Tabletop role-playing game

A tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG), also known as a pen-and-paper game, is a storytelling game where people known as players describe what actions their characters do and the referee, also known as a Game Master (GM) say the outcomes of the players actions and how it affects the world around them. TTRPGs take place within fictional worlds which could be original worlds, like most of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), or adaptations of already known universes (Like the Lord of the Rings RPG or the Cosmere RPG). This often uses dice or other random elements to determine if actions succeed. Character usually have stats (statistics) represented by numbers, including general stats(such as strength or intelligence) and specific skills (such as animal taming or religion) which increase chances of succeeding in the chosen actions.[1]

Origins and History

TTRPGs came from early strategy and war games which came from games like chess. In the 1970s, designers began putting together wargame rules with storytelling to create the first successful TTRPG, Dungeons & Dragons (1974.) Its success popularized the format of players controlling individual characters within a shared fictional world guided by rules and a game master. After Dungeons & Dragons many new TTRPGs appeared expanding into new genre such as science fiction, horror, and superhero fiction. During the 1980s and 1990s, different rule systems and storytelling approaches were developed, including universal systems that could support multiple genres and games that focused more heavily on narrative and character development.[2]

The industry had a fall in the 1990s due to having to compete with video games and collectible card games. However, it later recovered through allowing third-party creators to create "homebrew" or unofficial content. In the 2010s and early 2020s, tabletop role-playing games experience growth due to online play such as Roll 20 and livestreamed games such as Critical Roll and Dimension 20. Additionally digital marketplaces made publishing and distribution more accessible[3]

References

  1. ↑ "What is a Role-Playing Game?". www.darkshire.net. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  2. ↑ Peterson, Jon (2012). Playing at the World: A History of Simulating Wars, People and Fantastic Adventures, from Chess to Role-playing Games. Unreason Press. ISBN 978-0-615-64204-8.
  3. ↑ Zambrano, J. R. (2023-01-16). "A Brief History of the Open Gaming License". Bell of Lost Souls. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
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