand the Immortal’s existence, and now seeks to understand why the Immortal was created and why their passing is now inevitable. She inhabits the people and places around the Immortal, observing them, interacting with them, and learning about the Immortal’s journey. Perhaps the Immortal’s passing is not just about death but about something deeper, the meaning of their long life and their eventual end.

Game Roles

Those key figures are also the main game roles. Each player takes on one of the roles, while the other player takes the other.
- The Immortal: One player takes the role of The Immortal. This character is an ancient being nearing the end of their life, filled with wisdom, regrets, and unfinished business. They will use their Approaches to navigate the world and attempt to resolve their five chosen affairs.
- Mother Nature: The second player becomes Mother Nature, the spirit of the world. You embody the forces of nature, inhabiting the world around the Immortal and learning about their history, their motivations, and their end. You are not just an observer! You interact with the Immortal, guiding them or complicating their journey as you see fit.
Core Mechanics

The gameplay is driven by narrative choices, dice rolls, and thematic exploration. Through these mechanics, you will tell the story of the Immortal’s final moments and the legacy they leave behind. Below is an overview of the key mechanics you’ll need to understand.

Approaches and Dice Rolls

Approaches: The Immortal character has 6 Approaches to choose from at the beginning of the game. Approaches represent the Immortal’s personality and guiding principles. They can range from qualities like Aggressive and Bold to Humble and Resilient. These approaches shape how the Immortal reacts to challenges, interacts with the world, and solves problems. Each time the Immortal takes an action, they choose three of their Approaches to guide them. The three Approaches are linked to the dice they roll during that action, and each die reflects a different aspect of the action:
- Low Roll (1-2): The action fails or leads to unintended consequences. The Immortal’s attempt doesn’t align with their intentions and creates complications.
- Middle Roll (3-4): The action succeeds in some capacity, but it may not be as clean or satisfying as hoped. The Immortal’s approach may feel incomplete or leave room for further work.
- High Roll (5-6): The action succeeds beautifully. The Immortal’s approach is effective and their intention is realized fully, often beyond their expectations.
- Weirdness (optional 3rd die): If only two Approaches are chosen, a third die can be rolled that represents the weirdness and surreal aspects of the Immortal’s existence. This die adds unexpected twists and dreamlike elements to the outcome.
At the beginning of the game, the Immortal selects 6 Approaches from the following list. These approaches will guide their actions throughout the game and shape how they interact with the world: Apathetic, Assertive, Bold, Brave, Calm, Careful, Compassionate, Creative, Curious, Cunning, Decisive, Determined, Dreamer, Friendly, Grateful, Honest, Humble, Honorable, Impulsive, Inventive, Patient, Proud, Reckless, Resilient, Resourceful, Sarcastic, Shrewd, Stoic, Thoughtful, Understanding, Vulnerable

World Events and Time Pressure

World Events: The Immortal’s journey is not just about the affairs they are attempting to settle, there is an ever-present, unpredictable element of the world around them. Every time the Immortal rolls for an action, Mother Nature must roll a d6 to determine if a World Event occurs. On a roll of 1, something happens that radically changes the world around the Immortal or complicates one of their affairs. These events can take many forms:
- A sudden illness or injury affects the Immortal.
- An ally betrays the Immortal or a new foe appears.
- The world around the Immortal changes dramatically, shifting the stakes of their affairs.
- The Immortal learns something surprising or unsettling about themselves or their past.
If 5 World Events occur, the Immortal’s time runs out, and they begin to die. At this point, they must face the final consequences of their unfinished affairs. The game shifts toward the negative end, leaving the Immortal with unresolved regrets and a legacy left incomplete. The number of World Events keeps both players on their toes, adding a layer of unpredictability and pressure to the Immortal’s quest for closure.

Settling Affairs

Choosing Affairs: At the beginning of the game, the Immortal player must choose five complex affairs to resolve before they die. These affairs represent significant emotional, relational, or practical matters that the Immortal must confront in their final moments. The affairs can be as grand or as intimate as the player desires. What is most important is that each affair feels like a key part of the Immortal’s journey toward peace.

Some examples of affairs might include:
- Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend: The Immortal must reconcile with someone from their past, perhaps a person they betrayed or neglected.
- Releasing Control of My Empire: The Immortal may have built an empire, and now they must ensure its future without them.
- Forgiving a Betrayer: The Immortal must come to terms with a past betrayal that still weighs heavily on them.
- Finding Peace with My Past: The Immortal may be haunted by past mistakes or regrets and needs to find a way to make peace.
- Reconciliation with a Loved One: The Immortal must heal a fractured relationship, perhaps with a partner or child.
Time Limits: Each affair should be structured to take between 3 and 7 rolls to resolve, and the number of World Events that occur during the game will shorten the time remaining. The Immortal is under time pressure, and though they may wish to take their time, their final moments are always slipping away. Players should balance the Immortal’s need for closure with the unpredictability of the world around them.

The Empathy Mechanic

Mother Nature’s Role: As Mother Nature, you are not just a passive observer of the Immortal’s journey. You can actively shape the Immortal’s path. One of the key ways you interact with the Immortal is through dreams and reflections. These moments provide an opportunity for the Immortal and Mother Nature to understand each other better, to share perspectives, and to gain insight into their respective roles in this world.

Empathy and Understanding: Throughout the game, Mother Nature appears to the Immortal in dreams or moments of reflection. This happens after each affair is handled. During these conversations, the Immortal and Mother Nature can share their thoughts and feelings, gaining a deeper understanding of each other. If the two come to a full mutual understanding, the Immortal can gain 1 additional completed affair of their choice. If they come to a partial understanding, the Immortal automatically succeeds at their next action. If they reach no understanding, Mother Nature will be difficult or slightly hostile during the next affair settling, frustrated by the lack of needed insight. These moments of emotional connection can significantly influence the Immortal’s ability to resolve their affairs, offering insight into their heart and motivations. It is also a way for Mother Nature to more deeply engage with the events of the game.

Endgame Resolution

The story of the Immortal concludes in one of three ways, depending on how well the affairs are settled:
- Positive Resolution: If the Immortal completes all five affairs in time, they pass away peacefully, their soul at rest, having reconciled with the past and the future. Their death is a moment of calm acceptance and fulfillment.
- Negative Resolution: If time runs out, the Immortal dies with unfinished business, leaving regrets and a legacy that will never be complete. The end comes with uncertainty, perhaps even sorrow for what could not be done.
- Mixed Resolution: If the Immortal makes it through all five affairs with some left in a bad state or unfinished, they are rewarded for the completion with an ending that starts like the positive resolution. However, their moments of peace and comfort are interrupted by doubts and regrets about the improperly finished affairs.
Example of an Affair in Play

Affair: “Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend”
- Preceding Actions: The Immortal tried to play it off smoothly, but the friend was put on edge knowing something was up. The friend was convinced to play a parlour game a bit as a distraction, they eventually became suspicious. Desperate for more time to just enjoy their friend’s company, The Immortal proposed an outing to the movies but they put the friend on full alert, who demanded immediate answers. So far, no World Events were rolled. Now the Immortal is making their last attempt.
- The Immortal’s Roll: The Immortal uses the Approaches Friendly, Resilient, and Inventive.
- Bad Roll (1, 6, 2): The Immortal tries to express their feelings, but their words fall far short (perhaps even coming across as insulting or demeaning), and their old friend feels distant and confused.
- Middle Roll (6, 2, 4): The Immortal manages a bittersweet goodbye. Their friendship and love is clear, but the moment is far from ideal, too-clever-by-half word choices and uncontrollable tears leaving both parties with unanswered questions.
- Good Roll (6, 4, 5): The Immortal shares their feelings fully and insightfully, and their friend understands them completely. While there are a few tears, they part with love and peace, each knowing they are truly understood.
Mother Nature’s Dream Interaction: After the Immortal has made some progress on their affairs, Mother Nature may appear to them in a dream, where they reflect on the Immortal’s life. They talk about the meaning of friendship and how the goodbye ended and what it means to The Immortal. Mother Nature has a hard time fully grasping the pain, as all things pass in nature. Similarly, The Immortal still feels the pain of loss each time after all these years and cannot understand Mother Nature’s “callous” attitude. But they come to a mutual understanding about fondness and love, as pairing and bonding are common in nature, even if the love of friendship is unique. The Immortal’s first action next affair will automatically succeed.

Conclusion

The Immortal’s Affairs is a game about time, legacy, and the search for closure. In the end, the Immortal will either die in peace or with unfinished business, but the journey of completing their affairs and understanding their purpose offers a deep, emotional experience for both players. Through the mechanic of rolling dice, the unpredictability of World Events, and the heart-to-heart conversations between Mother Nature and the Immortal, this game provides an immersive, thoughtful exploration of life’s most poignant moments.

What do you think of this game? Have you tried to play it? Are you taking any inspiration from it? Are you planning to hack it? I’d love to hear about any of that. Come scream at me on Bluesky about it!

This game is released under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Just give credit to Rev Casey or Thought Punks as a source.

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December 18, 2024
About Us
About Thought Punks

At Thought Punks, we’re here for the storytellers: the dreamers, the improvisers, the people who love rolling dice as much as spinning wild tales. We make indie tabletop RPGs that are approachable, flexible, and designed to spark creativity. Thought Punks creates TTRPGs and storytelling tools that embrace bold ideas, innovative mechanics, and a do-it-yourself spirit.

Motif Story Engine: Stories Powered by Chance

At the core of Thought Punks is the Motif Story Engine, a dice oracle system that transforms the randomness of dice rolls into the building blocks of a story. This isn’t your standard RPG mechanic! Motif uses dice outcomes to create prompts, twists, and opportunities, acting as both a collaborator and a source of narrative tension. Whether you’re crafting an intense noir mystery, an epic sci-fi odyssey, or a quiet personal drama, Motif provides the structure and flexibility to make your story shine.

It’s designed to be:
- Intuitive: No need to juggle charts or dense rules. You roll, interpret, and keep the story moving.
- Flexible: Whether you’re solo gaming, running a GM-lite session, or crafting a new game from scratch, the dice oracle adapts to your style.
- Engaging: Every roll brings a story beat to life, whether it’s a sudden twist, a major success, or something complicates everything in the best way possible.
- Solo and GM-Lite Friendly: You don’t need a huge group to enjoy Motif. It’s perfect for solo players and low-prep GMs who want deep stories without spending hours prepping encounters or memorizing rules.
The Motif Story Engine isn’t just a mechanic, it’s a philosophy. It powers many of our games and is available as an open toolkit for creators to build their own RPGs. Check out the Motif SRD to see how you can make it your own.

Our Games

Thought Punks is home to a variety of RPGs that stretch across genres and tones. Each one is designed to take advantage of Motif’s dynamic storytelling power while offering something distinct and memorable.
- NEVER Stop Smiling: A dystopian RPG where enforced happiness hides a world of surveillance and repression. Perfect for players who love exploring dark, surreal themes and pushing against systems of control.
- Dinosaur Wizards In Space: Dinosaurs. Magic. Space. This lighthearted two-page RPG delivers exactly what it promises: chaotic, imaginative fun with minimal prep and maximum energy.
Beyond Games: Experimentation and Community

Thought Punks thrives on creativity, and we believe the best ideas often come from collaboration and experimentation. That’s why we embrace game jams, community hashtag days, and unconventional approaches to RPG design. From wild one-page experiments to digital tools like the Motif Oracle Notebook, we’re always exploring tabletop games.

We’re also here to support the wider RPG community. Whether it’s through sharing tools like the Motif SRD or engaging with creators and players online, we believe in the power of mutual inspiration.

Why Choose Thought Punks?

We’re not here to be a big, polished corporation or dominate the TTRPG market. Our approach is simple: we make games that stand out. We focus on simplicity without sacrificing depth. Whether you’re looking for bold mechanics, unique stories, or tools to create your own adventures, Thought Punks has something for you. We focus on:
- Creative freedom: Our games give you the tools to shape your stories the way you want to tell them.
- Innovation: From dice oracle mechanics to genre-blending concepts, we love breaking new ground.
- Accessibility: We keep our designs easy to pick up and play, whether you’re gaming solo, with friends, or trying something completely new.
Join the Punk Movement

Explore our games on DriveThruRPG and Itch.io, or visit us on Bluesky. Whether you’re looking for your next fun TTRPG or a new way to create your own, Thought Punks is here to fuel your imagination.

Let’s make stories that matter, together.

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December 17, 2024
Blog Archives
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December 16, 2024
Genre Emulation and Buy-In in TTRPGs
This entry is part 3 of 5 in the series RPG Theory
Suspension of Disbelief and Buy-In as Core Elements

Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) thrive on a delicate balance of imagination, mechanics, and collaboration. Suspension of disbelief and buy-in are foundational to this balance, but they’re often treated as secondary considerations, in contrast to how films, literature, and other art forms intuitively incorporate them. By recognizing their importance and treating them as explicit design elements, TTRPGs can more effectively immerse players in their worlds.

Over the years, the hobby has made great strides in genre emulation, yet much of it still leans toward high-level abstraction or meta-thinking. This can create a gap between the broader narrative tools provided and the grounded, intuitive moments that draw players into the story. Other art forms frequently operate on an instinctual level, drawing audiences in before deeper analysis takes over. By embracing these “low-level” approaches alongside the high-level, TTRPGs can foster richer and more immediate player experiences.

Shared Creative Agreement

Suspension of disbelief and buy-in form the mutual creative agreement between players that allows a game to come alive. They enable everyone at the table to accept the game’s internal logic, even when mechanics momentarily interrupt the narrative flow. This interplay mirrors other art forms: just as audiences accept a musical breaking into song or a fantasy novel’s improbable magic system, TTRPG players embrace dice rolls and abstract mechanics as long as they fit the narrative’s framework.

For instance, rolling to pick a lock might seem mechanical, but a well-framed description (sweat on the character’s brow, the subtle click of tumblers) transforms it into a cinematic moment. When designers and players consciously weave these framing elements into their games, the abstractions feel purposeful, even immersive. This mutual understanding strengthens collaborative storytelling, creating a more cohesive and rewarding experience for everyone at the table.

Embracing Genre Buy-In in the Arts

Storytelling in literature and film offers a wealth of inspiration for TTRPGs. In novels, genre is often signaled through tone and setting, shaping readers’ expectations without explicit instruction. A locked-room mystery instantly primes readers for clues and twists, while a dystopian sci-fi world immerses them in its bleak futurism through evocative details.

Film, too, thrives on intuitive genre signaling. A horror movie doesn’t need to explain that a dark, creaking house is dangerous; eerie music and shadowy corridors do the work. These subtle cues prompt audiences to lean into the experience, aligning their expectations with the narrative’s internal logic.

TTRPGs can harness these same principles. For example, a cyberpunk game might include neon-lit imagery, mechanics for hacking, and slang-filled prompts to immerse players in its gritty, high-tech world. At the table, GMs and players contribute by narrating in ways that align with the genre’s tone, whether it’s the desperate stakes of noir or the swashbuckling camaraderie of heroic fantasy. By consciously embedding genre elements into both design and play, TTRPGs can create intuitive, immersive experiences that rival their literary and cinematic counterparts.

High-Level and Low-Level Approaches in Genre Emulation

One of the greatest challenges in TTRPG design is balancing abstract, high-level tools with the immediate, visceral impact of low-level mechanics. High-level systems, like those found in Fate or Apocalypse World, offer broad frameworks for emulating genre. These systems encourage players to interpret moves or outcomes based on the story’s context, trusting their genre familiarity to shape the experience.

In contrast, low-level mechanics embed genre directly into gameplay. Horror games excel at this: Call of Cthulhu’s sanity meter creates a creeping sense of dread, while Dread’s Jenga tower delivers tangible, escalating tension. These mechanics require little explanation. They work instinctively, aligning players with the game’s emotional core. Striking the right balance between these approaches allows for both flexibility and immersion, catering to new players and veterans alike.

The Power of Framing

Framing is the linchpin that binds a TTRPG’s mechanics, narrative, and player buy-in. How a game presents its rules, themes, and world shapes the lens through which players engage. Consider Blades in the Dark: its mechanics for resource management mirror the desperation of its criminal protagonists, encouraging players to think like their characters. This alignment of narrative and mechanics ensures that even gamey elements feel thematically grounded.

Session zero is another powerful tool for framing. By collaboratively establishing boundaries, themes, and expectations, players create a shared understanding of the game’s tone. This collective agreement not only builds trust but also primes players for immersion, ensuring that their suspension of disbelief aligns with the game’s intended experience.

Good framing also acknowledges potential dissonance. A game with heavy themes but overly simplistic mechanics risks breaking immersion unless it explicitly addresses the gap. Thoughtful design that integrates mechanics into storytelling can mitigate these risks, creating a cohesive, harmonious experience that keeps players engaged.

Toward More Immersive and Reflective Design

TTRPGs have only begun to scratch the surface of what’s possible with genre emulation and immersion. By explicitly designing for suspension of disbelief and buy-in, games can better align mechanics and narrative, reducing the need for meta-thinking and encouraging deeper engagement. Emphasizing intuitive, genre-informed mechanics and strong framing practices can elevate the medium, making it more accessible and resonant.

What do you think? Are suspension of disbelief and buy-in given enough attention in TTRPGs? Come yell at us on Bluesky about it!

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December 16, 2024
Welcome to Thought Punks!
Empowering Stories. Simple Tools. Endless Possibilities.

Dive into the world of Motif Story Engine, where storytelling thrives. Whether you’re exploring solo adventures or crafting GM-lite experiences with friends, our system is here to fuel your creativity. Discover the core Motif Toolkit SRD, doing a full walkthrough of the Motif approach and concepts.

Check Out Our Blog

Join us as we share deep dives into TTRPG design, creative processes, and insights into making your games unforgettable. Let’s shape the future of storytelling together! Read the blog!

Use the Motif Oracle Notebook

Rev built the Motif Oracle Notebook for your solo plays and play notes! It includes a Motif roller, game dice roller, PDF reader, and multiple note fields for you to record your character, play journal and other notes. Give it a spin live right here on the site! And you can also grab the source code from GitHub (it is a pure HTML/Javascript app that will run offline direct from your file system).

Browse Our Games

From whimsical to intense, explore our collection of games powered by Motif and beyond. Notable titles include NEVER Stop Smiling and No Angels Live Here—each offering unique narratives and engaging mechanics.
- ITCH.IO
- DRIVETHRURPG
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December 14, 2024