Tabletop and Digital Rituals in Dungeons & Dragons
Tabletop and Digital Rituals in Dungeons & Dragons
Tabletop and Digital Rituals in Dungeons & Dragons
Cristo Leon, James Lipoma, Mauricio Rangel Jimenez
October, 13, 2024
Summary
This study explores how rituals in Dungeons & Dragons gameplay are affected by transitioning from face-to-face (FTF) to remote digital modes. Using Collins' four elements of rituals (body co-presence, mutual attention, barriers to outsiders, and shared mood state), it finds that while rituals remain in both settings, they transform significantly. FTF sessions promote direct emotional engagement and community-building, while remote play introduces distractions and multitasking, weakening group solidarity. The study highlights how technology reshapes rituals, with players finding digital tools practical but less emotionally immersive. Despite differences, both modes maintain essential ritual elements, creating new forms of community and play.
Reference
Cristo Leon, J., Lipoma, J., & Rangel Jimenez, M. (2024, October 13). Tabletop and digital rituals in Dungeons & Dragons. Analog Game Studies. https://analoggamestudies.org/2024/10/tabletop-and-digital-rituals-in-dungeons-dragons/