Roleplaying games (RPGs) provide a unique and immersive experience where players can embark on epic adventures, weave intricate narratives, and inhabit fascinating characters. To ensure a positive and enjoyable gaming environment, it is essential to establish and follow positive roleplaying etiquette at the table. In this series of blog posts, we will explore the importance of such etiquette and provide practical tips for fostering a positive gaming experience. Here’s the planned structure for this series:
- Introduction
- Communication and respect
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Nurturing and collaborative GM interactions
- Constructive feedback (you are here)
With that established, let’s finish up the series with some thoughts on constructive feedback!
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of providing and receiving constructive feedback among players and discuss strategies for delivering feedback in a positive and helpful manner. Let’s delve into the power of constructive feedback in RPGs, starting by establishing the value of constructive feedback.
Constructive feedback serves several purposes in RPGs. Firstly, they foster growth and improvement, helping players refine their gameplay skills, develop their characters, and improve their understanding of the game mechanics. It offers opportunities for growth and encourages players to push their boundaries and expand their horizons. This can be done by as much by reinforcing good play, as suggesting areas for improvements.
Feedback can shape the narrative and the overall storytelling within the game. It allows players and the Game Master (GM) to collaboratively fine-tune the plot, character arcs, and world-building elements, leading to a more immersive and engaging experience.
Constructive feedback also provides a platform for addressing conflicts or issues that may arise during gameplay. By openly discussing concerns and finding mutually agreeable solutions, players can maintain the positive gaming environment that we’ve spent this series trying to establish.
With the value of this sort of feedback established, what can we do to it in our own games?
You need to be specific and objective; that’s crucial. General comments can be unhelpful or seem too big to act on, so be specific about the aspects you want to address and focus on observable behaviours or actions rather than making comments that could be interpreted as personal attacks. Also try to describe actions and behaviours in non-emotive terms, avoiding ascribing motivation or judgement. This helps keep the feedback objective and constructive.
Highlight both the strengths and areas for improvement. Acknowledge the things that went well or impressed you while also offering suggestions or pointing out areas where the player could enhance their gameplay. The value of reinforcing positive behaviours should not be underestimated. If you’ve seen a player doing something you like and want to see more of, tell them.
Frame your feedback using “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory or confrontational. This shifts the focus to your own perspective and feelings, making it easier for the player to receive the feedback without feeling defensive. It’s less about saying “your behaviour is wrong…” and more about “I feel this would make the game even better…”
It’s really important that feedback is actionable. Offer practical suggestions or alternatives that players can implement to address the areas for improvement. This helps them understand how to make positive changes and encourages growth. Steps should also be relatively small. “Get better” is vague. “Make post-it notes or flashcards for key character traits and try to apply them in our next RP-heavy scene,” is better.
Timing matters, too. Choose an appropriate time and manner to deliver feedback. Avoid interrupting gameplay or providing feedback in a way that might embarrass or single out a player. Opt for private conversations or designated feedback sessions.
Something worth considering is culture. You need to foster an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued by modeling constructive feedback yourself. Encourage players to provide feedback to one another and establish guidelines for delivering feedback respectfully. Ultimately, this helps feedback to be welcome. If feedback isn’t welcome, however constructively it’s couched, it will make no positive difference and may actually lead to a defensive response.
So, what about receiving feedback? Doing this gracefully is just as important as providing it. Approaching feedback with an open mind is crucial; we must make sure that we are receptive to different perspectives and ideas. Avoid becoming defensive and genuinely listen to the feedback provided; even if it ultimately isn’t something on which you choose to act.
Having listened carefully to this feedback, you might not initially understand it. If this is the case, ask for clarification to ensure you grasp the specific points being addressed. This helps in furthering the conversation and gaining a clearer understanding. Repeating back your interpretation of the feedback can be helpful here.
Take time to reflect on the feedback and consider how it aligns with your own goals and intentions. Evaluate whether the feedback resonates with you and if incorporating it will enhance your gaming experience, and that of your gaming group.
Implement changes based on the feedback gradually, focusing on one aspect at a time. This allows for a smoother transition and helps you gauge the impact of each change on your gameplay. It allows for you to critically evaluate whether your actions are helping or hurting your own experience and allowing you to pick and choose different elements of change rather than accepting or rejecting a package of changes wholesale.
If you’re struggling with incorporating feedback or need assistance, don’t hesitate to seek support and guidance from other players or the GM. They can provide insights, suggestions, or additional resources to help you navigate the changes effectively.
Finally, try to show appreciation to the person providing feedback. Let them know that you value their input and that it has been helpful in your growth as a player. Expressing gratitude encourages that positive feedback culture I mentioned earlier and fosters stronger relationships within the gaming group.
Constructive feedback is a powerful tool in RPGs that promotes growth, narrative development, and conflict resolution. By providing feedback that is specific, balanced, and actionable, players can contribute to a really nice, positive environment of improvement and mutual respect, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This really ties well into reinforcing the sorts of behaviours and attitudes that we’ve been talking about throughout this series. It’s how we enact all of it.
It’s been fun to go through all of this over the past few weeks, and I hope there’s something in here that you can use at your own table.
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