Are tabletop RPGs "art"?

The old question of whether RPGS are Art (with a capital A) came up on The Tavern discussion forum recently.

I realised I wasn’t sure what I thought about that. Instinctively, I think RPGs aren’t art – but I’m also aware that this discussion has happened many times before and by people smarter than me.

So if it’s an old discussion, it was probably in ChatGPT’s learning data. So I asked the question.

Are roleplaying games "art"?

My first mistake was not specifying tabletop roleplaying games. While ChatGPT 3.5 gave me an excellent response, I realised that it was referring to video games. (And purist that I am, I’m slightly annoyed that videogames have hijacked “roleplaying”.)

So, I asked about tabletop rpgs. Here’s ChatGPT’s response – I’ve merged both answers as elements in its first answer also applied to TTRPGS.

Whether tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) are considered "art" can be subjective and depends on how one defines "art." In a broad sense, many people argue that TTRPGs are a form of art. Here are some perspectives on this:

• Narrative and storytelling: Tabletop RPGs rely heavily on narrative and storytelling. Game masters (GMs) and players collaboratively create stories, characters, and worlds, making TTRPGs a unique form of interactive storytelling. The creation of these stories can be seen as a form of artistic expression.
• Creativity and imagination: TTRPGs require substantial creativity and imagination from both the game master and the players. The open-ended nature of tabletop games allows for limitless possibilities, encouraging participants to think creatively and contribute to the unfolding narrative. The design of game worlds, characters, and scenarios involves artistic decisions.
• Visual and handcrafted elements: While not digital, the physical elements of tabletop RPGs can have artistic value. Hand-drawn maps, character sketches, custom miniatures, and other handmade components contribute to the overall artistic experience.
• Emotional impact: Like other forms of art, TTRPGs can elicit emotional responses from players. The immersive nature of the experience can create a powerful connection between the player and the game, similar to the emotional impact of other art forms.
• Rulebook design: The design and layout of TTRPG rulebooks can be considered a form of graphic design. The choice of typography, illustrations, and overall presentation can enhance the artistic appeal of the game.
• Social and collaborative art: TTRPGs are inherently social and collaborative experiences. The interactions and dynamics between players contribute to a unique form of collective storytelling akin to a collaborative art project.
• Cultural and Social Commentary: Some RPGs explore complex themes, social issues, and cultural commentary. This reflective aspect can be considered a form of artistic expression.

However, not everyone may view TTRPGs as art, especially if they have a more traditional or narrow definition of art. Additionally, some TTRPGs prioritise gameplay mechanics over narrative or visual elements, blurring the lines between art and entertainment.

Ultimately, whether RPGs are considered art depends on one's perspective and definition of art. Many consider the act of playing and creating within a TTRPG to be a form of artistic expression, demonstrating that the boundaries of what is considered "art" continue to expand.

I thought that was pretty good. But I wondered if ChatGPT could present the opposing arguments.

And the arguments for them not being art?

Some arguments against considering tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) as art include:

• Functional vs. artistic intent: Critics may argue that the primary intent of TTRPGs is functional rather than artistic. The rules, mechanics, and systems are designed to facilitate gameplay and create an interactive experience, emphasising functionality over traditional artistic expression.
• Varied quality: Not all TTRPGs have the same level of narrative depth, character development, or visual appeal. Critics might contend that the wide range in quality among different games undermines the idea of TTRPGs as a cohesive art form.
• Player-generated content: The collaborative and player-driven nature of TTRPGs could be seen as shifting the creative responsibility away from the game designer. Critics might argue that the artistry lies more with the players' contributions than with the inherent design of the game itself.
• Commercial considerations: Some argue that the commercial nature of TTRPGs, where profitability is a significant factor, can dilute the purity of artistic intent. Games may be developed with market trends and sales in mind, potentially compromising artistic vision.
• Lack of tangible artefacts: Unlike traditional visual arts or literature, TTRPGs don't always produce tangible artefacts that can be readily displayed or collected as art. This lack of a physical, tangible product may contribute to scepticism regarding their classification as art.

These arguments are not universally accepted, and opinions on whether TTRPGs are considered art can vary widely. Additionally, the evolving landscape of art and the broader acceptance of interactive and participatory forms of media challenge traditional distinctions between art and other forms of cultural expression.

But what do I think?

I found ChatGPT’s explanation helpful in helping me realise where I stand on the whole “Are RPGs art?” discussion.

So, for me, while RPGs have artistic elements (most obviously the artwork), I don’t regard the playing of RPGs as art. But I’m happy if you do.

(Note: the image above was the result when I typed Are tabletop roleplaying games “art” into the Artflow AI art generator. I think it’s orcs playing D&D.)