The Process Model of
Roleplaying
Eetu Mäkelä, Sampo Koistinen,
Mikko Siukola and
Sanni Turunen
Design Goals of the Process
Model
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Identify distinct elements and components
inside the act of role-playing and create a
vocabulary of such concepts, and
Describe how these components interact to
make or break a game.
Uses of the Process Model
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Describe and analyze singular or typical
gaming sessions from the viewpoint of an
individual or a whole group,
Plan and communicate visions of future
sessions and campaigns, and
Describe play preferences of an individual or
a whole group.
The Process Model of Roleplaying
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Result
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Process
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A distinct operational part of
play, that can be associated
with a distinct, measurable
quality.
Method
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A final wanted or unwanted
outcome of role-playing.
A singular technique, rule or
contract that is used or
referred to in connection with
the game. A constraint on or
guide to how the game is
played.
Circumstance
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A parameter that affects the
functioning of the various
Processes.
Example of Game Analysis
using the Model
Further Aspects of the Article
not Discussed Here
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Suggested normative categorizations of the
Results and Processes
Examples of characterizing different playing
cultures using the model
Comparisons with other models of roleplaying
Benefits
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Entertainment
 Enjoyment of fun, being together and passing the time.
Learning
 Gaining new knowledge or understanding, affirming or
questioning old knowledge, spiritual growth and reflection.
Meaning
 Enjoyment of an emotional experience, resonance with
established thought constructs
Aesthetic Appreciation
 Artistic appreciation, enjoyment of beauty and form.
Social Benefits
 Positive changes in the social sphere arising from role-playing,
the strengthening of social bonds, getting to know the other
players better.
Physical Benefits
 Positive changes in the physical sphere; increased fitness,
improved body language, physical pleasure.
Processes
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Competition
 The pursuit of victory
Tension
 Maintenance and enjoyment of tension
Challenge
 The besting of challenge and the overcoming of adversity
Exploration of an Entity of the Shared Imagined Space
 Exploring the many-fold interactions a single entity has with
others.
Exploration of a Concept through the Shared Imagined Space
 Exploring a concept through its expressions in the Shared
Imagined Space, and bringing forth such expressions to be
explored.
Immersion
 Equating the self with an entity of the Shared Imagined Space,
feeling and acting as that entity