The question is: How would I get more people playing RPGs?
Tough question.
I think the best thing existing gamers can do is to make their games accessible. We can get more people playing as long as we don’t make roleplaying seem like a degree-level course or a magic ritual.
Yes, many roleplaying games can be complex, but they’re part of a spectrum. When you introduce someone to the idea of roleplaying, keep it simple – it’s about telling stories, a shared adventure, and the rules kick in when there’s some kind of challenge or uncertainty.
Aside from the basics, the other element of keeping it simple is to avoid acronyms, abbreviations, and technical language. Talking about HP, DC, AC, TN, or some weird reference to a type of dice means nothing until you’ve been playing for a while. You need to explain everything clearly.
Be open. Be welcoming. Listen and help others learn. Answer questions without judgement. Provide safety tools. Have fun together. All the good stuff.
It’s something we can all be a part of to keep the hobby vibrant and alive.
RPGaDay is a prompt-driven experience in tabletop roleplaying, initiated by Dave Chapman of Autocratik, and powered by me and you.
The prompts for this year are as follows — and you can find out more on Dave’s website.
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