ToolKit for Tabletop RPGs as a Regular Team Development Activity with a Focus on Internal Networking and Trust. Includes business case, primers, tools, examples and references to get you started right away.
Executive Summary
Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) provide an engaging and immersive platform to foster essential team-building skills, promote social connections, and improve mental health. Implementing tabletop RPGs as a regular development activity within organizations can result in increased employee satisfaction, enhanced collaboration, and improved overall team performance. Additionally, incorporating aspects of internal networking, neuroscience of trust, and leadership development can further contribute to the success of these initiatives.
Key Benefits
- Improved Team Dynamics:
- Strengthening trust and communication among team members by incorporating neuroscience of trust principles.
- Enhancing problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Encouraging the development of leadership skills through intentional role-playing scenarios.
- Fostering a safe environment for taking risks, getting comfortable with failure, and learning from mistakes, which promotes personal growth and adaptability.
- Enhanced Social Connections and Internal Networking:
- Fostering a sense of community and belonging within the organization through face-to-face interactions during tabletop RPG sessions.
- Providing opportunities for networking and relationship-building among team members, both within and across departments, by encouraging face-to-face collaboration in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
- Reducing feelings of isolation and promoting inclusivity by facilitating in-person connections, which can be especially valuable for remote or hybrid teams that may have limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
- Strengthening non-verbal communication skills and enhancing empathy among team members by engaging in an immersive, collaborative storytelling experience in a face-to-face setting.
- Sparking innovation and collaboration by connecting individuals with diverse skill sets and perspectives.
- Mental Health and Well-being:
- Offering a creative outlet for stress relief and self-expression.
- Providing a supportive environment for emotional well-being.
- Promoting resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
- Cost-Effective and Accessible:
- Minimal investment in materials and resources compared to other team-building activities.
- Scalable and adaptable to various group sizes and organizational needs.
- Employee Engagement and Satisfaction:
- Creating a unique and enjoyable development experience.
- Boosting morale and employee commitment
- Collaborative Storytelling:
- Fosters creativity, empathy, and shared understanding among team members.
- Encourages active listening, negotiation, and compromise for a shared narrative.
- Adaptable for Remote/Hybrid Environments:
- TTRPGs can be easily adapted for online play using virtual tabletop platforms, video conferencing tools, and other collaboration software.
- Facilitates team-building and networking across remote and hybrid teams, connecting employees regardless of location.
Recommendations
- Designate a regular schedule for tabletop RPG sessions (e.g., monthly or quarterly) to promote consistent internal networking and team development.
- Appoint skilled facilitators (Game Masters) to guide the sessions, ensure a positive experience, and incorporate aspects of trust-building, leadership development, and relationship building.
- Encourage participation and engagement through recognition and incentives, emphasizing the value of internal networking and cross-team collaboration.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of the sessions on team performance, employee satisfaction, internal networking, and trust-building within the organization.
- Adjust and adapt the program based on feedback and organizational needs, with a focus on enhancing internal networking opportunities and fostering a culture of trust.
- Utilize virtual tabletop platforms (e.g., Roll20, Fantasy Grounds) and video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) to engage remote team members.
- Schedule regular online sessions to maintain continuity and engagement across distributed teams.
Conclusion
Integrating tabletop RPGs as a regular team development activity offers organizations a cost-effective and engaging method for enhancing team performance, fostering social connections, promoting internal networking, and encouraging innovation. By emphasizing the benefits of face-to-face interactions, these immersive sessions provide valuable opportunities for employees to connect and collaborate, leading to increased employee satisfaction and commitment. The adaptability of TTRPGs for remote and hybrid work environments further expands their potential reach and impact. With measurable benefits and the potential for improved team dynamics, this innovative approach to team development should be considered as a valuable addition to any organization’s development initiatives.
Role of the Game Master
The Game Master (GM) is a critical component of implementing tabletop RPGs as a team development activity within organizations. They play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the initiative by providing structure, guidance, and support during the gaming sessions. The role of the GM aligns with the business case in the following ways:
Facilitating Trust and Relationship Building: The GM serves as a mediator, fostering a safe environment that encourages open communication and collaboration among team members. They ensure that participants have opportunities to build trust and form meaningful connections, enhancing internal networking and relationship building within the organization.
Encouraging Leadership Development: The GM helps create scenarios that require participants to take on leadership roles, make critical decisions, and navigate challenging situations. This hands-on approach allows individuals to practice and develop leadership skills in a low-stakes, supportive environment.
Promoting Innovation and Problem Solving: The GM designs engaging and immersive storylines that encourage participants to think creatively and collaborate to solve problems. They challenge team members to approach situations from different perspectives and use their diverse skill sets to overcome obstacles, fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
Tailoring the Experience to Organizational Needs: A skilled GM can adapt the gaming experience to align with the organization’s specific goals and objectives. They can customize scenarios to target relevant skills, address team dynamics, and incorporate aspects of the organization’s culture and values.
Providing Feedback and Assessment: The GM can offer valuable insights and feedback to both participants and organizational leaders regarding team performance, individual contributions, and areas for growth. This feedback can be used to refine the initiative and ensure that it continues to meet the needs and objectives of the organization. The GM can also assess the impact of the tabletop RPG sessions on team dynamics, internal networking, and trust-building, providing valuable data to support the business case for the initiative.
Ensuring Engagement and Enjoyment: The GM is responsible for creating a captivating and enjoyable experience that keeps participants engaged and motivated. They balance the challenges and rewards within the game, promoting a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among team members, which contributes to increased employee satisfaction and commitment.
In conclusion, the role of the Game Master is essential to the success of the business case for incorporating tabletop RPGs as a regular team development activity. Their expertise in facilitating trust, leadership development, innovation, and problem-solving ensures that the gaming sessions align with the organization’s goals and objectives. By creating an engaging, immersive, and enjoyable experience, the GM helps foster a culture of collaboration, internal networking, and high-performance teams, making tabletop RPGs a valuable addition to any organization’s development initiatives.
RPG Rituals & Effective Team Practices
- Session Zero: Laying the Foundation
- Aligns with: Team Charters, Working Agreements
- Establish expectations, roles, and values
- Create a shared understanding of team goals
- Stars & Wishes, Roses, Buds, & Thorns: Continuous Feedback
- Aligns with: Regular Feedback, Retrospectives
- Encourage open communication and reflection
- Identify strengths, areas for improvement, and team aspirations
- Stakeholder Mapping: Building Relationships
- Aligns with: Stakeholder Analysis, Networking
- Understand key connections and alliances within the game world
- Apply relationship-building strategies to real-world scenarios
- SWOT Analysis: Assessing Strengths & Opportunities
- Aligns with: In-game Decision Making, Problem Solving
- Evaluate the team’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
- Develop strategies to maximize team potential and overcome challenges
- Debriefing & Reflection: Applying Lessons to Real-World Contexts
- Aligns with: Retrospectives, Learning & Development
- Discuss and analyze in-game experiences and decisions
- Identify valuable insights and skills to apply in the workplace
Challenges and Limitations
While tabletop RPGs can be an effective tool for team building, they also come with potential challenges and limitations:
- Time and resource constraints: Tabletop RPGs can be time-consuming, and not all organizations may have the resources to invest in regular sessions. Additionally, preparing and running a game requires a significant time commitment from the GM.
- Varying interest levels: Not all team members may be interested in participating in a tabletop RPG, which could limit the effectiveness of this approach for team development.
- Balancing gameplay and team building: The GM must balance the needs of the game with the goals of the team-building exercise. This may involve adapting the game to focus more on collaboration and problem-solving, rather than combat or competition.
- Access to a skilled GM: A skilled and experienced GM is essential for a successful tabletop RPG session. Finding a GM who can effectively manage group dynamics and facilitate team development can be challenging.
Example Surveys
To effectively measure the benefits of tabletop role-playing games as a team development activity, you can use a combination of quantitative and qualitative assessment methods. Here are some suggestions for evaluating the impact of the activity:
- Pre- and Post-Activity Surveys:
- Conduct surveys before and after the activity to measure changes in participants’ perceptions of team dynamics, communication, trust, and overall satisfaction with the activity.
- Assess participants’ self-reported improvements in problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability skills.
- Observation and Feedback:
- During the activity, facilitators (Game Masters) can observe participants’ interactions and note any positive or negative behaviors related to team collaboration and communication.
- Collect feedback from participants after each session, focusing on their experiences, learnings, and suggestions for improvement.
- Employee Performance Metrics:
- Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to teamwork, such as project completion rates, customer satisfaction scores, and the number of collaborative initiatives.
- Compare these metrics before and after implementing the tabletop RPG sessions to determine any changes in team performance.
- Employee Retention and Engagement:
- Monitor employee turnover and retention rates to assess the potential impact of the activity on employee satisfaction and commitment.
- Track employee engagement levels through regular surveys or pulse checks, focusing on aspects related to teamwork, communication, and overall job satisfaction.
- Peer and Manager Evaluations:
- Implement regular peer and manager evaluations to assess team members’ performance in areas such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership.
- Compare these evaluations before and after the implementation of tabletop RPG sessions to identify any improvements or areas that need further development.
Title: Tabletop RPG Team Development Activity Survey Instructions: Please rate your level of agreement with the following statements on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).
Part 1: Team Dynamics and Skills 1. I feel comfortable sharing my ideas and opinions with my teammates. 2. My team communicates effectively and openly. 3. I trust my teammates to contribute to our shared goals. 4. My team is proficient in collaborative problem-solving. 5. I feel confident in my ability to adapt to new situations and challenges.
Part 2: Social Connections and Well-being 1. I have strong working relationships with my teammates. 2. I feel a sense of belonging within my team. 3. My team provides a supportive environment for emotional well-being. 4. I believe that participating in team development activities positively impacts my mental health.
Part 3: Leadership and Role Development 1. I feel confident in my ability to assume leadership roles within my team. 2. My team encourages individuals to explore and embrace diverse roles and responsibilities.
Part 4: Activity Satisfaction (Post-Activity Survey Only) 1. I enjoyed participating in the tabletop RPG team development activity. 2. I believe that this activity helped improve our team’s communication and collaboration. 3. I would be interested in participating in future tabletop RPG sessions for team development.
Optional: Open-Ended Feedback Please share any additional comments or suggestions regarding your experience with the tabletop RPG team development activity.
Remember to distribute the pre-activity survey before the first tabletop RPG session and the post-activity survey after completing a series of sessions. Comparing the responses will provide valuable insights into the impact of the activity on team dynamics, skills, social connections, and overall satisfaction.
GM Resources
List of resources for aspiring Game Masters to develop the competencies mentioned in the GM case, including both RPG-specific resources and those focused on developing soft skills:
- Books:
- “The Dungeon Master’s Guide” (Dungeons & Dragons) by Wizards of the Coast: A comprehensive guide for running D&D games, including tips on storytelling, encounter design, and game mechanics.
- “Gamemastering” by Brian Jamison: A practical guide covering various aspects of being a successful GM, from world-building and storytelling to managing player dynamics.
- “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler: A book on effective communication and conflict resolution.
- Online Articles & Blogs:
- Gnome Stew (https://gnomestew.com/): A blog featuring articles on game mastering, system-neutral advice, and tips for running successful tabletop RPGs.
- MindTools (https://www.mindtools.com/): A website offering resources and articles on various soft skills, including communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- YouTube Channels & Podcasts:
- Online Communities & Forums:
- Reddit’s /r/DMAcademy (https://www.reddit.com/r/DMAcademy/): A subreddit dedicated to helping new and experienced GMs improve their game mastering skills.
- RPG Stack Exchange (https://rpg.stackexchange.com/): A Q&A platform where users can ask questions and share their knowledge about various tabletop RPG systems and game mastering topics.
- Courses & Workshops:
- Local game stores or community centers may offer workshops or courses for aspiring GMs to develop their skills.
- Online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or even dedicated RPG-focused sites may offer courses related to game mastering or storytelling.
- Coursera’s “Improving Communication Skills” course (https://www.coursera.org/learn/communication-skills): An online course focusing on communication techniques, listening skills, and managing conflict.
These resources can help aspiring GMs develop their skills in storytelling, encounter design, player engagement, and group dynamics, as well as improve their soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. By engaging with these resources and practicing their game mastering, aspiring GMs can become better equipped to facilitate engaging and meaningful tabletop RPG sessions for team development.
Comparison Tables
Comparison table of the costs associated with tabletop RPGs and other common team-building activities. The costs mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on the location, size of the group, and specific requirements.
| Tabletop RPGs |
$50 - $200 (one-time) |
Existing office space |
$100 - $500 per session |
$150 - $700 per session |
| Escape Room |
N/A |
$25 - $40 per person |
Included in cost |
$250 - $800 per session |
| Outdoor Adventure Course |
N/A |
$50 - $100 per person |
Included in cost |
$500 - $2,000 per session |
| Team-Building Workshop |
$10 - $50 per person |
Meeting room rental |
$500 - $2,000 per session |
$1,000 - $4,000 per session |
| Paintball |
N/A |
$20 - $50 per person |
Included in cost |
$200 - $1,000 per session |
| Corporate Training Seminar |
N/A |
Meeting room rental |
$1,000 - $5,000 per session |
$1,500 - $7,000 per session |
This table demonstrates that tabletop RPGs generally require a minimal investment in materials and resources compared to other team-building activities. The costs associated with tabletop RPGs primarily include purchasing the game materials (rulebooks, dice, etc.) and paying the Game Master’s fee for facilitating the sessions. In contrast, other team-building activities often involve facility or space rentals, specialized equipment, and additional fees for instructors or facilitators.
The following table focuses on tabletop RPGs and provides recommendations for specific games or adaptations based on various group sizes. This information can help organizations choose the appropriate tabletop RPG for their team development activities.
| 3-5 |
Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu |
Standard group size, ideal for most RPG systems |
| 6-8 |
Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu |
Larger group, consider splitting into sub-teams |
| 9-12 |
Custom-made RPG scenario, Fiasco, Microscope |
Split into smaller groups, use simpler rulesets |
| 13-20 |
Custom-made RPG scenario, multiple simultaneous games |
Divide into multiple smaller groups |
| 20+ |
Custom-made RPG scenario, multiple simultaneous games |
Divide into multiple smaller groups, consider appointing additional Game Masters |
For smaller groups of 3-5 participants, most traditional tabletop RPG systems, such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, or Call of Cthulhu, would work well. For groups of 6-8 participants, the same RPG systems can be used, but it might be helpful to consider splitting the group into smaller sub-teams to ensure everyone stays engaged.
For larger groups of 9-12 participants, it may be more effective to use simpler rulesets or custom-made RPG scenarios to accommodate the group size. Alternatively, you can divide the group into smaller teams and play games like Fiasco or Microscope that are designed for smaller groups.
For even larger groups of 13-20 or 20+ participants, custom-made RPG scenarios or multiple simultaneous games might be the best solution. In this case, consider dividing the participants into smaller groups and appointing additional Game Masters to facilitate the sessions,
Teambuilding
Team-Building GM
Objective: The goal of this scenario is to foster teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving among participants. The scenario is designed to be system-agnostic and can be adapted to any TTRPG ruleset.
Scenario: The Lost Artifact
Premise: The players’ characters are members of a diverse team of adventurers, brought together by a mysterious benefactor. Their mission is to retrieve a powerful artifact from a long-lost temple, deep within a treacherous jungle. The artifact is said to have the power to restore balance and prosperity to the region.
Tips and Suggestions for the GM:
- Character Creation: Encourage players to create characters that bring different skills and backgrounds to the team. This will promote cooperation and creative problem-solving as players rely on each other’s strengths.
- Puzzles and Challenges: Design a series of challenges that require teamwork and collaboration to overcome. Examples include riddles, environmental hazards, and traps that necessitate coordination among players.
- Encourage Roleplaying: Create opportunities for the players to interact with each other and NPCs in character. This helps develop relationships, trust, and empathy among the players.
- Balance Combat and Non-Combat Encounters: While some combat encounters can help the team bond through shared adversity, focusing solely on combat can limit opportunities for teamwork and creative problem-solving. Include social encounters, puzzles, and exploration challenges to create a well-rounded experience.
- Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and reward players for working together, creative solutions, and effective communication. This can help reinforce the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
- Reflection and Debriefing: After the session, facilitate a discussion where players can reflect on their experience, share insights, and discuss lessons learned. Encourage players to identify what worked well, areas for improvement, and how they can apply these learnings to their everyday work environment.
Sample Session Outline:
- Introduction: The mysterious benefactor gathers the players’ characters and presents the mission: retrieve the lost artifact from the hidden temple.
- Journey to the Temple: The players must navigate the dangerous jungle, overcoming environmental hazards and wildlife encounters that require teamwork and collaboration.
- The Temple Entrance: A puzzle or riddle guards the temple entrance, requiring the players to combine their skills and knowledge to solve it.
- Inside the Temple: The players face a series of challenges, including traps, locked doors, and guardians that demand cooperation and creative problem-solving.
- The Final Challenge: The players must work together to retrieve the artifact, which may involve solving one last puzzle or overcoming a powerful guardian.
- The Return: With the artifact in hand, the players make their way back to their benefactor, reflecting on their journey and the bonds they formed.
By using this scenario and following the tips and suggestions provided, the GM can create an engaging and rewarding team-building experience through a TTRPG session.
Team-Building Players
Objective: As a player in this team-building TTRPG session, your goal is to engage in collaboration, problem-solving, and roleplaying with your fellow players. The following tips and suggestions will help you make the most of the experience and contribute to your team’s success.
Tips and Suggestions for Players:
- Character Creation: When creating your character, think about how they can contribute to the team’s dynamic. Choose a character that complements the other characters’ abilities and helps form a balanced team. Be open to discussing your character concept with other players to ensure a good fit.
- Be an Active Listener: Pay attention to what your fellow players and the GM are saying. This will help you understand the story, the challenges you face, and the opportunities for collaboration. Take notes if it helps you stay engaged and remember important details.
- Embrace Roleplaying: Fully immerse yourself in your character and their role in the team. Engage in conversations with other characters and NPCs, and think about how your character would react to situations based on their personality, background, and motivations.
- Share the Spotlight: Give other players the opportunity to shine by supporting their ideas and actions. Encourage and celebrate the successes of your fellow players, and look for ways to combine your skills and abilities to tackle challenges together.
- Communicate and Collaborate: Discuss your ideas and strategies openly with your fellow players. Be willing to compromise and adapt to the needs of the group. Remember that the goal is to work together as a team, not to “win” as an individual.
- Learn from Failure: Embrace setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Discuss with your fellow players what you can do differently in the future and how you can turn a negative outcome into a positive learning experience.
- Reflect and Apply: After the session, participate in the debriefing discussion led by the GM. Share your insights, lessons learned, and any feedback on the experience. Consider how you can apply these learnings to your everyday work environment.
By following these tips and suggestions, you will be an effective and engaged participant in the team-building TTRPG session, contributing to a positive and memorable experience for yourself and your fellow players.
Additional Content
Scenarios
Lost Artifact Scenario
Here’s a simple text-based map with a puzzle replacing the obstacle for the “Lost Artifact” scenario: Legend: S - Start P - Path Z - Puzzle R - River C - Clearing E - Temple Entrance T - Temple Interior Chamber A - Artifact Chamber X - Guardian
Map:
S----P----Z----P----R----P----C----P----E
| |
P T
| |
Z P
|
T
|
P
|
T
|
A----X
Here’s a specific puzzle for the “Lost Artifact” scenario:
Puzzle: The Four Elements
At the first puzzle (Z) location, the players come across four statues representing the four classical elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. Each statue has a bowl in front of it, and the players find four differently shaped stones nearby. The stones represent the elements as well:
- Earth - A cube-shaped stone.
- Water - A smooth, spherical stone.
- Fire - A pyramid-shaped stone.
- Air - A lightweight, oval-shaped stone.
The players must place each stone into the corresponding bowl in front of the statues to unlock a hidden passage. To solve the puzzle, they can use their perception, intelligence, or knowledge of history and the local culture.
Hint: The players may notice subtle clues on each statue, such as engravings or physical features, that hint at the associated element. For example, the Earth statue could have engravings of plants, the Water statue might have a gentle flow of water streaming down its surface, the Fire statue could have a small flame burning at its base, and the Air statue might have engravings of swirling winds.
By working together to deduce the correct placement of the stones, the players can solve the puzzle and unlock the hidden passage that leads them further into the adventure.
Dungeon Scenario
Simple text-based dungeon map with rectangular rooms and a puzzle room
Map:
+---------+ +----------+ +-----------+
| Start |---| Room 1 |--------| Trap |
| (S) | | (1) | | Room (T) |
+---------+ +----------+ +-----------+
|
P
|
+------------+ +----------+ +----------+
| Puzzle |---------| Guardian |----------| Artifact |
| Room (Z)| | | Room (X) | | Room (A) |
+------------+ +----------+ +----------+
Puzzle: The Weighted Pressure Plates
In the Puzzle Room (Z), the players find four pressure plates on the floor, arranged in a square formation. Each pressure plate has a symbol representing a different weight: 5, 10, 15, and 20 (units can be pounds, kilograms, or a fictional unit of weight). On the walls, there are four paintings, each depicting a different scene with a corresponding number of items:
- A merchant selling 5 apples.
- A blacksmith forging 10 horseshoes.
- A farmer tending to 15 sheaves of wheat.
- An archer with a quiver containing 20 arrows.
To unlock the door leading to the Guardian Room (X), the players must apply the correct weight to each pressure plate based on the number of items in the corresponding painting. They can do this by placing items from their inventory or using other creative solutions to apply the correct amount of weight to each plate.
By working together to deduce the correct weights for each pressure plate, the players can solve the puzzle and proceed further into the dungeon.
References
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- Gartner. (2021). Team Building in the Digital Age: How to Improve Collaboration, Communication, and Productivity. Retrieved from https://www.gartner.com/
- Tychsen, A., Hitchens, M., & Brolund, T. (2008). The Game Master. In Proceedings of the 2008 Conference on Future Play: Research, Play, Share (pp. 97-104). ACM. This paper discusses the role of the Game Master in tabletop RPGs and provides insights into their responsibilities and contributions to the gaming experience.
- Deterding, S. (2013). The Ambiguity of Games: Histories and Discourses of a Gameful World. In The Gameful World: Approaches, Issues, Applications (pp. 23-64). MIT Press. This book chapter provides an overview of the history and development of games and their potential applications in various contexts, including team building and leadership development.
- Zagal, J. P., Rick, J., & Hsi, I. (2006). Collaborative games: Lessons learned from board games. Simulation & Gaming, 37(1), 24-40. This article explores the potential benefits of collaborative board games, which can include tabletop RPGs, in fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The role of the Game Master may be discussed in the context of facilitating these collaborative experiences.
- Vesa, M., Hamari, J., Harviainen, J. T., & Warmelink, H. (2017). Computer games and organization studies. Organization Studies, 38(2), 273-284. This article examines the potential applications of computer games in organization studies and explores the benefits of games as tools for team building, leadership development, and learning. Although the focus is on computer games, the principles discussed can be applied to tabletop RPGs, including the role of the Game Master.
- Nicholson, S. (2015). A RECIPE for meaningful gamification. In Gamification in Education and Business (pp. 1-20). Springer, Cham. This book chapter outlines a framework for creating meaningful gamification experiences and discusses the importance of facilitators, such as the Game Master, in ensuring the success of gamification initiatives in educational and organizational settings.
- Zook, A., & Riedl, M. O. (2014). Game Conceptualization and Development Processes in the Global Game Jam. Transactions of the Digital Games Research Association, 1(3), 75-95. This paper discusses the development processes in the context of the Global Game Jam, an annual event where participants collaborate to create games in a short period of time. The article explores the importance of embracing failure and taking risks during the creative process, which can lead to innovation and growth. While the focus is on digital game development, the principles discussed can be applied to tabletop RPGs and the benefits of risk-taking and learning from failure in a team-building context.
- Roll20. (n.d.). Roll20: Online virtual tabletop for pen and paper RPGs and board games. https://roll20.net/
- Fantasy Grounds. (n.d.). Fantasy Grounds: The most supported virtual tabletop available. https://www.fantasygrounds.com/
- Title: How to play D&D and other tabletop RPGs online Author: Charlie Hall URL: https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/27/21197213/play-dungeons-dragons-online-dnd-5e-virtual-tabletop-rpg This guide provides an overview of various tools, platforms, and best practices for playing tabletop RPGs in a virtual setting. It covers topics such as choosing the right virtual tabletop platform, using video conferencing and audio tools, managing digital assets, and fostering player engagement in a remote environment. The guide is primarily focused on Dungeons & Dragons but can be applied to other tabletop RPG systems as well.
- Ferron, J. C., & D’Mello, S. K. (2016). Opportunities and challenges with digital open badges. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(2), 153-159. This paper discusses the importance of face-to-face interactions in team-building and collaboration, particularly in the context of the digital age. The authors highlight the value of in-person experiences for fostering trust, rapport, and effective communication among team members, which are critical for team success. By incorporating face-to-face interactions through tabletop RPGs, organizations can capitalize on these benefits and improve overall group performance.