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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Campbell" data-source="post: 8641555" data-attributes="member: 16586">[USER=71699]@clearstream[/USER] Let's consider these models again :Exploration[ATTACH=full]248755[/ATTACH]Immediacy[ATTACH=full]248756[/ATTACH]I believe over the years one of the fundamental mistakes is seeing the Exploration model as unfocused or without meaningful constraints because it is the default for mainstream games. I would argue that it provides just as much focus, direction and constraints as the Immediacy model. The Exploration model just provides different constraints.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Success is determined primarily by your ability to uncover and utilize hidden game state to achieve your objectives. This encourages a slower, more deliberate pace of play. Managing risks instead of embracing them.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Meaning tends to be placed either on setting or character relationships to the setting. Theme must already be embedded into the play space.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Structure and challenge come from constraining the environment either through constrained geography or linear narratives that constrain the elements we need to consider.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Hard scene framing or excessive dynamism is not really a fair GM practice because if hidden state affects success or failure you have to provide players with enough opportunity to uncover that state and direct the pace of play themselves. Placing more direct pressure on players (not characters) or changing that hidden state from underneath players undercuts the challenge involved in navigating that hidden state.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Even in moments of high tension (like combat or tense social situations) the imperative is to savor the experience (and allow for puzzle solving) rather than focus on immediacy or dynamism. Players need time to think and consider their next moves.</li> </ul>No matter what we do we have to focus our attention and energy somewhere. All RPG play I have ever experienced is structured. It's just inordinately easy to take the Exploration structure as a given.</blockquote>

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