RL — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

RL: a brief history

The usage of RL became common with the rise of virtual communities, online gaming, and digital communication, where a clear distinction became necessary to differentiate between interactions within the game and those outside it.

Use of the term RL emphasizes the impact or influence of one’s non-gaming life on their gaming experiences or vice versa.

How it's used today

Players use the term RL when they want to talk about things happening outside the game world. It shows up in conversations where someone needs to explain they are busy or unavailable because of events from their personal lives.

You’ll hear this term used in places like:

multi-user dungeons (MUDs), MUSHes, roleplay MUDs (RPMUDs), play-by-post (PbP) games, chat RPGs, social media RPGs, MMORPGs, and talkers.

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RL examples

Examples include players having to pause or quit gaming sessions for job responsibilities, family engagements, or educational commitments. Health issues or financial problems are also common RL factors that can interfere with the consistency and enjoyment of gaming.

Myths and misconceptions

1. Gamers do not have an RL or disregard it entirely. Many gamers balance gaming with a variety of RL responsibilities and social activities.
2. RL is always mundane compared to the excitement of virtual worlds. Many individuals find their real-life interactions and activities to be rich and fulfilling.
3. Discussing RL matters in a gaming context is always inappropriate. In fact, acknowledging RL can foster understanding and empathy among community members, especially when absences or changes in participation need to be explained.
4. The term RL only applies to adults or people with jobs. In reality, RL covers all facets of daily life for players of any age, including school, family, and personal commitments.
5. Referencing RL means a player is less dedicated to the game. However, mentioning RL simply reflects the need to balance real-life priorities with gaming and is not a measure of passion or commitment.

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RL FAQs

What is the significance of differentiating between RL and in-game environments?

Differentiating between RL and in-game environments helps clarify whether one is referring to interactions and events happening in the virtual world or in day-to-day life. This distinction is crucial in discussions about time management, game addiction, or when explaining the context of certain behaviors or decisions.

What is the difference between RL and IRL?

Not much. RL is short for “real life” and IRL is short for “in real life,” and players generally use them to mean the same thing: the world away from the game. IRL often reads as a phrase describing where something happened (“we met IRL”), while RL more often stands in as a noun or adjective (“RL is busy,” “an RL friend”). Either way, both point at the same real-world life behind the screen.

How do players typically use RL in conversation?

Players typically use RL in conversation to excuse themselves from gameplay due to real-world responsibilities (“Need to go, RL calls”), to differentiate between an in-game friend and a friend known in RL, or to discuss how real-life issues are affecting their gameplay.

Can focusing too much on RL be seen negatively in gaming communities?

In some intensely dedicated gaming communities, particularly those that involve immersive roleplaying, excessively discussing RL issues or allowing them to interfere with game time can sometimes be viewed negatively. This is because it might detract from the escapism and engagement that these games provide. However, in most roleplaying communities, players are quite understanding of RL and will often recite the mantra that RL is more important than the game.

How does RL impact player behavior in online games?

RL significantly impacts player behavior as real-life responsibilities, stress, or time constraints can influence how much time players dedicate to gaming, how they interact with other players, and their overall performance and commitment to game-related activities. This is true for game staff, as well, especially in environments such as MUDs, where game and community management is provided by volunteers.

What are some examples of RL interfering with gaming?

Examples include players having to pause or quit gaming sessions for job responsibilities, family engagements, or educational commitments. Health issues or financial problems are also common RL factors that can interfere with the consistency and enjoyment of gaming.