What is rollplaying in roleplaying games?
Rollplaying is a play style within roleplaying games (RPGs) where the focus is predominantly on the mechanics, such as dice rolls, character stats, and the strategic or tactical aspects of the game, rather than on narrative engagement or character development.
This approach emphasizes the “game” aspect of RPGs, prioritizing success in combat or mission outcomes over immersive storytelling and character interaction. Players who prefer rollplaying often enjoy optimizing their characters for peak performance and exploring the ruleset as a challenge to overcome.
The term is a pun on “roleplaying,” highlighting the shift from playing a role to rolling dice. Rollplaying has been a recognized style since the early development of tabletop RPGs, reflecting the diverse preferences within the gaming community.
Rollplaying: a brief history
The term “rollplaying” seems to have started as a playful pun among tabletop RPG players. It likely appeared informally when communities began distinguishing between different play styles in the early days of text and tabletop gaming.
Over time, the term has been used both seriously and jokingly to describe a focus on game mechanics over storytelling. Its meaning has shifted with trends in the roleplaying hobby.
How it's used today
Players use the term “rollplaying” today when talking about how people approach different RPG sessions. It comes up most in discussions where the focus of play leans toward rules, numbers, or winning scenarios rather than acting out a character.
Types of games where the term is commonly used include:
Tabletop RPG, MUD, MUSH, PbP, MMORPG, Chat RPG, Social media RPG, PvE, PvP, Hack and slash.
Rollplaying examples
- A player meticulously calculates the most efficient attack strategies and skill uses during combat to maximize damage output, rather than making choices based on what would be most characteristic or dramatic for their role.
- In a scenario where negotiation could resolve a conflict, the rollplayer prepares for combat, optimizing their party’s formation and equipment, anticipating a fight.
- A rollplayer spends significant time researching and planning their character’s progression to ensure each level-up maximizes the benefits according to the game’s ruleset.
- During a treasure hunt, a rollplayer focuses on the puzzles and traps’ mechanics, enjoying the challenge of solving them with minimal concern for the narrative context they are presented in.
Myths and misconceptions
- Rollplayers do not engage in the narrative or care about the story. Many rollplayers enjoy the story but prefer to engage with it in a way that highlights their character’s mechanical effectiveness.
- Rollplaying is less creative than roleplaying. In reality, it involves its own form of creativity, particularly in strategy and problem-solving.
- Roleplayers and rollplayers are mutually exclusive types. In actuality, players exist on a spectrum, and their preferences and playstyles can change from game to game or over time.
- Groups dominated by rollplayers cannot have fun together or form strong bonds in-game. In fact, many groups with a rollplaying focus enjoy collaboration, team strategy, and shared achievement, which can be just as rewarding socially as in narrative-driven sessions.
- Rollplaying is only about winning or gaining rewards. While optimizing success is often part of rollplaying, many players find enjoyment in mastering the rules, overcoming challenges, and refining tactics—regardless of whether they “win” in the traditional sense.
See: Basic MUD styles and player types.
Rollplaying FAQs
What is the appeal of rollplaying?
The appeal of rollplaying lies in its focus on game mechanics, strategy, and optimization. Players who enjoy this style often appreciate the clear objectives and measurable success it provides, such as defeating difficult opponents or efficiently using resources. It caters to those who find satisfaction in mastering the rules and mechanics of the game.
How does rollplaying differ from roleplaying?
While roleplaying emphasizes character development, narrative arcs, and collaborative storytelling, rollplaying focuses on the successful execution of game mechanics and often treats the game more like a board game or a puzzle to be solved. The narrative is secondary to achieving objectives through tactical prowess and rule exploitation.
Can rollplaying negatively impact an RPG session?
Rollplaying can negatively impact an RPG session if it clashes with the expectations of other players who might prioritize story and character interaction. This mismatch in play styles can lead to conflicts or a less satisfying experience for those involved if not managed properly by the game master (GM).
How can a GM balance rollplaying and roleplaying in a game?
A GM can balance rollplaying and roleplaying by clearly communicating the game’s focus before the campaign starts, ensuring alignment in player expectations. They can also design scenarios that require both tactical decisions and character-driven actions, thus catering to multiple play styles within the same session.
What are some typical behaviors of a rollplayer?
Typical behaviors of a rollplayer include optimizing character builds for combat effectiveness, focusing on acquiring powerful equipment, and approaching scenarios as challenges to be overcome using the game’s rules. They may also prefer sessions that feature complex combat over those that involve intricate diplomacy or character exploration.
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