Uncovering Seams in Distributed Play of Tabletop Role-Playing Games

This research investigates how geographically distributed players of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) navigate the intersection of narrative, ludic, and social experiences within virtual tabletop environments. While traditional TTRPG studies focus on co-located play, the shift to digital platforms like Roll20 introduces new technical and social dynamics. The study aims to uncover the "seams"—the points where media, activities, and technology intersect—that enable players to fluidly transition between the narrative, game, and social frames of experience.

The methodology involved an ethnographic study consisting of 14 semi-structured interviews with regular TTRPG players recruited via the Roll20 subreddit. Participants, who played at least once every 1-2 weeks, recounted recent play sessions to provide specific, grounded insights. The researchers collected approximately 17 hours of video data, which was transcribed and analyzed using thematic coding to identify how technology mediates the shifts between different frames of play.

Key findings indicate that players actively manage these frames by creating "setups" that combine various tools, such as Discord for communication and Roll20 for visual and mechanical elements. Players utilize these tools to maintain narrative immersion, manage secret information, and facilitate social interaction. For instance, the use of text-based emotes and private messaging allows for complex, multi-layered interactions that mirror the fluidity of in-person play. However, the study also identifies that current virtual tabletop designs often lack the flexibility to support these transitions seamlessly, leading players to adopt external software to bridge gaps in functionality. The findings suggest that future design for distributed collaboration should prioritize customizable, multi-channel communication and provide better visibility controls to help players manage the boundaries between narrative, game, and social contexts.