Short Answer
Complete Explanation
PbP is an abbreviation for Play-by-Post. It refers to a specific method of playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) where the interaction occurs asynchronously through written text rather than in real-time voice or face-to-face communication. Instead of gathering at a table or in a voice call, participants post their characters’ actions, dialogue, and dice rolls to a shared digital space.
- Asynchronous Nature: Unlike traditional gaming, players do not need to be online at the same time. A Game Master (GM) might post a scenario, and players may respond hours or days later.
- Mediums: Common platforms for PbP include dedicated gaming forums, Discord servers, Reddit threads, and email chains.
- Narrative Focus: Because the medium is written, PbP often emphasizes descriptive prose and character internal monologues more heavily than live sessions.
- Mechanics: Game rules (such as those from Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder) are still applied, but dice rolls are often handled via digital rollers or trusted honor systems.
History / Background
The origins of Play-by-Post can be traced back to the early days of the internet and pre-internet communication. Before the widespread use of the World Wide Web, some gaming groups used postal mail (Play-by-Mail) to conduct campaigns, sending handwritten letters back and forth. With the rise of Usenet, Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), and eventually web-based forums in the 1990s, this evolved into Play-by-Post. This transition allowed for faster communication and the ability for larger communities to organize games without the geographic and scheduling constraints of physical meetups.
Importance and Impact
PbP has significantly democratized access to role-playing games. It allows individuals who may have social anxiety, physical disabilities that make long voice calls difficult, or conflicting time zones to participate in complex storytelling. Furthermore, it has fostered a global community where players from different continents can collaborate on a single narrative, effectively removing the barrier of physical proximity that once defined the hobby.
Why It Matters
For the modern gamer, PbP offers a flexible alternative to the “scheduled session.” In an era of demanding professional and personal schedules, the ability to contribute a post during a lunch break or late at night makes the hobby sustainable. It also serves as a bridge for writers who enjoy the collaborative nature of RPGs but prefer the precision and permanence of the written word over the spontaneity of improvisational acting.
Common Misconceptions
PbP is the same as a text-based chat RPG.
While they use text, “chat RPGs” are often synchronous (real-time), whereas PbP is specifically designed for asynchronous play where gaps between posts are expected.
PbP games are slower and therefore boring.
While the pace is slower, this allows for deeper character development and more thoughtful, polished responses than are possible in a live session.
FAQ
How long does a typical PbP turn take?
It varies by group; some require posts within 24 hours, while others allow up to a week.
Do you still use dice in PbP?
Yes, typically through digital dice rollers or by having the GM roll for everyone to ensure fairness.
What is the best platform for PbP?
Discord is currently popular for its organization, though traditional forums are still used for long-form narrative styles.
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