Creating Space at the Table
Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) are an engaging blend of storytelling, improvisation, and social interaction. They foster creativity, collaboration, and meaningful connections among players. However, accessibility remains a challenge for many potential players—especially for those who face physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers when trying to enjoy these games. Thankfully, the TTRPG community is increasingly aware of these needs, and we all are capable of bringing focus and working to better ensure there is a table for everyone.
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Why Accessibility Matters
- Inclusivity: Ensuring that games are accessible shows an empathy for individuals who wish to participate, reflecting a community value of being a welcoming space.
- Community Growth: An accessible hobby allows more people to join in, where diverse perspectives and lived experiences enrich the collaborative storytelling experience. More people in the hobby means more people playing, running, and creating TTPRGs.
- Enhancing Well-Being: Research suggests that TTRPGs can provide significant social, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Removing barriers to entry ensures these benefits are available to a wider community.
Practical Strategies for Accessible TTRPGs
- Align Player Expectations
- Session Zero: Use a “session zero” to discuss player needs, preferred modes of play, game pacing, potential triggers, and general comfort levels.
- Open Communication: Encourage regular check-ins during a game session to ensure everyone can follow the narrative and mechanics. Encourage out of character or away from table discussions if players have a concern they want to discuss with the table or with the Game Master 1 on 1.
- Physical Accessibility
- Configurable Space: Ensure tables and chairs can be set up for wheelchair users or those with mobility devices.
- Easy to Navigate: Keep frequently accessed areas—like snack tables, restrooms, and the gaming area—free from clutter.
- Visual Accessibility
- Tactile and Braille Dice: Dice designed with raised numbers or Braille can help blind and visually impaired players roll independently.
- Screen Readers & Large Text: Digital copies of character sheets and rulebooks compatible with screen readers, or print materials in large fonts with high contrast make it easier for visually impaired players to participate.
- Auditory Accessibility
- Use of Hearing Assistance Tools: Be aware of people using assistive listening devices, having partial deafness, and if possible use collaboration software that includes real-time text transcription.
- Closed Captioning for Virtual Sessions: If running a virtual TTRPG session, use captioning features so that deaf or hard-of-hearing players can follow the dialogue.
- Cognitive and Neurodiversity Considerations
- Keep It Engaging: Pacing matters. Pay extra attention to the pace of the game. Keep the game moving and encourage players to be thinking ahead. Long lulls, or unengaged time between turns can be an attention span killer. Be aware of side discussions and try to keep them to a minimum.
- Be Accommodating: Focus and attention needs vary between players, and what works for one might not work for another. Some players may need to fidget with their hands, some may need to get up and pace, while others may need frequent breaks; or a combination thereof.
- Avoid Spotlighting: Forcing attention onto a specific player, especially one who isn’t ready—can create discomfort, anxiety, or disengagement. Encourage engagement through choice, soft prompting, and collaboration; never force someone into a spotlight.
- Game Design & Storytelling
- Avoid Alienating Language: Use respectful, person-first language in game descriptions and NPC portrayals.
- Flexible Gameplay: Allow for alternative problem-solving approaches so players with different capabilities or communication styles can contribute equally.
How You Can Help
Get involved with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving accessibility in gaming.
A great option is the DOTS RPG Project, which develops braille dice and other gaming tools to make TTRPGs more accessible for disabled gamers. You can find out more about them or donate by navigating over to https://www.dotsrpg.org/
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Some other notable sites to check out and learn more about efforts to increase accessibility in gaming.
- AbleGamers - Creating opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
- RNIB Store - Products supporting people with sight loss by making everyday tasks and activities more accessible.
- Able Table Gaming - Reviewing board game conventions, events, clubs and groups in the UK, telling you everything you need to know about accessibility.
- Game to Grow - A non-profit organization dedicated to the use of games for therapeutic, educational, and community growth.
Together, we can ensure that TTRPGs are a space where everyone’s imagination can thrive.
Citation
- Bowman, S. L. (2010). The Functions of Role-Playing Games: How Participants Create Community, Solve Problems and Explore Identity. McFarland.