Exciting News: Our Latest Publication in Analog Game Studies Journal!
I’m thrilled to announce the publication of our latest paper, “Constitutive Factors of Mega-Campaigns in TTRPGs: A Systematic Literature Review,” in the highly regarded Analog Game Studies journal. This research was a collaborative effort with my esteemed colleagues, James Lipuma and Marcos Cabobianco, and it delves into the essential elements that make mega-campaigns in Table-top Role-playing Games (TTRPGs) truly engaging and expansive.
It has been an honor to be part of this work, and I’m excited to share it with the TTRPG and academic communities. If you want to understand what sets mega-campaigns apart from traditional campaigns, we hope this paper provides valuable insights (León et al., 2024). Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on this topic!
Paper Abstract:
Table-top role-playing games (TTRPGs) provide immersive storytelling experiences, and understanding the factors contributing to effective campaigns is crucial for game masters and players alike. This abstract presents insights derived from a systematic literature review on TTRPG campaigns, focusing on the role of conflict, Cooperation, ritual, and Narrative in creating captivating and engaging experiences. The study identifies vital elements characterizing effective campaigns, including well-constructed storylines, detailed settings, balanced gameplay, clear rules, diverse characters, and active player engagement. Conflict and Cooperation are highlighted as vital components, offering challenges and opportunities for players to collaborate and overcome obstacles. Finally, Ritual and Narrative are recognized for their immersive qualities, fostering a deeper connection between players and the game world.
Moreover, the review explores the concept of Mega-campaigns, which transcend conventional campaign structures by incorporating extensive duration, complexity, and interconnectivity. Mega-campaigns involve collaborative storytelling, multi-dimensional characters, and an emphasis on conflict and Cooperation. By understanding these factors and classifications, game masters and players can effectively design and participate in TTRPG campaigns that captivate and immerse participants. These abstract guides enthusiasts seek to create memorable and engaging TTRPG experiences, fostering a collective understanding of the essential elements contributing to successful campaigns.
The article presents the systematic literature review results, a definition and classification of mega-campaigns, and how they contribute to player engagement. The discussion then focuses on answering what a Mega-campaign is and how it can be classified. Finally, the paper closes by comparing and contrasting Campaigns and Mega-campaigns, ultimately concluding their strengths and characteristics. By providing this comprehensive overview, the authors aim to guide TTRPG enthusiasts who seek to create memorable and engaging experiences by providing them with the resources identified in the review, with the final goal of fostering a collective understanding of the essential elements contributing to successful TTRPG campaigns, allowing game masters and players to elevate their storytelling and gameplay to new heights.
Presented at Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo, Bogotá, Colombia:
7mo Coloquio Internacional de Estudios sobre Juegos de Rol (León et al., 2023)
Read Our Paper
You can access our paper in the Analog Game Studies journal], Vol. XI, No. 3, pp. 1-30], 2024. Read here
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Jimena Serret for her unconditional support.
Arte: Leonardo Lujan, dibujante
Dr. Edgar Meritano non-blind peer reviewer
Disclosure of Support Statement of Contributions (DSSC): No conflict of interest pertains to the research presented above. The full DSSC can be accessed here: https://osf.io/pncjf
ORCID
Cristo Leon
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0930-0179
James Lipuma
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9778-3843
Marcos O. Cabobianco
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9178-6840
Copyright
Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 © The Authors. AGS, 2024.
Sources
León, C., Cabobianco, M., & Lipuma, J. (2023, noviembre 3). Factores Constitutivos de Mega-Campañas en TTRPG: Una Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura que Explora el Conflicto, la Cooperación, el Ritual, la Narrativa y los Personajes Multidimensionales [Presentación] [Conferencia académica virtual]. 7mo Coloquio Internacional de Estudios sobre Juegos de Rol, Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo, Bogotá, Colombia. https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/stemresources/50/
León, C., Lipuma, J., & Cabobianco, M. O. (2024). Constitutive Factors of Mega-Campaigns in TTRPGs: A Systematic Literature Review. Analog Game Studies, XI(3), 30. /Research/Cultural and Social Studies. https://analoggamestudies.org/2024/10/constitutive-factors-of-mega-campaigns-in-ttrpgs-a-systematic-literature-review/
Citation
When citing this paper, use this format:
León, C., Lipuma, J., & Cabobianco, M. O. (2024). Constitutive Factors of Mega-Campaigns in TTRPGs: A Systematic Literature Review. Analog Game Studies, XI(3), 30. https://analoggamestudies.org/2024/10/constitutive-factors-of-mega-campaigns-in-ttrpgs-a-systematic-literature-review/