Player — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Player: a brief history

The term “player” appears to have started alongside early text-based roleplaying games. It was likely used simply to distinguish those participating in the game from the characters or computer-controlled elements.

Over time, its meaning expanded as online games evolved. The word now commonly refers to anyone actively involved in interactive storytelling or collaborative play.

How it's used today

This term appears in many text-based games and online roleplaying spaces. It is used whenever people talk about the people taking part in a game session or story.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUD, MUSH, RPMUD, PbP, MMORPG, Chat RPG, Social media RPG, MOBA, FPS, PvE, PvP, RPI, RPE, board games, card games, sports

Player examples

• In a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, a player might control a dwarven warrior, deciding their actions, dialogue, and strategies during the adventure.
• In a live-action roleplaying game (LARP), a player could take on the role of a vampire noble, interacting with other players in real time to pursue their character’s dark ambitions.
• In an online text-based roleplaying game, a player might create a character who is a cunning space pirate, navigating interstellar politics and forming alliances with other players’ characters.

Myths and misconceptions

1. Players are just passive participants in the game, following the Game Master’s lead without contributing to the story. In reality, players are essential to the roleplaying experience, actively shaping the narrative with their choices and creativity.
2. All players want to “win” the game. While some players may be motivated by (and focused on) achieving their characters’ goals, many are more interested in exploring the story and developing their characters, even if that means losing or failing at times.
3. A player must be an expert in the game’s rules to participate fully. In fact, players of all experience levels can enjoy and contribute to the story, and learning often happens as the game progresses.
4. Players and their characters are essentially the same. However, players create and control fictional personas, which may have personalities and motivations very different from their own.
5. Being a player requires acting or theatrical talent. While expressiveness can enhance the experience, anyone can enjoy playing a character regardless of their comfort with performance or improvisation.

Player FAQs

How does a player contribute to a roleplaying game?

A player contributes to a roleplaying game by controlling a character and making decisions that affect the game’s narrative and outcome.

In a multiplayer game, they collaborate with other players and the game master to create a dynamic, evolving story. Players may take turns in the spotlight, accomplishing great feats through their characters’ unique skills and strengths.

What’s the difference between a player and a game master?

A player controls one or several characters and experiences the game from the perspective of those characters.

A Game Master (GM), on the other hand, is responsible for creating the game’s setting, storyline, and challenges. The GM acts as the referee, narrator, and controller of all non-player characters (NPCs).

Can a player have multiple characters?

Yes, a player can usually have multiple characters, but this is typically more common in online roleplaying games or larger tabletop games. Managing multiple characters can be challenging, as each should have distinct personalities, backgrounds, and motivations.

In text-based RPGs, players who control multiple characters at the same time are said to be multiplaying.

In massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs), players who control multiple characters at the same time are said to be multiboxing.

What are the responsibilities of a player in a roleplaying game?

In a multiplayer RPG, the responsibilities of a player include understanding their character’s motivations, participating actively in the game, respecting the rules and other players, and contributing to the collective storytelling process.

Players should also communicate effectively with the Game Master and other players to ensure a smooth and enjoyable game experience.