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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Type of role-playing games
Part of a series onRole-playing games<br>Types<br>Tabletop
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Solo role-playing games are tabletop and live-action role-playing games[1] that can be played by a single person, without the participation of other players or a gamemaster. The term typically does not include single-player computer role-playing games. Solo role-playing games may be either designed from the ground-up to be played by a single person, or they may exist as modes or supplements for role-playing games otherwise requiring multiple people for play. Solo role-playing games are part of a wider range of single-person game-like activities, such as solo board and card games or solo wargames.
Even though role-playing games are typically thought of as exclusively social activities, the practice of solo role-playing has existed since the earliest years of the hobby, with a solo ruleset for original Dungeons & Dragons first appearing in 1975. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the imposed restrictions cut down opportunities for social recreation in many parts of the world, which sparked a renewed interest in solo role-playing. Many indie games designed for solo play have subsequently been published on platforms such as itch.io.
Motivations<br>[edit]
Role-playing games are often considered predominantly or exclusively social activities.[2] Studies on solo board-gaming, a similar activity, have showed that it is associated with social stigma, despite other kinds of solitary recreation, such as motion pictures or single-player video games being generally normalized. People are typically introduced to board games and role-playing games in social contexts, creating an assumption that they necessitate social presence.[3]: 138
Despite this, solo role-playing games have been around since the earliest years of the hobby. There are multiple reasons why someone would play, or even prefer solo role-playing games. The difficulty of recruiting both a gamemaster and several other players was one of the early pushes for the development of the genre, leading to first experiments with solo role-playing soon after tabletop role-playing's first emergence.[4]: 151
Aside from the fact that solo role-playing games are more flexible with regards to one's schedule, people may play them because they permit additional flexibility with regards to what kind of story one wants to experience. The player being the only participant reduces the need for compromise and allows them to play games they otherwise could have had difficulty bringing to the table. Alternatively, solo role-playing can serve as rehearsal for later group play. A player or a gamemaster may play a game solo to learn the system and get a feel for it to either later bring it to the table or form an opinion on it.[5][6]
Some players may want to experience solo role-playing games on their own terms, not simply as a replacement or enhancement of the traditional role-playing experience. They may be interested in the gameplay mechanics and style unique to a solo role-playing game, or the more introspective and therapeutic experience of playing alone.[7] Brendan Hesse of Lifehacker highlighted that solo TTRPGs "run the gamut of settings and playstyles" and while it is a "different experience", solo games combine "the tactile feel of dice rolls and imagination-driven approach of group-based tabletop gaming, with the pick-up-and-play nature of single-player video games".[8]
Despite not appearing as social activities, solo role-playing games, like other kinds of one-player games, are not completely devoid of a social element.[9]: 84 [3]: 139 People interested in solo role-playing games are able to participate in communities of like-minded individuals, sharing their knowledge and experiences.
The use of solo role-playing games has been explored as a tool for teaching literature[10][11] and family business management,[12] as well a supportive space for identity exploration.[13]
Gameplay elements<br>[edit]
There exist a wide variety of activities that can be considered solo role-playing games, suitable for different preferences. Just like with other kinds of role-playing games, they express a wide variety in structure and game mechanics.[14] However, there are some...