The Functions of Role-Playing Games: How Participants Create Community, Solve Problems and Explore Identity

By Sarah Lynne Bowman

This study takes an analytical approach to the world of role-playing games, providing a theoretical framework for understanding their psychological and sociological functions. Sometimes dismissed as escapist and potentially dangerous, role-playing actually encourages creativity, self-awareness, group cohesion and "out-of-the-box" thinking. The book also offers a detailed participant-observer ethnography on role-playing games, featuring insightful interviews with 19 participants of table-top, live action and virtual games.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786447109
• ISBN13: 9780786447107
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.3" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher