EDGE

Discussion 1: Introduction to Role-playing Games

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

Optional:

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. Provide your name and pronouns.
   • If you are not a Game Design student in Visby, please tell us about your educational background and/or career.
   • If you are a Game Design student in Visby, please state which year of the programme and your degree track.
2. 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 materials did you find intriguing or surprising?
3. 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 materials did you find intriguing or surprising?
4. In this class, you will design a nano-game. Do you think your design will be more tabletop, larp, or freeform in its design? Be specific.

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