The Psychology of Tabletop Role-Playing Games

This book explores the evidence for what playing tabletop role-playing games really means for the mind. Drawing upon scientific investigations in autism, creativity, therapy, psychological distancing, pretend play, perspective taking, race theory and identity, it explains why the genre means so much to so many, what it does (and does not) mean for players’ minds, how Dungeon Masters are psychologically different, and how the right kind of TTRPG experience can be profound and even life changing. The book provides a history of tabletop role-playing, drawing on exclusive interviews with some of the key figures of the era, incorporating their first-hand views on how and why role-playing games developed. It also tells the story of the games themselves; what they first looked like (rules and structure), what their core and optional features are, and the psychological needs they must satisfy. This book will appeal to players, game designers, psychologists, and historians interested in role-playing games and the psychology behind them.