Bystander Effect: The Psychology Behind Passive Players and the Design & GMing That Fixes It RPG PHD 2026-09-19 | Bystander Effect: The Psychology Behind Passive Players and the Design & GMing That Fixes It
Using Body Language in RPGs RPG PHD 2026-02-06 | Dr. Ben discusses Body Language & Non-verbal communication for NPCs applied to TTRPGs (Episode #157). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro00:56 The Science04:12 Micro-Behaviors07:32 Tells in Negotiations10:32 Status Posture & Hierarchy13:56 Staging Uncertainty17:43 GM Guide22:43 Thoughts?--------------------------------------------Burgoon, J. K. & Hale, J. L., Nonverbal Behaviors “Speak” Relational Messages of Dominance-SubmissionPaul Ekman. Emotions Revealed. 2nd ed., New York: Times Books, 2007.Paul Ekman and Wallace V. Friesen. Facial Action Coding System. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.Paul Ekman and Erika L. Rosenberg, eds. What the Face Reveals. 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005.Judee K. Burgoon, Laura K. Guerrero, and Kory Floyd. Nonverbal Communication. New York: Routledge.Mark L. Knapp, Judith A. Hall, and Terrence G. Horgan. Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction. 8th ed., Boston: Wadsworth.Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Designing Atmosphere: Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty for GMs RPG PHD 2026-01-30 | Dr. Ben discusses Antonin Artaud and the Theatre of Cruelty applied to TTRPGs (Episode #156). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:39 Theatre of Cruelty06:57 Ritual and Repitition09:44 Non-verbal Storytelling15:01 Controlled Disorientation20:00 GM Guide24:16 Thoughts?--------------------------------------------Artaud, Antonin. The Theatre and Its Double. Translated by Mary Caroline Richards, Grove Press, 1958.“Theatre of Cruelty.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Screen Direction for Theatre of the Mind Style TTRPGs RPG PHD 2026-01-23 | Dr. Ben discusses Screen Direction from film studies for Theatre of the Mind Style tables and GMs (Episode #155). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:06 Theatre of the Mind02:23 Screen Direction06:00 Breaking Spatial Clarity09:14 Screen Direction Tools13:52 GM Guide18:03 Thoughts? --------------------------------------------Bordwell, David, and Kristin Thompson. Film Art: An Introduction. 12th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2019.Bordwell, David. Narration in the Fiction Film. University of Wisconsin Press, 1985. Brown, Blain. Cinematography: Theory and Practice. 3rd ed., Focal Press, 2016. Gibson, James J. The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception. Psychology Press, 1986. Salomon, Gavriel. Interaction of Media, Cognition, and Learning. Jossey-Bass, 1979. Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
The Art of Game Design: Diagnostic Lenses for Design and Gamemastering RPG PHD 2026-01-16 | Dr. Ben discusses Schell's book The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses for Design and Gamemastering. (Episode #154). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:32 Diagnosing the Real Problem07:26 Lens of Experience10:12 Lens of Choice12:46 Lens of Time15:42 Lens of Complexity18:31 Lens of Goals20:52 Lens of Rules23:22 Lens of Feedback25:57 Lens of Surprise28:54 Lens of Challenge 31:43 Lens of Skill34:10 Diagnostic Guide for GMs38:46 Diagnostic Guide for Designers43:41 Final Thoughts47:25 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Schell, Jesse. The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses. CRC Press, multiple editions.Meadows, Donella H. Thinking in Systems: A Primer. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008.Sweller, John. “Cognitive Load Theory.” Psychology of Learning and Motivation, vol. 55, Academic Press, 2011.Norman, Don.The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and Expanded Edition, Basic Books, 2013.Kahneman, Daniel. Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.Goffman, Erving. Frame Analysis: An Essay on the Organization of Experience. Harvard University Press, 1974.Turner, Victor. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Publishing, 1969.Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Grotowski: Designing and Running RPGs by Subtraction RPG PHD 2026-01-09 | Dr. Ben discusses Grotowski acting theory for Design and Gamemastering. (Episode #153). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:04 Poor Theatre08:02 The Instrument13:02 Via Negativa17:34 Ritual, Not Realism21:10 The Total Act24:92 GM Player Feedback Loop26:44 Discipline Enables Freedom29:06 Final Thoughts30:24 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Grotowski, Jerzy. Towards a Poor Theatre. Edited by Eugenio Barba, Routledge, 1968.Barba, Eugenio. The Paper Canoe: A Guide to Theatre Anthropology. Routledge, 1995.Kumiega, Jennifer. The Theatre of Jerzy Grotowski. Methuen, 1987.Schechner, Richard. Performance Theory. Routledge, 1988.Wolford, Lisa, and Richard Schechner, editors. The Grotowski Sourcebook. Routledge, 1997. Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Don Normans Design Theory for TTRPG Design and Gamemastering RPG PHD 2026-01-02 | Dr. Ben discusses Don Norman's _Design of Everyday Things_ for Design and Gamemastering.(Episode #152). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:13 Design is Communication04:36 Affordances10:22 Signifiers15:27 Feedback19:49 The Two Gulfs23:26 Mapping28:17 Constraints30:32 Designing for Error32:14 Final Thoughts33:20 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Norman, Donald A. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and Expanded ed., Basic Books / MIT Press edition listings, 2013. Core concepts summarized in available excerpts.Nielsen Norman Group. “The Two UX Gulfs: Evaluation and Execution.” 2018. Interaction Design Foundation. “Gulf of Evaluation and Gulf of Execution.” Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Stanislavski for TTRPGS: Make NPCs Feel Alive Using Acting Theory RPG PHD 2025-12-19 | Dr. Ben discusses Stanislavski, and how to make NPCS come to life. (Episode #151). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Verb List: tinyurl.com/4ztkpmw5Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro00:59 Given Circumstances03:52 Objective, Obstacle, Tactic07:56 Status Transactions12:55 Subtext as Action17:10 The Moment Before20:09 How To Guide34:35 Final Thoughts36:13 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Stanislavski, Constantin. An Actor Prepares. Translated by Elizabeth Reynolds Hapgood, Theatre Arts Books, 1936.Stanislavski, Constantin. Building a Character. Translated by Elizabeth Reynolds Hapgood, Theatre Arts Books, 1949.Mamet, David, and William H. Macy. A Practical Handbook for the Actor. Vintage Books, 1987.Hornby, William H. Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers. Focal Press, 2006.Johnstone, Keith. Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre. Routledge, 1979.Johnstone, Keith. Impro for Storytellers. Routledge, 1999.Hagen, Uta. Respect for Acting. Wiley Publishing, 1973.Hagen, Uta. A Challenge for the Actor. Scribner, 1991. Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Laban Movement Analysis for TTRPGs: Describe Fights Like a Choreographer RPG PHD 2025-12-12 | Dr. Ben discusses Laban Movement Analysis for TTRPGs (Episode #150). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Michael Chekov: youtu.be/RXI4SMY2aC8Laban Guide: tinyurl.com/5cbdf4hdWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:16 What Laban Was Actually Studying05:19 Combat Like a Chreographer13:16 Effort States18:32 Kinesphere21:42 Shape Flow24:21 Inner Attiude vs Inner Motion31:47 Phrasing and Combat as Music34:35 How to Step by Step47:40 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Laban, Rudolf, & F. C. Lawrence. Effort. London: Macdonald & Evans, 1947.Laban, R. (1947/1988). The Mastery of Movement. Northcote House.London, Justin. Hearing in Time: Psychological Aspects of Musical Meter. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.Newlove, J., & Dalby, J. (2004). Laban for All. Routledge.Preston-Dunlop, V., & Sanchez-Colberg, A. (2002). Dance and the Performative. Verve.Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Psychological Gesture: Using Chekhov’s Techniques to Shape Scenes In TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-12-05 | Dr. Ben discusses Psychological Gesture Acting Theory in TTRPGs (Episode #149). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Architecture Theory: youtu.be/quHi4MW0PwYWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:17 What Makes Chekhov Different03:07 Psychological Gesture05:23 Character Centers06:40 Atmosphere10:33 Qualities of Energy12:13 Encounters & Villains17:50 How to Guide27:26 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Chekhov, M. (1953). To the actor: On the technique of acting. Harper & Row.Chekhov, M. (1991). On the technique of acting (M. Powers, Ed.). HarperCollins.Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Designing with Pattern Language Makes Better Cities, Dungeons, and Adventures RPG PHD 2025-11-28 | Dr. Ben discusses the Architecture Theory of Pattern Language in TTRPGs (Episode #148). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro00:59 Pattern Language05:43 Dungeon Design08:50 City Design11:50 Encounter Design15:13 Pattern Stacking19:38 Build Your Own Pattern Language24:18 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Alexander, C. (1979). The timeless way of building. Oxford University Press.Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Map Player Attention and Build the Scenes They Care About RPG PHD 2025-11-21 | Dr. Ben discusses player communication and attention in TTRPGs (Episode #147). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Curiosity Loops youtu.be/WyDkyxxX0AgThe Sound of Silence youtu.be/ul4df58FIlUWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro00:53 Understanding Players Wants03:49 Experience Maps05:16 Micro-Tasting Menu07:48 Experience Roles10:43 Alchemy of Attention19:52 Counterarguments22:08 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Berlyne, D. E. (1960). Conflict, arousal, and curiosity. McGraw-Hill.Brook, P. (1968). The empty space. Penguin.Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Anchor Books.Gilbert, D. T. (2006). Stumbling on happiness. Knopf.Huron, D. (2006). Sweet anticipation: Music and the psychology of expectation. MIT Press.Iglesias, K. (2005). Writing for emotional impact. WingSpan Press.Litman, J. A. (2005). Curiosity and the pleasures of learning: Wanting and liking new information. Cognition and Emotion, 19(6), 793–814. Loewenstein, G. (1994). The psychology of curiosity: A review and reinterpretation. Psychological Bulletin, 116(1), 75–98. Pinter, H. (1976). Plays: One. Methuen.Ryan, M.-L. (20 06). Avatars of story. University of Minnesota Press.Stanislavski, K. (1936). An actor prepares. Theatre Arts Books.Laws, R. D. (2010). Hamlet’s hit points. Gameplaywright.Murray, J. H. (1997). Hamlet on the holodeck: The future of narrative in cyberspace. Free Press.Upton, B. (2015). The aesthetic of play. MIT Press.Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257–285. Norman, D. A. (2013). The design of everyday things: Revised and expanded edition. Basic Books.Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
6 Principles To Make Combat Feel Faster and Be Faster RPG PHD 2025-11-14 | Dr. Ben discusses guiding principles to make combat feel and be faster. (Episode #146). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:05 The Diagnosis05:25 A Note on Tables, Styles, and Finding What Works07:00 Principle 1: Shorten Decisions, Not Possibility12:15 Principle 2: Architect the Fight Before It Begins18:16 Principle 3: Streamline the Math the Audience Never Sees23:50 Principle 4: Pre-Commit to Rulings that Favor Flow29:52 Principle 5: Make Every Round Do Story Work35:43 Principle 6: Help Players Move Before Their Turn40:48 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Berlyne, D. E. (1960). Conflict, arousal, and curiosity. McGraw-Hill.Brook, P. (1968). The empty space. Penguin.Gigerenzer, G. (2008). Rationality for mortals: How people cope with uncertainty. Oxford University Press.Harper, J. (2017). Blades in the Dark. Evil Hat Productions.Huron, D. (2006). Sweet anticipation: Music and the psychology of expectation. MIT Press.Juul, J. (2005). Half-Real: Video games between real rules and fictional worlds. MIT Press.Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.Laws, R. D. (2010). Hamlet’s Hit Points. Gameplaywright.Salen, K., & Zimmerman, E. (2003). Rules of play: Game design fundamentals. MIT Press.Schechner, R. (1988). Performance theory. Routledge.Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257–285. Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
How to Build Curiosity Loops That Last RPG PHD 2025-11-06 | Dr. Ben discusses how to create curiosity loops for your TTRPGs (Episode #145). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro0056: What is the Curosity Loop?05:10 Three Tiers of Questions11:42 7 Reliable Ways to Seed Curosity20:50 How to Answer Without Ending the Loop26:37 Pacing the Loop32:06 Drop-in Frameworks34:02 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Berlyne, D. E. (1960). Conflict, Arousal, and Curiosity. McGraw-Hill.Huron, D. (2006). Sweet Anticipation: Music and the Psychology of Expectation. MIT Press.Juul, J. (2005). Half-Real: Video Games between Real Rules and Fictional Worlds. MIT Press.Laws, R. D. (2010). Hamlet’s Hit Points. Gameplaywright.Loewenstein, G. (1994). The psychology of curiosity: A review and reinterpretation. Psychological Bulletin, 116(1), 75–98.Baker, V. (2004). Dogs in the Vineyard (for “fruitful void” as design stance).Hunicke, R., LeBlanc, M., & Zubek, R. (2004). MDA: A formal approach to game design and game research (for translating aesthetics ↔ mechanics).Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Why Magic Exists: The Heart of Worldbuilding, Gamemastering, & Design in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-10-23 | Dr. Ben discusses the philosophy of designing magic in worldbuilding, gamemastering and design in TTRPGs. (Episode #144). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------00:00 Intro00:56 Purpose of Magic10:44 Narrative & Dramatic Function18:50 Worldbuilding Implications24:42 Mechanics & System Design32:25 Table Dynamics36:05 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Brook, Peter. The Empty Space. Penguin Books, 1968.Juul, Jesper. Half-Real: Video Games between Real Rules and Fictional Worlds. MIT Press, 2005.Laws, Robin D. Hamlet’s Hit Points. Gameplaywright, 2010.Mar, Raymond A., and Keith Oatley. “The Function of Fiction Is the Abstraction and Simulation of Social Experience.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, vol. 12, no. 11, 2008, pp. 561–566.Sanderson, Brandon. “Sanderson’s Laws of Magic.” BrandonSanderson.com, 2007–2013.Sicart, Miguel. Play Matters. MIT Press, 2014.Turner, Victor. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Transaction, 1969.Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Using Silence in TTRPGS RPG PHD 2025-10-16 | Dr. Ben discusses using silence in your gamemastering and design in TTRPGs. (Episode #143). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:00 Theory of Silence06:30 Silence as Tension12:50 Silence as Immersion19:27 Silence as Respect23:20 Practical Tools32:13 Game Design Implications39:26 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Dice as Greek Chorus: Giving Voice to Fate RPG PHD 2025-10-09 | Dr. Ben discusses the dice as a Greek Chorus and how to give dice/fate a voice in your TTRPGs. (Episode #142). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:05 Greek Chorus: A History03:02 Treat Rolls as Narrative Beats, Not Interruptions04: 25 Read Tone From the Dice06:47 Let the Dice “Speak First” in Improvisation08:22 Give the Dice a “Voice” in Description09:54 Use Dice to Reinforce Tragedy and Irony11:32 Invite Players to Read the Chorus13:03 Meta-Structure: Dice as Thematic Device14:34 Reframe Luck as Moral or Emotional Commentary16:46 Cinematic Pacing: Pause for the Roll19:42 Dice as Omens and Portents21:54 Design Implications: Building Games Where the Dice Have a Voice24:46 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Balance Overrated: Embracing Asymmetry in TTRPG Design and Gamemastering RPG PHD 2025-10-02 | Dr. Ben discusses balance in ttrpgs. (Episode #141). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:27 The Allure of Balance04:08 The Impossibility of Perfect Balance? 07:09 Feature, Not a Bug?12:20 Spotlight Vs Stat Balance17:16 Dangers of Overbalancing21:04 Embracing Asymmetry25:38 Critiques of Asymmetry32:31 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eBibliographySalen, K., & Zimmerman, E. Rules of Play (2004).Juul, J. Half-Real (2005).Costikyan, G. Uncertainty in Games (2013).Koster, R. A Theory of Fun for Game Design (2004).Laws, R. Robin’s Laws of Good Game Mastering (2002).
Conviction Narrative Theory: Uncertainty, Stories, and RPG Choices RPG PHD 2025-09-25 | Dr. Ben discusses Conviction Narrative Theory for Design & Gamemastering (Episode #140). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:57 Conviction Narrative Theory05:38 CNT as a Design Lens10:15 CNT as a GM Lens16:48 Character Self Stories & Identity Work22:21 Faction Play27:35 Module Ideas33:08 Limitations & Critique38:32 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eBibliographyJohnson, S. G. B. (2022/2023). Conviction Narrative Theory: A theory of choice under radical uncertainty. Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Overview of CNT as choice under radical uncertainty; narratives integrate causal, temporal, analogical, and valence info to enable action. Tuckett, D., & Nikolić, M. (2017). The role of conviction and narrative in decision-making under radical uncertainty. Theory & Psychology. Argues that conviction narratives combine beliefs, heuristics, and emotion to create “sufficient certainty” to act. Fenton-O’Creevy, M., et al. (2022). Selecting futures: The role of conviction, narratives, and emotion in decision-making. (Context on group-level narratives and action under uncertainty.)
Designing Dilemmas: Moral Philosophy in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-09-19 | Dr. Ben discusses designing dilemmas and moral philosophy in Design & Gamemastering (Episode #139). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:49 What Counts as a Moral Dilemma? 03:50 The Trolley Problem09:08 Value Conflicts11:46 Long Term vs Short Term14:25 Loyalty vs Principle17:18 Dirty Hands Dilemmas20:07 Procedural Injustice23:44 Information Asymmetry26:58 Collective vs Individual Good30:20 Player to Player33:22 Mechanical Tracking Tools36:06 Avoiding Moral Dilemmas39:53 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eBibliographyAxelrod, Robert. The Evolution of Cooperation. Basic Books, 1984.Foot, Philippa. “The Problem of Abortion and the Doctrine of the Double Effect.” Oxford Review, no. 5, 1967, pp. 5–15.Gilligan, Carol. In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Harvard UP, 1982.Hardin, Garrett. “The Tragedy of the Commons.” Science, vol. 162, 1968, pp. 1243–1248.Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. 1785. (Any modern translation.)Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism. 1863. (Any modern edition.)Paas, Fred, Alexander Renkl, and John Sweller. “Cognitive Load Theory and Instructional Design: Recent Developments.” Educational Psychologist, vol. 38, no. 1, 2003, pp. 1–4.Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. Harvard UP, 1971.Rumelhart, David. “Schemata: The Building Blocks of Cognition.” In Theoretical Issues in Reading Comprehension, edited by Rand J. Spiro et al., Erlbaum, 1980, pp. 33–58. Sweller, John. “Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning.” Cognitive Science, vol. 12, no. 2, 1988, pp. 257–285.Thomson, Judith Jarvis. “The Trolley Problem.” The Yale Law Journal, vol. 94, no. 6, 1985, pp. 1395–1415.Vygotsky, Lev. Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard UP, 1978.Walzer, Michael. “Political Action: The Problem of Dirty Hands.” Philosophy & Public Affairs, vol. 2, no. 2, 1973, pp. 160–180.Williams, Bernard. “A Critique of Utilitarianism.” In Utilitarianism: For and Against, by J.J.C. Smart and Bernard Williams, Cambridge UP, 1973, pp. 77–150.
A Cognitive Lens on RPG Design: Flow, Schemas, Load, and Scaffolding RPG PHD 2025-09-12 | Dr. Ben discusses the theories of Flow, Schemas, Load, and Scaffolding in Design & Gamemastering (Episode #138). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:02 Flow Theory06:42 Schema Theory12:03 Cognitive Load Theory17:11 Zone of Proximal Development22:45 Synthesis29:22 Final Thoughts30:05 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eBartlett, Frederic. Remembering: A Study in Experimental and Social Psychology. Cambridge University Press, 1932.Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper and Row, 1990.Rumelhart, David. “Schemata: The Building Blocks of Cognition.” In Theoretical Issues in Reading Comprehension, edited by Rand J. Spiro, Bertram C. Bruce, and William F. Brewer, Lawrence Erlbaum, 1980, pp. 33–58.Sweller, John. “Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning.” Cognitive Science, vol. 12, no. 2, 1988, pp. 257–285.Vygotsky, Lev. Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press, 1978.
Designing TTRPGS: Agôn, Alea, Mimicry, Ilinx RPG PHD 2025-09-04 | Dr. Ben discusses designing with Caillois four categories. (Episode #137). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Kickstarter: kickstarter.com/projects/talesfromelsewhere/tales-from-elsewhere-clockworld?ref=discovery&term=tales%20from%20elsewhere&total_hits=1&category_id=34Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:20 Categories of Play02:37 Theoretical Background07:24 Agon: Play As Contest11:10 Alea: Play as Chance14:25 Mimicry: Play as Role & Performance18:52 Ilinx: Play as Vertigo22:50 Big Philosophical Questions25:56 Closing Thoughts27:19 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eCaillois, Roger. Man, Play and Games. Translated by Meyer Barash. University of Illinois Press, 1961.Huizinga, Johan. Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture. Beacon Press, 1938.Salen, Katie, and Eric Zimmerman. Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals. MIT Press, 2003.Stolze, Greg, and Jared Sorensen. Dread. The Impossible Dream, 2005.Juul, Jesper. Half-Real: Video Games between Real Rules and Fictional Worlds. MIT Press, 2005.Turner, Victor. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Publishing, 1969.
Choosing the Right Resolution Mechanics for Your TTRPG RPG PHD 2025-08-29 | Dr. Ben discusses how to choose resolution mechanics for your TTRPGs (Episode #136). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:33 What Resolution Really Resolves04:19 Common Resolution Families13:53 Matching Mechanics15:50 Design Levers20:23 Design Pitfalls25:20 Closing Thoughts28:31 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eFurther Reading & ResourcesHunicke, LeBlanc, Zubek. MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research (2004). The foundational Mechanics → Dynamics → Aesthetics framework for linking rules to player experience.Edwards, Ron. System Does Matter (The Forge, 2001). The essay that launched GNS theory (Gamism, Narrativism, Simulationism), emphasizing how system choices privilege one kind of play over others.Fine, Gary Alan. Shared Fantasy: Role-Playing Games as Social Worlds (1983). A sociological study of RPG play culture and how systems shape group behavior.Caillois, Roger. Man, Play and Games (1961). Defines categories of play—Agôn (contest), Alea (chance), Mimicry (role immersion), and Ilinx (destabilization)—which map directly onto different resolution styles.Savage Worlds Adventure Edition. Showcases exploding dice, raises, and fast resolution mechanics tuned for pulp action aesthetics.Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition (Chaosium). A definitive example of percentile resolution with tiered difficulty levels that reinforce fragile investigators and investigative horror.Dread (The Impossible Dream). The classic example of physical resolution mechanics, where pulling Jenga blocks creates embodied suspense and literal tension at the table.Laws, Robin D. Gumshoe System Design Notes (Pelgrane Press). Introduces the “Three Clue Rule,” a fix for binary stall-outs in investigative games.Salen, Katie & Zimmerman, Eric. Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals (2003). A comprehensive design text exploring probability, uncertainty, and how rules create meaning.Stuart, Keith. Dice by Numbers: The Mathematics of Role-Playing Games. A set of probability breakdowns and dice math discussions useful for comparing flat, bell, and pool systems.Forge Archives (2000–2010). A trove of early indie RPG design discussions on Fortune timing, task vs. conflict resolution, and narrative mechanics.Petri Lankoski. Character-Driven Game Design (2011). Examines how mechanics—including resolution—directly support dramatic and character-driven play.Bowman, Sarah Lynne. The Functions of Role-Playing Games (2010). An academic deep dive into RPGs’ social and psychological impacts, including how systems shape emotional experience.The Alexandrian (Justin Alexander). Especially the “Game Structures” essays and the “Three Clue Rule.” A practical blog resource for GMs and designers on resolution pitfalls and fixes.Playtesting Stress Tests, as described in Unframed: The Art of Improvisation for Game Masters (Engine Publishing, 2014). Advice on stress-testing mechanics in high-pressure scenarios.John Wick. Play Dirty (2006). GM-focused, but with strong lessons about aligning system choices (including resolution) with emotional impact.The DDE Model (Dynamism, Decisions, Discovery, Expression). Originating in indie design circles; see designer blogs (Avery Alder, Jason Morningstar) for practical applications.The Forge (archived discussions): http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forge
Crispy Edge, Soft Middle TTRPG Design RPG PHD 2025-08-21 | Dr. Ben discusses Crispy Edge, Soft Middle Design for TTRPGs (Episode #135). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:47 Crispy Edge, Soft Middle03:19 Canonical Examples06:20 Design Anatomy07:41 Benefits: Why Codifying Matters12:32 Criticisms & Objections17:00 Designing CE/SM Mechanics21:47 When NOT to use this Approach22:55 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eSources & Further Reading (selected)Hunicke, LeBlanc, Zubek. “MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design & Game Research.” (2004). cs.northwestern.eduSalen & Zimmerman. Rules of Play (MIT Press). (2004). gamifique.files.wordpress.comJuul, Jesper. Half-Real (MIT Press). (2005). MIT PressSicart, Miguel. Play Matters (MIT Press). (2014). (Book page + review). MIT Pressgamestudies.orgApocalypse World / Dungeon World SRD references on move results & GM moves. Dungeon World SRD+1Blades in the Dark Player Kit (position/effect, consequences, clocks). Blades in the DarkFate Core: Invoking & Compelling Aspects; official cheat sheet. fate-srd.comEvil Hat ProductionsGUMSHOE: “You always get the core clues.” Pelgrane Press LtdOSR: Matt Finch, A Quick Primer for Old School Gaming; critiques/expansions. Friend or Foegoblinpunch.blogspot.comFortune in the Middle (The Forge glossary & discussions). indie-rpgs.com+15e Basic Rules (D&D Beyond, “Adjudicate the Rules”). D&D Beyond
Warhammer Old World RPG Rules Series: Magic RPG PHD 2025-08-14 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer The Old World RPG Magic. Part 4 of the How to Play Series (Episode #134).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Part 1 Character Creation: youtu.be/Dsk6fqCUkpYPart 2 Resolution Mechanics: youtu.be/5oU_09deBiQPart 3: Combat: youtu.be/2pZLfj3MtZAWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:29 Casting a Spell02:14 Potency02:58 Miscasts07:03 Anatomy of a Spell08:44 Spell Types13:31 Lores of Magic20:16 Spellcasting Examples36:57 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
RPG Design Philosophy Roundtable Part 2 RPG PHD 2025-08-08 | Dr. Ben, Peter from Tales From Elsewhere, & Klok Kaos discuss a wide range of TTRPG design topics. Part 2 (Episode #133).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Tales From ElsewhereDesign Discussion Part 1: youtube.com/watch?v=aM7vJ0ZinNkyoutube.com/@TalesFromElsewhereGamesKlok KaosFacebook: facebook.com/groups/1993142787742991 Reddit: reddit.com/r/ProjectChimeraTTRPGDiscord: discord.gg/ZyTZH5zf2c RPG PHDWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro 01:09 Emerging Trends in TTRPG Design19:39 Favorite design that came about by accident 30:01 Wound Systems48:50 Can a game be designed to be timeless?01:10:10 Final Thoughts---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Warhammer Old World RPG Rules Series: Combat RPG PHD 2025-08-08 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer The Old World RPG Combat. Part 3 of the How to Play Series (Episode #132).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Part 1 Character Creation: youtu.be/Dsk6fqCUkpYPart 2 Resolution Mechanics: youtu.be/5oU_09deBiQWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:35 Combat Begins01:16 Rounds & Turn Order02:43 Zones03:42 Range Bands05:33 Speed07:12 Battlefield Features10:23 Combat Actions15:50 Attack Tests23:53 Wounds28:26 Conditions31:52 Combat Example36:32 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Warhammer Old World RPG Rules Series: Resolution Mechanics RPG PHD 2025-07-31 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer The Old War RPG Resolution Mechanics. Part 2 of the How to Play Series (Episode #131).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Part 1 Character Creation: youtu.be/Dsk6fqCUkpYWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:36 resolution Mechanics01:06 Dice Pool System02:41 Dice Modifiers03:15 Helping with a Test04:04 Grim & Glorious Tests05:09 Test Outcomes07:46 Opposed Tests10:12 Exacting Tests12:19 Fate14:15 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Warhammer Old World RPG Rules Series: Character Creation RPG PHD 2025-07-25 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer The Old War RPG Character Creation. Part 1 of the How to Play Series (Episode #130).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:42 Character Sheet Overview05:44 Character Creation Step By Step05:49 Choosing an Origin11:35 Choosing a Career17:55 Choosing Contacts19:30 Final Steps23:30 Grim Portent25:17 Advancement28:28 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
The Big Model: Layers of Play, TTRPG Design Theory RPG PHD 2025-07-17 | Dr. Ben discusses The Big Model, Full Lecture (Episode #129). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:50 Origins & Context06:06 Creative Agendas08:51 Game Examples11:40 Criticism & limitations13:22 Legacy & Influence14:25 Big Model & Your Own Designs19:31 Final Thoughts20:20 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Re-centering Ensemble Play RPG PHD 2025-07-11 | Dr. Ben discusses main character myth, re-centering ensemble play, Short Lecture (Episode #128). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction01:18 Narrative Techniques to Support Ensemble Play04:44 Designing for Equity: The Role of the GM05:45 Deconstructing the “Main Character Energy” Player06:41 Final Thoughts07:29 Thoughts---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Improvisation Anchors: NPCs that Matter RPG PHD 2025-07-02 | Dr. Ben discusses improvisation anchors, NPCs that matter in TTRPGs, Short Lecture (Episode #127). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro 01:32 Improvisation Anchors02:25 Narrative Theory in Practice06:42 NPC Examples09:11 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedBal, M. (1997). Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative. University of Toronto Press.Harper, J. (2017). Blades in the Dark. Evil Hat Productions.Laws, R. (2001). Robin’s Laws of Good Game Mastering. Steve Jackson Games.Evil Hat Productions (2013). Fate Core System.Crawford, K. (2017). Stars Without Number: Revised Edition.
History of GM Authority RPG PHD 2025-06-27 | Dr. Ben discusses the history of gamemaster evolution in TTRPGs, Full Lecture (Episode #126). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Opening01:02 Introduction02:18 Early Traditions07:17 GM as Author14:18 Indie Revolution24:20 Age of the Facilitator43:28 Philosophies of Play44:31 Final Thoughtd50:08 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedGygax, Gary. Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, Keep on the Borderlands module (TSR, 1979). Gygax, Gary. Advanced D&D Dungeon Masters Guide (TSR, 1979).Finch, Matthew. A Quick Primer for Old School Gaming (2008). Laws, Robin D. See P. XX: Six Types of Story Branch (Pelgrane Press, 2014). Laws, Robin D. GUMSHOE Says Yes (See Page XX, 2018). “Barf Forth Apocalyptica – Apocalypse World Review” (Critical Hits, 2010). Apocalypse World 1st ed. (Lumpley Games, 2010). Crane, Luke. Interview on Burning Wheel (Gnome Stew, 2005). Blades in the Dark (John Harper, 2017) SRD. Bully Pulpit Games – Fiasco (2010) description.Cordova, Jason. “9 Tips for Running Trophy” (The Gauntlet Blog, 2019). Emphasizes Trophy RPG’s collaborative nature: Trophy RPG (Jesse Ross, 2022) – Edwards, Ron (et al). Discussions on The Forge (circa 2003)
Narrative Gravity RPG PHD 2025-06-19 | Dr. Ben discusses narrative gravity in TTRPGs, short lecture (Episode #125). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:45 What is Narrative Gravity?01:33 Theoretical Foundations02:41 Sources of Gravity05:14 Different Game Styles06:38 Why Threads Fail to Pull?07:59 Enhancing Narrative Gravity08:40 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Designing With Negative Space in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-06-12 | Dr. Ben discusses designing with negative space in TTRPGs, Full Lecture (Episode #124). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro 01:18 Negative Space & Implied Design04:53 Rulings Not Rules16:00 Implied World24:38 Power of Uncertainty31:00 Designing With Negative Space36:59 Final Thoughts39:55 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks Cited"Mike Bourke, “Leaving Things Out: Negative Space in RPGs.” Campaign Mastery (2013) – Discussion of negative space as a design principle in various aspects of RPGsWolfgang Iser (as cited on Wikipedia), Reader-response theory – Concept of narrative gaps/blanks that readers fill with imaginationDungeon World SRD, “Gamemastering Principles” – Includes “Draw maps, leave blanks” guidance for collaborative world-buildingMatt Finch, A Quick Primer for Old School Gaming (2008) – Rulings, not Rules philosophy; quoted in Travis Miller, "Subtleties of 'Rulings, not Rules'" (2023)Travis Miller, “Subtleties of ‘Rulings, not Rules’” – Discussion of implied rules and player freedom in OSR Dungeon Master’s Guide, 5th Edition (2014) – Emphasizes DM as final arbiter and guiding hand Review of Mörk Borg on Deathtrap Games blog (2022) – Notes the game’s loose rules (e.g. ignoring tactical minutiae) and minimal attention to specificsIbid. – Notes Mörk Borg’s limited lore: “not enough lore… golden spot where the GM can make the setting their own”Mazirian’s Garden blog, “Pleasures of the OSR: Emergent Story and Open Worlds” (2019) – Defines emergent story as unplanned narrative arising from playKyle Maxwell, “Implied Setting” on Technoskald’s Forge (2020) – Defines implied setting as rules giving enough, table does the rest; notes OD&D’s emergent setting assumptionFate Core rule (Fate SRD / forums) – Players can spend Fate points to declare story details (shared narrative control)Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11 (as quoted on Philosophy.SE) – “We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want.” Emptiness creates utilityJo Wehler’s commentary on Tao Te Ching (2015) – Interprets the pot metaphor: value not in the clay but the space it opens for freedom
Tension Without Combat in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-06-05 | Dr. Ben discusses creating tension without combat in TTRPGs (Episode #123). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBluesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:59 Encounters02:45 Time as a Pressure Cooker05:49 Moral Dilemmas07:57 Create Uncertainty10:19 Mechanics to Support Tension11:49 Other Considerations15:48 Final Thoughts17:44 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
Written & Unwritten Social Rules in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-05-29 | Dr. Ben discusses Social Contract Theory in TTRPGs, Full Lecture (Episode #122). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Social Contract Template: dropbox.com/scl/fi/g1orltaymuigt0oc9zpfz/Social-Contract-Template.pdf?rlkey=53q9zktt90mut1faon6qi3f35&st=vmy475vy&dl=0Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patronEmergent Video: youtu.be/tWDnfvQF_ww---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:08 Social Contract Theory03:57 Statecraft to Gamecraft07:48 Implict vs Explicit15:04 Play Culture20:15 Structuring The Social Contract25:41 Agency, Consent, Tone, Narrative31:58 Design and Social Contract36:38 Final Thoughts39:24 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedBritannica, “social contract,” Encyclopædia Britannica Martin Ralya & Chris “Bankuei” Chinn, “Social Contracts for RPG Groups,” Gnome Stew,Adam Brown, “A Deeper Look at the Social Contract,” Gnome Stew, April 6, 2022RPG Museum Wiki, “Social contract” and “Big Model,” retrieved 2020Iain McAllister, “RPGs and the Social Contract,” The Giant Brain, Nov 27, 2019The Same Page Tool by Chris Chinn, Deeper in the Game blog, Mar 2010“The Culture Beneath the Stairs #3: Why the Gaming Group Isn’t a Social Contract,” Jazzsequence, “TTRPG Social Contract & Safety Tools,” jazzsequence.com, 2022John Stavropoulos, “X-Card” safety tool document (2013) – via RPG MuseumSarah Lynne Bowman & Evan Torner et al., “Role-playing Games for Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations,” DiGRA 2020 (excerpt on social contract)
Designing For Impact: Ludonarrative & Diegesis in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-05-22 | Dr. Ben discusses Designing for Impact (Ludonarrative & Diegesis) in TTRPGs, Full Lecture (Episode #121). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patronEmergent Video: youtu.be/tWDnfvQF_ww---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:07 Storytelling02:28 Mechanics03:49 Ludonarrative Dissonance05:17 Ludonarrative Harmony06:14 Emergent narrative08:13 Diegesis12:34 Mechanics and Narrative in Different TTRPG Systems24:37 Designing Mechanics for Narrative Impact: A How-To Guide32:38 Agency & Player Choice34:33 Consequences & Moral Stakes36:29 Catharsis & Emotional Release38:19 Final Thoughts40:33 Outro---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks Cited“Creating a Richer Gaming Experience.” TTRPG Games.“Catharsis and RPGs.” RPG Narco.“Humanity and Horror in Vampire: The Masquerade.” The RPG Gazette,.“Inclusive Storytelling in TTRPGs.” D&D Podcast on Medium,.“Ludonarrative Harmony and Design Impact.” Medium.“Player Agency and Story Structure.” Medium.“Apocalypse World.” Torun, Mert. “Fate Core: Narrative Mechanics with Impact.” Edgerunner, .“Powered by the Apocalypse.”
Emergent Narratives in TTRPGS RPG PHD 2025-05-15 | Dr. Ben discusses Emergent Narratives in TTRPGs, Full Lecture (Episode #120). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:47 Sandbox Tradition04:50 Lore as a Toolkit08:32 Ecological Worldbuilding11:25 Meaningful Agency14:57 Emergent Events21:00 Preparation & Unpredictability25:31 Satisfying Story Arcs30:06 Avoiding Dead Zones34:53 Final Thoughts35:20 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedAlexander, Justin. “Don’t Prep Plots – Tools, Not Contingencies.” The Alexandrian, 18 June 2015Archstone Press. “Running Your First Sandbox.” archstonepress.com, 2023DMDavid. “Filling a map with D&D adventure” (Sandbox Archives). dmdavid.com, 2018Kutalik, Chris. “Information as Treasure Type: Building Dynamic Sandboxes Part III.” Hill Cantons blog, 2016Maliszewski, James. “Gygaxian ‘Naturalism’.” Grognardia, 4 Sept 2008Montgomery, Andrew Logan. “Easy is the Descent: MÖRK BORG and ShadowDark RPGs.” Numenera Core Book (Monte Cook Games). Excerpt from Monte Cook Games Robbins, Ben. “Grand Experiments: West Marches.” ars ludi blog, Oct 2007Simpson, Evan (aka “Mazirian”). “Pleasures of the OSR: Emergent Story and Open Worlds.” Mazirian’s Garden blog, 2019“The Sandbox Again: Gygax on Plot.” Standard Hirelings blog, Apr 2009
Playing the Self: Identity, Performance, and Catharsis in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-05-08 | Dr. Ben discusses Playing the Self: Identity, Performance, and Catharsis in TTRPGs, Full Lecture (Episode #119).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:55 Playing the Self02:18 Identity Exploration06:32 Narrative Therapy13:13 Performance & Roleplaying26:28 Emotional Catharsis & Bleed39:28 Final Thoughts40:16 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedBowman, S.L. The Functions of Role-Playing Games: How Participants Create Community, Solve Problems and Explore Identity. Goffman, E. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. (Dramaturgical analysis of social roles.Fine, G.A. Shared Fantasy: Role-Playing Games as Social Worlds. (Discussion of player, character, person frames in RPGs).Huizinga, J. Homo Ludens. (Concept of the “magic circle” of play)Nordic LARP Wiki. “Bleed.” (Definition of bleed and its types)nordiclarp.orgnordiclarp.org.Bowman, S.L. “Bleed: The Spillover Between Player and Character.” Nordiclarp.org (2015). (Catharsis through bleed).Merrick, A. et al. (2024). Dungeons and Dragons may improve mental health – JCU study press release (D&D as cathartic, safe emotional outlet).UCC Express – “Gender and Dragons: Exploring Gender Identity through D&D.” (Player survey on gender exploration in D&D).Pacifica Graduate Institute – Extension Course “Discovering Your True Selves Through Analog Role-Playing” (Course description on Jungian active imagination in RPGs)extension.pacifica.edu.Monsterhearts RPG by Avery Alder – Game text and community commentary (themes of identity and emotional bleed in gameplay)
DDE Theory in TTRPGs: Full Lecture RPG PHD 2025-05-01 | Dr. Ben discusses DDE Theory in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #118).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp MDA- youtu.be/aTN71VtZhSEWebsite rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:43 Introduction to DDE02:32 Dynamism – Keeping the Game World in Motion05:13 Decisions – Meaningful Choices at Every Turn08:47 Discovery – The Joy of Exploration and Revelation13:13 Expression – Creativity and Role-Playing in Action17:33 Criticisms19:24 DDE vs MDA23:49 Using DDE for Game System Design36:04 Enhancing Player Experience with the DDE Model49:06 Final Thoughts50:38 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedChurch, Doug, and LeBlanc, Marc, et al. MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research. 2004. Apocalypse World. Vincent Baker and Meguey Baker. Lumpley Games, 2010.Blades in the Dark. John Harper. Evil Hat Productions, 2017.Dungeon World. Sage LaTorra and Adam Koebel. Sage Kobold Productions, 2012.Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Jeremy Crawford, Mike Mearls, et al. Wizards of the Coast, 2014.Fate Core System. Leonard Balsera, Brian Engard, et al. Evil Hat Productions, 2013.Fiasco. Jason Morningstar. Bully Pulpit Games, 2009.GUMSHOE System. Robin D. Laws. Pelgrane Press, 2007.Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition. Sandy Petersen, Mike Mason, et al. Chaosium Inc., 2014.Stars Without Number. Kevin Crawford. Sine Nomine Publishing, 2010.
MDA Theory: Why Game Mechanics Shape Stories RPG PHD 2025-04-24 | Dr. Ben discusses MDA in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #117).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:49 Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics (MDA) in Tabletop RPGs04:03 Mechanics05:10 Dynamics07:02 Aesthetics18:29 Designers vs. Players: Two Perspectives on MDA24:29 MDA in Action: Examples from Different RPGs42:48 Using MDA for Design, Critique, and Tuning50:54 Thoughts---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedHunicke, Robin, Marc LeBlanc, and Robert Zubek. MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research. Proceedings of the Challenges in Game AI Workshop, AAAI-04, 2004.Aboleth Overlords. “MDA for Tabletop Adventure Games.” The Angry GM. “Gaming for Fun (Part 1): Eight Kinds of Fun.”
Monomyth vs Anti-myth In TTRPGS RPG PHD 2025-04-17 | Dr. Ben discusses the Monomyth and the Anti-myth in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #116).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:45 Monomyth vs Antimyth05:13 Monomyth in TTRPGS10:51 Anti-Myth13:37 Anti-myth in TTRPGs21:46 Gameplay and Player Experience30:28 Tips for GMs and Designers45:54 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eSources:Campbell, J. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. (Monomyth definition and stages)en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgVogler, C. (1998). The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. (Twelve-stage Hero’s Journey model)storyflint.comKeep on the Heathlands – “Beast: The Primordial – Subverting the Monomyth” (discussion of RPGs using or rejecting the Monomyth)keepontheheathlands.comkeepontheheathlands.com Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay – Game setting information (grim and perilous tone)en.wikipedia.orgBlades in the Dark – Official game description (playing scoundrels in a haunted city)bladesinthedark.comMörk Borg – Official game description (apocalyptic anti-heroic setting)playrole.complayrole.com
Uncertainty Avoidance in TTRPGs RPG PHD 2025-04-10 | Dr. Ben discusses Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #115).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:48 Uncertainty Avoidance03:16 UAI in Gameplay04:04 Rules and Mechanics: Structure vs. Flexibility08:13 Decision-Making and Risk-Taking: Caution vs. Creativity11:23 Narrative and Storytelling: Guided vs. Emergent Stories16:30 Player Behavior and GM Facilitation Styles21:00 Case Examples of UAI29:48 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedHofstede, G. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.Hofstede, G. (n.d.). “Uncertainty Avoidance.” ClearlyCultural.com – Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions. Retrieved from clearlycultural.com.Inafune, K. (2007). Interview in 1UP.com, as cited in RPGWatch Forums – Differences between Western and Japanese game design philosophies.OpenStax – Principles of Management. Section 6.2: Hofstede’s Cultural Framework. (2018). Definitions of uncertainty avoidanceLandis, C. M. (2018). Uncertainty Avoidance and the Japanese. Penn State University Global Context Blog. (Japan’s UAI score and cultural traits)sites.psu.eduScoping Review of TTRPG as Psychological Intervention (2023). Frontiers in Psychology / PMC11299717. (Cultural distinctions influence reactions in TTRPGs)Wikipedia. “Uncertainty avoidance.” (Last modified 2025). Definition and characteristics of high vs low UAIWikipedia. “Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory.” (Last modified 2025). EThe Retired Adventurer (2021). “Six Cultures of Play.” (Discussion of RPG play cultures and tournament module fairness)retiredadventurer.blogspot.comGnome Stew – 10 Things I Learned about Japanese TRPGs (2018). (Notes on structured formats and replays in Japanese RPG culture)gnomestew.com
Design Your RPG to Fail Forward RPG PHD 2025-04-03 | Dr. Ben discusses Failing Forward Design in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #114).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro00:45 Embracing Failure02:02 Fail Forward Design04:53 Degrees of Success11:52 Meaningful Consequences17:47 Player Agency23:31 Designing for Meaningful Failure32:52 Thoughts?---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks CitedRiddle & Rook – Failing Forward (examples of success with consequences)riddleandrook.comLumpley Games Forum – Discussion on PbtA failures driving storylumpley.gamesThere Will Be Games blog – Blades in the Dark analysis on failure as narrative fuel therewillbe.gamesAugury Ignored – When Failing Forward Fails (designing for meaningful failure and recovery) auguryignored.wordpress.comThe Alexandrian – Failure for the Beginning GM (fail-forward techniques and examples) thealexandrian.netGnome Stew – Success With Complications (partial success mechanics in PbtA and others) gnomestew.comDungeon World SRD – Explanation of outcomes on 10+, 7-9, 6- (partial success and XP on failure) dungeonworldsrd.comNerdarchy – Failure is Fun in 5E (embracing fail-forward in D&D, player agency in describing failures) nerdarchy.comHeartless Gamer – Rolling Dice in FFG Star Wars (advantage/threat allowing fail with positive side-effects) heartlessgamer.com
Dice Psychology in TTRPGS: Full Lecture RPG PHD 2025-03-27 | Dr. Ben discusses the psychology of Dice in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #113).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------------------Chapters0:00 Intro00:41 Rolling the Dice01:51 Allure of Randomness05:01 Dice Systems19:49 Mind Games27:58 Designing Dice35:25 Thoughts? ---------------------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks Citedtheangrygm.com/tao-of-dice/#:~:text=Like%20it%20or%20not%2C%20dice,roleplaying%20gameplay%20and%20narrative%20experienceominosity.wordpress.com/2024/01/11/linear-rolls-bell-curves-or-dice-pools-the-best-rng-distribution/#:~:text=What%E2%80%99s%20actually%20happening%20here%20is,step%20along%20the%20path%20haslivingdice.com/6795/dice-rolling-the-illusion-of-control/#:~:text=rolls%2C%20and%20how%20often%20we,fate%E2%80%A6even%20when%20he%20actually%20isn%E2%80%99thaibane.info/2008/05/12/pre-rolling-the-dice/#:~:text=,his%20crucial%20roll%20with%20confidencezleague.gg/theportal/gaming-news-understanding-the-role-of-randomness-in-game-design/#:~:text=Emotional%20Impact%20on%20Gameplaydragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=82947#:~:text=D%26D%205E%20Advantage%20and%20Disadvantage,chance%20with%20advantage
The Psychology of Challenge in TTRPGS: Full Lecture RPG PHD 2025-03-20 | Dr. Ben discusses the psychological theories of challenge in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #112).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron---------------------------------Chapters0:00 Intro00:48 Challenge Psychology01:39 Flow & immersion03:32 Self Determination Theory07:34 Behavioral Reinforcement 11:27 Narrative Engagement 16:48 Social Cooperative21:34 Mechanical, Narrative, Social30:19 GM’s Role42:12 Thoughts?---------------------------------Music and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eWorks Citedfrontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01682/full#:~:text=These%20dimensions%20include%20balance%20between,perception%20of%20time%3B%20and%20intrinsicdailygood.org/story/171/group-flow-how-teamwork-can-foster-creativity-r-keith-sawyer/#:~:text=First%20and%20most%20importantly%2C%20they%E2%80%99re,enough%2C%20they%20simply%20get%20boreden.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-determination_theory#:~:text=involved%20in%20self,1verywellmind.com/operant-conditioning-a2-2794863#:~:text=Operant%20conditioning%2C%20sometimes%20referred%20to,for%20that%20behaviorgamedeveloper.com/business/the-power-of-random-reinforcement#:~:text=What%20do%20you%20think%20will,for%20a%20surefire%20Ratilicious%20Surprisefastercapital.com/content/Engagement-activities--Game-Design-Challenges--Playing-to-Win--The-Creative-Spark-of-Game-Design-Challenges.html#:~:text=Narrative%20and%20world,building%20determine%20thefrontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01682/full#:~:text=These%20dimensions%20include%20balance%20between,perception%20of%20time%3B%20and%20intrinsicblog.prototypr.io/for-user-engagement-forget-flow-its-all-about-fiero-80500e4c1d8e#:~:text=From%20the%20Italian%20word%20for,slightly%20saccharine%20take%20on%20it
How to Play WFRP 4th Edition: Campaign RPG PHD 2025-03-12 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: considerations for running a campaign. Part 5 of the How to Play Series (Episode #111).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patronMusic and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
How to Play WFRP 4th Edition: Magic RPG PHD 2025-03-06 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition Arcane and Divine Magic. Part 4 of the How to Play Series (Episode #110).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patronMusic and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
How to Play WFRP 4th Edition: Character Creation RPG PHD 2025-02-27 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition Character Creation. Part 3 of the How to Play Series (Episode #109).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patronMusic and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e
How to Play WFRP 4th Edition: Combat RPG PHD 2025-02-20 | Dr. Ben discusses Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition Combat. Part 2 of the How to Play Series (Episode #108).#dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website rpgphd.com RPG PHD swag!!! rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905Instagram instagram.com/rpg_phdBlyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.socialPatreon patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patronMusic and Sounds:epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3Depidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7Mepidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsIDepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUeMusic: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaqlepidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lISepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZepidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZepidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZepidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322eiconduck.com/licenses/cc-by-3.0href="vecteezy.com/free-videos/crumpled-paper-transition"Crumpled Paper Transition Stock Videos by Vecteezyhref="vecteezy.com/free-videos/black-background"Black Background Stock Videos by Vecteezy
