Game Studies Study Buddies 47 – White – Tabletop RPG Design in Theory and Practice at the Forge
May 31, 2022
Austin Walker, IP director for Possibility Space and a seasoned narrative critic, dives into the transformative years of tabletop RPGs from 2001 to 2012, exploring the legacy of The Forge community. They discuss the dynamics of feedback, inclusivity, and representation within RPG culture, highlighting the importance of personal narratives. Walker unpacks the evolution of game design theories, contrasting traditional norms with modern gaming practices, and shares humorous anecdotes from gaming conventions. This lively conversation sheds light on the intricate interplay between game creation and community.
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Combine Structural and Content Analysis
- Analyze forum post rates and participant interactions to understand community structure.
- Combining structural data with content analysis reveals richer insights about online communities.
Tension Between Theory and Production
- The Forge valued tangible game creation over theory discussions as 'real' activity.
- However, theory posts sometimes had more influence than published games with limited reach.
A Game That Changed Austin Walker
- Austin Walker's exposure to "With Great Power" RPG transformed his perspective on role-playing games.
- The game emphasized emotional traits over stats, shifting his understanding of superhero RPGs.
