The Process Model of Roleplaying Eetu Mäkelä, Sampo Koistinen, Mikko Siukola and Sanni Turunen

Design Goals of the Process Model ●

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Identify distinct elements and components inside the act of role-playing and create a vocabulary of such concepts, and Describe how these components interact to make or break a game.

Uses of the Process Model ●

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Describe and analyze singular or typical gaming sessions from the viewpoint of an individual or a whole group, Plan and communicate visions of future sessions and campaigns, and Describe play preferences of an individual or a whole group.

The Process Model of Roleplaying ●

Result ●

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Process ●

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A distinct operational part of play, that can be associated with a distinct, measurable quality.

Method ●

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A final wanted or unwanted outcome of role-playing.

A singular technique, rule or contract that is used or referred to in connection with the game. A constraint on or guide to how the game is played.

Circumstance ●

A parameter that affects the functioning of the various Processes.

Example of Game Analysis using the Model

Further Aspects of the Article not Discussed Here ●

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Suggested normative categorizations of the Results and Processes Examples of characterizing different playing cultures using the model Comparisons with other models of role-playing

Benefits ● ●

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Entertainment ● Enjoyment of fun, being together and passing the time. Learning ● Gaining new knowledge or understanding, affirming or questioning old knowledge, spiritual growth and reflection. Meaning ● Enjoyment of an emotional experience, resonance with established thought constructs Aesthetic Appreciation ● Artistic appreciation, enjoyment of beauty and form. Social Benefits ● Positive changes in the social sphere arising from role-playing, the strengthening of social bonds, getting to know the other players better. Physical Benefits ● Positive changes in the physical sphere; increased fitness, improved body language, physical pleasure.

Processes ● ● ● ●

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Competition ● The pursuit of victory Tension ● Maintenance and enjoyment of tension Challenge ● The besting of challenge and the overcoming of adversity Exploration of an Entity of the Shared Imagined Space ● Exploring the many-fold interactions a single entity has with others. Exploration of a Concept through the Shared Imagined Space ● Exploring a concept through its expressions in the Shared Imagined Space, and bringing forth such expressions to be explored. Immersion ● Equating the self with an entity of the Shared Imagined Space, feeling and acting as that entity