FOIC — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

FOIC: a brief history

The idea behind FOIC comes from a long-standing principle in text-based roleplay: what a player knows and what their character knows are two different things. Communities that value immersion generally expect players to keep that boundary intact, a norm closely tied to the idea that IC does not equal OOC. FOIC extends the same principle to learning itself: if a character has never heard of a hidden faction or a distant city, the player is expected to let them discover it through play instead of acting on outside knowledge.

The phrase spread as shorthand in roleplay-heavy games, where staff and veteran players often answer lore questions with a simple “FOIC” rather than a direct explanation. In strictly roleplay-enforced games, keeping secrets in character is often a formal rule rather than a polite suggestion, and some games design their worlds around it, with hidden histories and secret organizations built in specifically so there is something worth finding out in character.

How it's used today

Players use the term FOIC when they want others to experience discoveries through roleplay, rather than being told information outside of the game. It comes up most often in communities that focus on character-driven storytelling and immersion.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUD, MUSH, RPMUD, PbP, Chat RPG, Social media RPG, RPI, RPE.

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FOIC examples

• A new player asks about the history of a game’s kingdom in the help chat and is advised to visit the in-game library and speak with character historians rather than being given a direct answer.
• A player encounters a magical artifact and has to learn about its properties and history by consulting in-game sources or other characters, instead of looking up information outside the game.
• A newcomer joins a guild and has to learn about its customs, rules, and history by interacting with other guild members in character.

Myths and misconceptions

1. FOIC is intended to gatekeep or deliberately exclude new players from roleplaying communities. While it can inadvertently lead to such outcomes, the primary goal of FOIC is to promote roleplay immersion.
2. FOIC is a rule applied universally across roleplay-intensive games. In reality, its enforcement and acceptance vary significantly from one game or community to another. Some games even ban the use of the phrase “FOIC” because of the negative connotations attached to it.
3. FOIC makes it impossible for new players to learn and enjoy the game. With supportive players and a well-designed game world, FOIC can enhance the learning process and make it a rewarding part of the roleplaying experience.
4. The FOIC approach is ideal for all roleplaying games and all types of players. It can come across as stifling and unhelpful when forced upon new players, especially those seeking a more casual RP experience.
5. FOIC means players can never seek help or clarification out of character. In most communities, it is acceptable to ask for OOC clarification about game mechanics or accessibility, especially when essential for gameplay or inclusivity.

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FOIC FAQs

What is the purpose of FOIC in roleplaying games?

The purpose of FOIC in roleplaying games is to enhance immersion and storytelling by ensuring that all information and learning occur in character and within the context of the game. It’s meant to encourage players to engage more deeply with the game world, develop their characters through direct experience, and interact more meaningfully with other characters.

How does FOIC affect new players in MUDs and other RP games?

The FOIC approach can be daunting for newbies, especially in games with complex lore and mechanics. It forces them to navigate the game world and its challenges without out-of-character help, which can result in a steeper learning curve and potential frustration. This is especially true for players who are more accustomed to casual games, where it’s common to learn in-game information through chat channels, wikis, and other OOC sources.

Is FOIC always enforced in roleplaying games?

No, FOIC is not always enforced in roleplaying games. Its application varies widely among different games and communities. Some may adopt a strict FOIC policy, while others may allow or even encourage out-of-character assistance for new players. The approach depends on the game’s objectives and the community’s RP culture.

Can FOIC lead to the exclusion of new players?

Yes, overly strict enforcement of FOIC can lead to exclusion, making it difficult for newcomers to integrate into the community. It may create an unwelcoming environment, particularly if veteran players (oldbies) are unwilling to help newcomers navigate the learning curve in a supportive, in-character manner.

Is FOIC the same as avoiding metagaming?

They’re closely related but not identical. Metagaming generally means acting on knowledge your character couldn’t have, like dodging an ambush because you read about it in an OOC channel. FOIC is the habit that helps prevent it: rather than gathering information out of character in the first place, you let your character earn it through play. A game can discourage metagaming without strictly enforcing FOIC, since many communities are fine with players reading wikis and forums as long as their characters don’t act on anything they haven’t learned in character.