Within the big ol’ tent of roleplaying, there is a subgenre that caters to those who enjoy unraveling mysteries, solving puzzles, and playing the role of a detective. Investigative RPGs offer a potentially very captivating experience, where players must use their wits, deduction skills, and keen observation to uncover hidden truths and solve complex cases. In this seven-part series, I’m going to have a wee look at investigative RPGs.
This fifth post in the series is all about working together to solve problems, and how to encourage this sort of collaboration at your table. We’ll also look at how conflicts and rivalries play into this. Let’s remind ourselves of the plan for the series:
- The Mechanics and Structure of Investigation
- Compelling Mysteries
- Player Agency
- Tools for Investigation
- Collaborative Problem-Solving (you are here)
- Red Herrings and Plot Twists
- Game Recommendations
Hand in hand, let’s get into it!
Investigative RPGs thrive on collaborative problem-solving, as players pool their skills, knowledge, and perspectives to crack the case. This aspect of gameplay enhances immersion, encourages engagement, and should allow for diverse approaches to tackling challenges. Let’s explore some key considerations for promoting effective collaboration in your investigative RPG.
Player characters in a group should collaborate in complementary ways. As such, you should encourage players to create characters with diverse skill sets and abilities. Each character should bring unique strengths, knowledge, or expertise to the investigation. This diversity promotes specialisation and allows players to rely on each other’s skills to overcome obstacles. Whether it’s the tech-savvy hacker, the observant detective, or the charismatic negotiator, every character contributes to the collective problem-solving effort. In class-based games, this is done by simply choosing different classes. In more open-form games, this might require a bit more coordination.
With characters created, the GM should emphasise the importance of information sharing among players. Encourage open communication and regular updates on new discoveries, leads, and theories. Establish mechanisms for players to share their findings, whether it’s through in-character discussions, shared documents, or group debriefings. This fosters a collaborative environment where players can collectively analyse the available information and brainstorm ideas.
This doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and it’s the role of the GM to design scenarios and challenges that require players to combine their actions and skills for successful outcomes. Encourage players to coordinate their efforts, such as setting up distractions, providing support during investigations, or executing synchronized plans. By creating opportunities for joint actions, you foster teamwork and emphasise the power of collaboration. In doing this, incorporate puzzles and riddles that necessitate teamwork and collective problem-solving. These challenges can be designed to require multiple perspectives or a combination of different skills to solve. This not only promotes collaboration but also adds an additional layer of complexity and satisfaction when players work together to unravel intricate mysteries.
Encourage players to role-play their interactions and discussions within the group. By embodying their characters and engaging in in-character dialogues, players can develop a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives and motivations. This immersive role-playing enhances the collaborative problem-solving experience, as players actively engage with the investigation from their character’s point of view.
Conflicts and Rivalries
While collaboration is a central theme in investigative RPGs, conflicts and rivalries can add depth and tension to the investigation. These conflicts can arise from clashing personalities, conflicting goals, or differing approaches to problem-solving. This might sound negative, but it shouldn’t. It’s normal. If anything, it only adds to the realism of our interactions.
Allow for in-character disagreements and debates among the players. These disagreements can stem from different theories, interpretations of evidence, or personal motivations. As long as conflicts remain respectful and constructive out of game, they can drive the investigation forward by encouraging players to defend their viewpoints, present counter-arguments, and ultimately arrive at a consensus. It’s part of the process.
Introduce elements of friendly competition to add a layer of excitement and tension to interpersonal aspects of the game. This can involve individual or team challenges, such as racing against the clock to solve a particular puzzle or competing to uncover a critical clue before rival investigators. Friendly competition can spark creativity and drive players to push their problem-solving skills to the limit.
Taking this a step further, create character rivalries within the group or introduce rival NPCs. These rivalries can stem from personal histories, conflicting interests, or professional jealousies. Rivalries add complexity to the investigation, as players must navigate the challenges not only of the mystery itself but also the interpersonal dynamics within the group. When managed carefully, these rivalries can create compelling character-driven narratives that enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Throughout this, emphasise the importance of conflict resolution and problem-solving within the group. Provide opportunities for players to resolve conflicts through role-playing interactions, compromise, or collaborative decision-making. This encourages players to find common ground, build trust, and work towards a shared goal. Conflict resolution can be a rewarding aspect of the gameplay, showcasing character growth and strengthening the bonds between the players’ characters.
Ensure that conflicts and rivalries have a meaningful impact on the narrative and the investigation itself. If they don’t, then what’s the point? The resolution of conflicts can influence the direction of the story, reveal hidden motives, or uncover crucial information. By tying conflicts to the overarching mystery, you create a sense of investment and consequence for the players, making their choices and collaborations even more significant.
ultimately, conflicts and rivalries should serve to enhance the collaborative problem-solving experience rather than derail it. It’s important to establish clear boundaries and ensure that conflicts remain within the context of the game and do not disrupt the overall enjoyment of the players.
By promoting effective collaboration and incorporating conflicts and rivalries, you create a dynamic and engaging investigative RPG experience. Players can work together, leveraging their unique skills and perspectives, to unravel complex mysteries and overcome challenges. The interplay between teamwork and conflicts adds depth, tension, and realism to the investigation, making the gameplay experience even more immersive and memorable.
Next time, we’re going to have a closer look at incorporating red herrings and plot twists to keep your story interesting.
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