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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aenghus" data-source="post: 6819899" data-attributes="member: 2656">To me railroading is about constricting player choices. it's a potentially useful technique when used appropriately for the right players. Some RPG titles and campaigns expect certain types of railroading, and it's often expected and even appreciated as a pacing mechanic or way of moving quickly from scene to scene. It becomes objectionable when it takes away player decisions that players turn out to value.I prefer this definition because exactly the same application of railroading may be liked by some players and disliked by others, depending on their varying goals of play. The interpretation of railroading is a subjective judgement, though I have seen some really terrible railroading that I hope the vast majority of players would identify as such.I pre-author a lot of my game, though the proportion of improvisation has increased over the years. Nowadays I lack the energy and free time that I used to have. Also I don't worldbuild for fun as much any more, I found it lots of work and lead to too much rigidity in a game, as few players cared about the complexities of my settings.  RPG sessions are delicate things that need cooperation from everyone to stay viable, regardless of the style of game. IMO there are no perfect styles and every style has potential downsides.</blockquote>