OOC — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

OOC: a brief history

The idea of separating player from character is older than the abbreviation. Tabletop roleplaying groups in the 1970s and 1980s already needed to signal when someone was speaking as themselves rather than as their character, usually with tone of voice or a quick aside at the table.

Text-based online games made an explicit marker necessary. In a text game or chatroom, everything is typed, so there’s no tone of voice to fall back on. Early online roleplaying communities generally adopted OOC as shorthand for this, and many text games built the distinction into their design with dedicated OOC channels and commands. From there the abbreviation spread through Usenet groups, forums, and chat roleplay as more play moved online.

At first, OOC mainly marked side discussion. Over time its use expanded to cover any situation where a player needs to signal a break from character. It has also traveled beyond games into fanfiction and fandom spaces, where calling a portrayal “OOC” means a canon character is acting unlike how they act in the source material.

How it's used today

OOC appears in almost every online roleplaying community today, especially when players need to communicate as themselves rather than as their characters. It’s a regular part of discussions in chatrooms, forums, and game servers.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

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

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OOC examples

• A player needs to leave the game early, so they type in the chat, “[OOC: Sorry, I have to go now. Can we continue this next week?]”
• During a tabletop roleplaying session, a player is confused about a rule and asks, “(OOC: How does this spell work again?)”
• In an online roleplaying forum, a player discusses character development with another player using OOC markers: “[OOC: I think our characters should team up for the next quest. What do you think?]”
• In a MUD, a new player uses the OOC command to ask a question about how to level up: “ooc where do I go to find a trainer, can anyone help?”
• A player in an MMO types into the chat window: “/ooc Thanks for the raid! Catch you guys later!”

Myths and misconceptions

1. OOC interactions are detrimental to roleplaying and should be avoided entirely. However, OOC communication can be essential for clarifying misunderstandings, discussing game mechanics, or addressing personal emergencies.
2. OOC is only for inexperienced players. In reality, all players, regardless of experience, may need to communicate OOCly for various reasons.
3. OOC discussions can only happen outside of the game session. However, brief, necessary OOC interactions can be integrated into active sessions without disrupting the flow too much. The key is to be considerate of one’s fellow roleplayers.
4. OOC comments always break immersion for everyone involved. While excessive or poorly timed OOC can be disruptive, thoughtful OOC remarks used sparingly can actually prevent confusion and support the group’s overall enjoyment.
5. Everything said OOC is automatically forgotten and has no impact on the game. In reality, OOC discussions often influence how the story unfolds, help set boundaries, and resolve misunderstandings that can directly shape in-character actions.

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OOC FAQs

How do players indicate they are speaking OOC?

It depends on the game, but players typically indicate OOC speech by using specific commands, markers, or formatting, such as brackets, parentheses, or a different font. For example, typing (This is OOC.) or [OOC: I have to leave soon.] are common ways to show that the message should not be interpreted within the context of the game’s story.

Can OOC affect roleplaying?

Yes, excessive or inappropriate use of OOC can disrupt the flow and immersion of a roleplaying session. It can also lead to confusion if players do not clearly distinguish between their character’s thoughts and their own comments or questions. Maintaining a balance and clearly separating out-of-character (OOC) from in-character (IC) interactions are important for a cohesive and engaging roleplaying experience. Letting OOC knowledge or feelings bleed into the story is its own problem, known as IC/OOC crossover.

Is OOC only used in text-based roleplaying?

While OOC is particularly prevalent in text-based roleplaying, the concept applies to all forms of roleplaying, including live-action roleplaying (LARP), tabletop games, and multiplayer video games. The need to differentiate between player and character perspectives is universal across different mediums of roleplaying.

Does OOC mean something different outside of roleplay?

It can, so context matters. On social media and in fandom spaces, OOC often stands for “out of context,” usually attached to a quote or clip shared without its original setting. In fanfiction, calling a portrayal “OOC” means a canon character is written acting unlike how they act in the source material. In roleplay communities, though, OOC almost always means “out of character”: the player speaking as themselves rather than as their character.

When should I use OOC communication?

Use OOC communication for clarifications, to discuss real-life matters, to plan game logistics, or when you need to step away from the game. It’s also used to discuss character actions and storyline developments with other players without affecting the in-game narrative. Always ensure that your OOC interactions are brief and relevant to the game or situation at hand. For more on balancing IC and OOC, see the site’s guide Immersive Roleplay 101.