Minigames

[nomotog]

This is hands down a crazy off the wall idea, but there is no better time to think about hands down crazy off the wall ideas then this.

The idea is about including mini games in D&D. I'm pulling this idea right from how video games handle actions such as picking locks. That action use to be handled by a random roll, but now it's more likely to be handled by some kind of mini game. (Or by an automatic success. They are already using that in D&D next though.)

I think the reason they reason for this shift is because is to make these actions more interactive where the success or failure is able to be influenced by the player. Like how combat is.

This idea isn't completely unprecedented on the table top. Mansions of Madness uses a puzzle mini game for opening different locks and the core idea is not too different from skill challenges. Also DMs have been using riddles for years.

What's everyone else think?

 

[Stormonu]

Its a great idea, but you have to be careful in its implementation that other players aren't sitting on their hands while one person is engaged in the minigame. Even better the more players you can get involved in the minigame at once.

If its something that takes only a minute or two to do - not 15 minutes, half a session or more, it should work.

 

[howandwhy99]

I already use Wooden Ships & Iron Men, Outdoor Survival, and Battle in the Skies in my OD&D game. Why would it be any different to offer minigames for the next version of D&D?

Heck, any dungeon in and of itself could be considered a minigame integrated into the world.

Tactical combat encounters are largely an integrated yet highly structured part of D&D. They became more of a minigame later if you count DDM.

Check out some of the other threads on what modular elements people would like sooner or later. Lots of suggests were made kingdom management, wilderness exploration, naval battles, mass combat, and the like.