How to write a role-playing game

Writing a script is an essential element of a successful role-playing session. Indeed, there are countless existing scenarios, both on the internet and in book form. Writing your own story can quickly become a complicated exercise. It requires mastering a few essential rules. Here are some tips on how to write a role-playing game.

1)     When you write a role-playing game, be open to inspiration

Find an idea from which to write your scenario. An idea from another universe can adapt to your own, and you can also use some good ideas from the role-playing scenario. However, it’s not a good idea to read a lot of storylines: when you’re a player, it’s never a good surprise to find out that you’ve already read the plot they are offering you.

2)     Team up

You can either develop a first draft of your game on your own or with a small team, or you can write it as you go along with a group of players. Basically, set goals for the number of pages for the world description and the rules description. There is no standard for describing your world. Think of the reader’s enjoyment. If each paragraph reads like a short story, your game will be read in one sitting. For the rules, keep it simple.

3)     When you write a role-playing game, decide the length

Depending on the availability of your group and their taste for the game for which you are writing the script, decide on its duration. One-shot of one or two sessions? Start of a potential campaign? A feature-length story of several sessions or part of an endless campaign? So, this choice will dictate the number and complexity of ideas you retain to develop your script.

4)     Cut some slack

Don’t be too exhaustive. It is useless to try to anticipate everything, because you the players’ reactions will always surprise you. By giving enough keys to be in the tone, you will be able to improvise things consistent with your scenario.

When you write a role-playing game, the more you write and play your scenarios, the more you understand how you work in a session and the better you write your storylines for yourself. So, remember to enjoy yourself. Do something you enjoy, that you’re proud of, and your enthusiasm will probably be passed on to your players.