Why are RPGs so hard? Pt. II - Interpersonal Dynamics
RPGs are largely about understanding other people, at least if you want the best experience
In this series I’m calling “Why are RPGs so hard?” I address some of the biggest challenges in running and playing tabletop RPGs. Because let’s face it, there are a lot of challenges. Those challenges are probably why video games and board games are much bigger industries. But I love RPGs, and since you’re here, I assume you do to. So let’s discuss!
I. Introduction
Tabletop RPGs are not just a form of entertainment or escapism. They are a bastion of social interaction, a stage where the complexities of human relationships play out in a confined setting. And a game's success doesn't solely hinge on well-designed encounters or compelling narratives. It leans heavily on a social contract between those sitting around the table. This contract is often unspoken but always present, a set of expectations and norms that govern how we engage with the game and each other.
The challenges that arise from these interpersonal dynamics can be daunting. And they can be subtle, like the tension that builds when one player consistently overshadows others. Or they can be glaring, like a heated argument over a character's actions that disrupts the flow of the game. In any case, these challenges pose a risk, not just to the enjoyment of the current session but to the longevity and health of the campaign itself. And frankly in some cases, to one’s very relationship with RPGs in general.
Understanding the social dynamics at play can enrich the experience for everyone involved. It can transform a good campaign into a great one, and turn a casual group of players into a tight-knit team of adventurers (and friends!). A good enough understanding can help us navigate conflicts and challenges in a way that is constructive rather than destructive, ensuring that the story we are collectively telling doesn't end prematurely.
So let’s dissect the types of interpersonal challenges that commonly arise in the hobby. We’ll take a look beyond the dice, the character sheets, and the rulebooks, and see the human elements that makes this hobby challenging but extraordinarily rewarding.
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