EDGE

Discussion 2: Introduction to Role-playing Games

Read Bowman et al’s “Chapter 1: A Brief Introduction to Role-playing Games and Cousin Activities” in Transformative Role-playing Game Design.

Watch Sarah Lynne Bowman’s linked “Introduction to Tabletop Role-playing Games” (47 min) and “Introduction to Live Action Role-playing Games (Larp)” (33 min).

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Then, answer the following questions (guidelines 1 paragraph per question. A paragraph is 4-6 sentences):

1. Have you ever experienced tabletop role-playing games, as a player, designer, and/or facilitator? 
   • If so, consider a game or experience that stands out for you. Why was it significant? 
   • If not, what aspects of the video did you find intriguing or surprising?
2. Have you ever experienced live action role-playing games (larps), as a player, designer, and/or facilitator? 
   • If so, consider a game or experience that stands out for you. Why was it significant?
   • If not, what aspects of the video did you find intriguing or surprising?
3. Have you ever experienced activities “adjacent” to analog role-playing games, such as simulation, immersive theatre, interactive fiction, video game RPGs, drama therapy, role-playing in education, etc?
   • If so, please describe any experiences that stood out to you. How do these experiences connect or depart from the activities described in the videos? Be specific.
   • If not, are there adjacent activities that you might want to explore? Be specific. 
4. Based on the videos and/or your own experiences, what factors would you say make analog role-playing games unique or special? Be specific.

Finally, respond to at least two (2) of your peers in Ask a Question, Answer a Question format.