FTB — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

FTB: a brief history

The concept originates from film and television, where a scene transitions to black to omit certain details or to indicate the end of a scene or episode. A familiar example is the camera drifting away or the picture darkening just as two characters move toward intimacy, leaving what happens next to the viewer’s imagination.

Tabletop and text-based roleplayers borrowed the shorthand for the same reason: it’s a quick, widely understood signal that a moment is happening but won’t be shown in detail. As online roleplay communities grew more deliberate about consent and content boundaries, fading to black shifted from an occasional courtesy to a standard tool. Many games now name it directly in their rules alongside other boundary-setting practices, so players generally recognize “FTB” without needing it explained.

How it's used today

Players use the term FTB when they want to skip or gloss over sensitive or private scenes during collaborative writing or roleplay. It’s common in environments where participants work together to tell a story but want to avoid explicit descriptions.

FTB often comes up alongside consent tools and stated content boundaries. It’s especially common in ERP and other adult or mature play, where people agree to imply a moment rather than depict it. It also pairs naturally with the scene as a unit of play: the scene keeps going, but its most graphic moments are left to the imagination.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

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

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FTB examples

• Two characters in a roleplaying game are about to engage in a romantic encounter. One player types “Shall we FTB here?” and the other agrees, implying the scene’s occurrence without detailing it.
• During a high-stakes interrogation scene, things are about to get graphically violent. A player suggests an FTB to skip the explicit torture details while still conveying the interrogation’s outcome.
• A storyline involves a character’s tragic backstory, which includes sensitive topics. The player narrating decides to use FTB for these parts, providing only the necessary information to understand the character’s motivations.
• In a horror-themed game, the group decides to FTB as they describe the aftermath of a monstrous attack instead of the gore-filled details.

Myths and misconceptions

1. FTB is only for scenes of intimacy: While commonly used for intimate scenes, FTB can be applied to any content that players wish to omit for comfort, pacing, or relevance reasons.
2. Using FTB is a sign of prudishness: Employing FTB is not about being prudish but about respecting the comfort levels and boundaries of all players involved. It is always better to err on the side of protecting players’ health and well-being, even in games with darker themes.
3. FTB disrupts the game narrative: Properly used, FTB does not disrupt the game. Instead, it allows the story to bypass details that are not necessary for the plot’s progression or are uncomfortable for participants.
4. FTB means nothing happened in the omitted scene: Using FTB does not erase the event from the story—it simply skips over the specifics. The implied events are still part of the ongoing narrative and can influence characters and plot.
5. Once FTB is used, players can never go back and discuss the scene: While FTB omits the details in the moment, players can later talk about the implications, consequences, or relevant aftermath as part of character development or story progression, as long as everyone is comfortable.
6. FTB is the only safe way to handle dark or difficult scenes: Fading to black is one tool among several. Some groups agree to write intense content out in full instead, as in CNC RP (consensual non-consent), where a clear out-of-character agreement is what makes the scene acceptable to everyone involved.

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FTB FAQs

How do you initiate an FTB in a game?

To initiate an FTB, a player usually drops a short out-of-character note like “FTB here?” or simply types “fade to black” as the scene approaches sensitive ground. This is a cue to other players to skip over the detailed portrayal of the scene. Skipping the details ensures that no player is forced to endure discomfort during the game.

Can FTB be used for scenes other than intimacy or violence?

Yes, FTB can be used for any scene that players prefer not to describe in detail. This can include personal, traumatic, triggering, or otherwise sensitive content that players do not feel comfortable sharing or roleplaying in a public or semi-public setting.

Is it necessary to discuss FTB usage before a game?

While not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended to discuss the use of FTB and other consent and content boundaries before starting a game. This ensures all players are on the same page regarding what content is acceptable and how to handle sensitive or potentially triggering scenarios. Depending on the game, there may already be rules or guidelines in place that describe how and when to use fade to black.

How does FTB affect the narrative of a game?

FTB allows the narrative to continue smoothly without delving into uncomfortable or graphic details. It helps maintain the pace and tone of the game while respecting players’ boundaries. However, the outcomes or consequences of the faded-out scenes should still be acknowledged in the storyline as appropriate.