The Power of Choice: Player Agency in Tabletop Role-playing Games
What is Player Agency?
In the fantastical realms of tabletop role-playing games, the power to shape narratives lies not just in the hands of the Game Master, but also the players themselves. This narrative influence, where players can choose their actions and make decisions that impact the story, is what we call player agency.
Player agency is the heart of every thrilling adventure, the spark that lights the flame of immersion and engagement. It’s the player’s ability to make decisions and take actions that can alter the course of the game. It’s the power to say, “I want to do this,” and to see the world respond. It’s the freedom to navigate the game world, interact with characters, solve problems, and, most importantly, shape the story.
The Elements of Player Agency
Player agency is constructed upon three main pillars: choice, control, and influence.
Choice is the foundation of player agency. In the context of a tabletop RPG, choice refers to the myriad options that are presented to the players. These options could be as grand as deciding the fate of a kingdom or as simple as choosing to interact with a local barkeep. They could be choices about character creation, decisions about the paths to take during the adventure, or even the strategy adopted in a tense combat situation. The breadth and depth of these choices can vary wildly from game to game, but they all serve the same fundamental purpose: allowing the players to make decisions that feel meaningful to them and impact the world in which their characters reside. The beauty of player agency lies in its ability to transform a linear narrative into a branching tree of possibilities, each unique path shaped by the players’ choices.
Control, the second pillar, refers to the players’ ability to act upon these choices. In a game where player agency is valued, the players’ decisions are not just acknowledged but also have the power to drive the narrative forward. Control is about the player’s capacity to direct their character’s actions and decisions within the game’s setting, shaping their character’s journey and growth. It’s about players having the autonomy to interact with the game world and its inhabitants, to solve problems and overcome challenges in ways that align with their characters’ skills, values, and goals. Control in the hands of the players means that the game world is not just a static backdrop, but a dynamic, interactive stage where players can influence the unfolding story.
Influence, the final pillar, is the manifestation of these choices. Influence is what happens when the ripples created by the players’ choices and actions start affecting the world, the narrative, and the game’s outcome. It’s the ability of players to leave their mark on the game world, to see the consequences of their actions, whether they’re immediate or far-reaching, positive or negative. Influence is what makes the game world feel alive and reactive, reinforcing the players’ sense of agency by creating a visible link between their actions and the world’s responses.
While discussing these elements of player agency, it’s worth distinguishing between player agency and character agency. Although closely related, these are slightly different concepts. Player agency refers to the player’s ability to influence the game world, while character agency is about whether the character’s actions and decisions make sense within the game world and the character’s established personality and motivations. The character should feel like a living, autonomous entity within the game world, whose actions are consistent with their motivations, personality, and background. This distinction can help both players and GMs create more immersive and consistent narratives, and reinforce the sense of authenticity and engagement in the game.
The Magic of Choice in Tabletop RPGs
Choices that Shape the Adventure
Every choice a player makes shapes not only their character but also the narrative thread of the adventure. For instance, in a popular D&D campaign “Curse of Strahd”, players’ choices about alliances and strategies can significantly influence the dark tale’s unfolding. Each choice brings about a different narrative path, each with its own set of consequences, challenges, and rewards.
The Emotional Connection
Making choices and seeing their impacts unfold brings players closer to their characters and the game world. The stakes become personal. For instance, in one of my own games, a player chose to sacrifice his character to save the party. The emotional impact of that decision, both on the player and the rest of the party, created a bond with the game that lasted long after the campaign ended.
The Game Master’s Role in Player Agency
Facilitating Choices
A Game Master’s role is not just to narrate the story but also to facilitate player agency. GMs can do this by presenting a range of opportunities and choices. Whether it’s an encounter with a mysterious stranger, a fork in the road, or a riddle to solve, these choices allow players to take charge of their journey. A good GM adjusts the story based on players’ decisions, making the narrative a shared creation between the GM and the players.
Maintaining Balance
However, player agency doesn’t mean absolute freedom. A good GM must balance player freedom with a coherent, fun, and engaging story. Too many restrictions can stifle player agency, but unchecked freedom can lead to a disjointed narrative. The GM must strike a delicate balance, allowing players’ choices to matter while maintaining
a storyline that is engaging and makes sense within the game world. This balance can be achieved through techniques such as the “Yes, and…” or “Yes, but…” responses to player decisions. These techniques allow the GM to acknowledge and incorporate player decisions while keeping the narrative on track.
The Adventurer’s Toolbox: Tips for Enhancing Player Agency
As a player, your choices and actions are the heart of the game. Here are some tips to enhance your agency and help you make the most out of your role-playing experience.
Be Engaged and Proactive: Engagement is key to experiencing player agency. Be an active participant in the narrative, not a passive observer. Ask questions, interact with the game world, and don’t shy away from making decisions or taking actions. Remember, your character is a living, breathing part of the game world, not just a bystander.
Consider Consequences: Every choice comes with consequences, and as a player, it’s important to consider them. This doesn’t mean you should avoid taking risks, but rather understand the potential outcomes of your actions. Whether it’s entering into a dangerous alliance, taking on a powerful enemy, or making a morally challenging decision, your choices should reflect a thoughtful engagement with the game world.
Embrace Outcomes, Even the Negative Ones: Not all choices lead to positive outcomes, and that’s perfectly fine. Dealing with negative consequences — such as character death or failure — can be an important part of maintaining player engagement and agency. These moments can lead to new story arcs, character development, and even deeper immersion in the game world. Rather than viewing them as setbacks, consider them as opportunities for growth and storytelling.
Stay True to Your Character: Role-playing is about stepping into the shoes of a character. Try to make decisions and take actions consistent with your character’s personality, background, and motivations. This not only enhances player agency but also deepens your connection to your character and the narrative. It can be tempting to make choices based on what’s most beneficial from a gameplay perspective, but staying true to your character can lead to a more rewarding role-playing experience.
Communicate with Your GM and Fellow Players: Communication is crucial in a role-playing game. Share your character’s thoughts, plans, and fears with the GM and your fellow players. If you have a specific goal or story arc in mind for your character, discuss it with your GM. They can help weave it into the narrative, providing a greater sense of agency as you see your character’s personal journey unfold within the broader story.
Take Initiative: Finally, don’t wait for the GM to present opportunities for your character. Take the initiative to pursue your character’s goals, explore the game world, and interact with NPCs. Remember, the story is not just about reacting to what the GM presents, but also about the choices and actions you take proactively.
Remember, the goal of playing a tabletop RPG is not just to win or lose, but to participate in a shared storytelling experience. Your choices, actions, and even your character’s failures are all part of the rich tapestry of the game’s narrative. Embrace your agency and see where the story takes you.
Guiding the Narrative: A GM’s Guide to Fostering Player Agency
As the Game Master (GM), your role is pivotal in fostering an environment that promotes player agency. Here are some tips to help you facilitate player agency while maintaining a captivating and enjoyable narrative.
Create Scenarios with Multiple Options: Begin by designing scenarios that offer multiple paths to the players, not just a single predetermined path. These alternatives can be different routes to a destination, multiple solutions to a puzzle, or even varied responses from NPCs based on the players’ approach. By doing this, you allow the players to tackle challenges in a way that suits their characters and strategy, which enhances their sense of agency and engagement.
Be Adaptable: As a GM, it’s essential to be flexible and adapt to the decisions your players make. This doesn’t mean you should discard your plans at every turn, but rather adjust and weave the players’ actions into the ongoing narrative. Remember, you’re not just telling a story; you’re co-creating it with your players. Their choices should have real, meaningful impacts on the game world and its inhabitants.
Use Facilitation Techniques: One of the techniques you can employ is the “Yes, and…” or “Yes, but…” responses. These improv-derived methods allow you to maintain narrative coherence while still encouraging player agency. “Yes, and…” means you accept the players’ actions and then add to them to progress the story. “Yes, but…” means you accept the actions, but introduce a complication or consequence. For instance, if a player wants to scale a castle wall, a “Yes, and…” response might be, “Yes, and as you reach the top, you spot a patrol approaching.” A “Yes, but…” response could be, “Yes, but the wall is slick with rain, making the climb more difficult.”
Balancing Freedom and Structure: While player agency is important, as a GM, you also have to balance it against the need for a coherent and engaging narrative. Too much freedom can lead to a sprawling, aimless story, while too much structure can stifle player agency. Strive for a balance where players’ choices matter and drive the narrative forward, but within a context that keeps the story focused and compelling.
Provide Clear Consequences: Player actions should have clear and logical consequences. This doesn’t mean every decision leads to dire outcomes, but players should feel the effects of their actions. If they help a town, they might make allies and gain reputation. If they ignore a threat, it might grow worse over time. This cause-and-effect relationship strengthens player agency by making the game world feel more realistic and responsive.
Encourage Character-Driven Decisions: Finally, encourage your players to make decisions consistent with their characters’ motivations, backgrounds, and personalities. This not only enhances player agency but also deepens character development and immersion. You can do this by creating scenarios that specifically challenge or engage with the characters’ beliefs, fears, and goals.
Remember, as a GM, your role isn’t to work against the players but to collaborate with them to create a memorable story where they are the protagonists. Your greatest tool isn’t the dice or the rulebook, but your ability to adapt, improvise, and weave a captivating narrative around your players’ actions and decisions.
Conclusion
Player agency is more than just a game mechanic in tabletop RPGs — it’s the soul of the game. It breathes life into characters, adds depth to the narrative, and creates a vibrant, living world that responds to the players’ actions. It transforms players from mere spectators to active participants, binding them closer to their characters and the game world. Both players and Game Masters are encouraged to embrace player agency for a more immersive and engaging experience. After all, in the realm of RPGs, the power of choice is the greatest magic of all.
Suggested Games to Try
For those eager to experience the magic of player agency, here are a few tabletop RPGs known for their strong emphasis on player agency:
1. Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition — As the granddaddy of all RPGs, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has always promoted player agency, but its 5th Edition takes it to another level. The game offers mechanics like Backgrounds, which allow players to create detailed backstories for their characters, giving them personal goals and motivations that can directly influence the narrative. The Inspiration mechanic also encourages players to role-play their characters faithfully. It rewards them with a gameplay advantage when they make decisions that align with their character traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. These mechanics not only provide plenty of room for player agency but also encourage player-driven storytelling.
2. Blades in the Dark — Blades in the Dark is a game about a crew of criminals in a grim, industrial-fantasy city. It uses a mission-based structure, where players plan and execute daring heists and other illicit activities. A unique aspect of the game is its “flashback” mechanic, where players can retroactively declare actions their characters took in preparation for the mission, allowing them to actively shape the narrative even when faced with unexpected challenges. The players also have significant control over their crew’s advancement and the expansion of their territory, making their choices have long-lasting effects on the game world.
3. Apocalypse World — Known for its “Play to find out what happens” philosophy, Apocalypse World puts narrative control firmly into the players’ hands. Its rule system is designed to push the narrative forward based on player decisions, with the GM often making moves in direct response to player actions. The game’s mechanics also emphasize character-driven play, with players choosing “playbooks” (character archetypes) that come with unique moves and narrative hooks, encouraging players to drive the story based on their character’s motivations and relationships.
4. Burning Wheel — Burning Wheel is a game that makes character beliefs and goals central to its mechanics. Players are encouraged to write down their character’s Beliefs, Instincts, and Traits (BITs), and gameplay rewards them for making decisions and taking actions that test and explore these BITs. This system allows players to drive the story based on their characters’ beliefs and goals, creating a deep narrative where player agency directly influences the unfolding drama.
5. Fiasco — Fiasco is a game about people with high ambitions and poor impulse control, leading to darkly comedic situations. Unlike most RPGs, Fiasco does not have a GM. Instead, players take turns setting up and resolving scenes, creating and driving their own dramatic situations. The game’s structure encourages players to push their characters towards spectacular successes or disastrous failures, offering a unique exercise in player agency where the players are both the actors and directors of their own stories.
Happy gaming, and remember: the power of choice is in your hands!
