Guides

Step-by-step guides for creating, improving, and running text-based games and roleplaying communities.

Latest posts

Beginner’s guide to MUD soundpacks

Aug 26, 2023

Jan 7, 2026

What are MUD soundpacks and how do they enhance the experience for players? Find out in this beginner's guide.

How to create a style guide for your MU*

Apr 3, 2023

Jan 7, 2026

Learn how to create a Builder's Style Guide for your multi-user dungeon (MUD), including what should go in it and where it should live.

How to measure player activity in text games

Jan 18, 2023

Jan 7, 2026

Learn tips for asking the right questions and steering clear of common pitfalls when measuring player activity.

How to improve player retention in multi-user (MU*) text games: 15 tips

Jan 8, 2023

Jan 7, 2026

Learn how to calculate and track player retention in your multi-user (MU*) game, plus 15+ tips for getting players to return.

Beginner’s guide to roleplaying with text

Sep 14, 2022

Jan 10, 2026

Learn the basics of roleplaying online in this beginner's guide to RP, including essential terms and concepts, how to stay in character, and more.

How to market your text-based game

Jul 25, 2022

Jan 7, 2026

What does it take to successfully market your text-based game for free? Find out in this post, which includes accessibility tips and more.

How to use a character arc roadmap in RP

Jul 17, 2022

Jan 7, 2026

What is a character arc roadmap, and how can you use it for roleplaying? Find out in this guide with tips and examples from fellow roleplayer Amika.

Immersive Roleplay 101: the essential guide

Jul 9, 2022

Jan 6, 2026

Immersive roleplay is any roleplay that allows players to focus fully on their character, the setting, and the story with minimal OOC distractions.

How to write room descriptions: tips and examples for world-builders

Jun 12, 2022

Jan 6, 2026

A guide to writing excellent room descriptions for your text-based game! Also includes prompts and ideas for writing city and wilderness areas.

Beginner’s guide to multi-user dungeons (MUDs) and how to start playing them

Apr 22, 2022

Jan 8, 2026

Just what is a MUD game? And what does that mean, multi-user dungeon? Are all of them set in dungeons? Find out in this post!

How to be a better game master: 10 tips for running great interactive stories

Apr 3, 2022

Jan 8, 2026

Want to be a better game master? Here are 10 tips for running great interactive stories. Ideal for online events and open sessions.

How to reward players for reporting typos

Mar 19, 2022

Jan 8, 2026

Mistakes can undermine the aesthetic of any game. Here are 5 reasons to reward players for reporting game typos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Guides category?

Guides are hands-on articles designed to help people build, run, or participate in text-based games and roleplaying communities.

What kind of content appears in this category?

Guides cover topics like improving accessibility, retaining players, and marketing your game. They provide practical steps you can take to achieve a result.

How are Guides different from Ideas & Insights?

Guides are meant to be followed or referenced while working on a task. Ideas & Insights articles are meant to be read for understanding, context, or inspiration.

How are Guides different from Essays?

Guides prioritize action and application. Essays prioritize reflection and deeper examination of ideas, tradeoffs, or perspectives.

Who are Guides for?

Guides are for anyone looking for practical help, including game admins, builders, writers, roleplayers, and community organizers.