My exploration into how tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) can facilitate therapeutic outcomes for socially anxious gamers, I had the enlightening opportunity to speak with Rupert Greyling, the Creative Director of The Goblin’s Chest, a UK-based organization known for its use to tabletop role-playing games (TTRPTs) as therapeutic tools, specializes in designing customized TTRPG sessions that cater to individuals with diverse needs, including children with traumatic backgrounds and those who are neurodiverse.
Expanding on Gradual Exposure and Personalized Adventures
Rupert emphasized the importance of introducing social challenges gradually within the therapeutic TTRPG sessions. This method allows participants, particularly those who may feel overwhelmed by direct interactions, to slowly build their confidence. By not confronting the problem head-on but rather using game elements and scenarios as metaphors for real-life challenges, participants can face their fears in a controlled, progressive manner. I think this approach would be crucial for helping gamers transition their online social skills to real-world interactions by incrementally increasing their exposure to more socially demanding situations.
Safe Environments and Real-Life Applications
Rupert mentions that the use to TTRPGs to create a safe space for exploring sensitive issues is particularly powerful. By replacing real-life scenarios with fantastical scenarios, participants can explore their reactions and decisions in a context that feels less personal and threatening. I think this approach would be especially beneficial for gamers who might feel vulnerable or exposed in face-to-face interactions, as it provides a layer of abstraction and safety.
The skills practiced in these TTRPG sessions have direct implications for real-life situations. Rupert discussed how these games help build a “subconscious network” that participants can draw upon in real life.
Real Success Stories
Rupert detailed some cases where participants, through regular social engagements in TTRPG sessions, became significantly more social and confident over time. One notable example involved a young individual who, from a background of severe reservation due to social anxiety, became much more outspoken and interactive. Initially, this individual participated in games not speaking much. Over time, however, they began to engage more openly, actively participating in discussions.
This gradual increase in comfort with direct social interaction is a critical step for someone who previously might have avoided such engagement entirely. It reflects a broader pattern where participants, after repeated exposure to social interactions within a safe and controlled environment of TTRPGs, begins to carry these new skills.
Reflection
The structured yet flexible nature of TTRPGs allows for such success by enabling participants to confront social challenges at a manageable pace. By simulating real-world interactions within a fantasy context, players can practice social skills without the high stakes of actual social consequences. This practice builds a kind of muscle memory for social interactions, making real-life encounters less daunting.
Furthermore, Rupert noted that the improvements observed in participants often led to better social interactions even outside of his workshop. For instance, individuals who were initially shy or withdrawn shared that they were feeling more equipped and confident in various social settings, from school to family interactions.
I think what I’ve learned today strongly support the potential of therapeutic TTRPGs to serve as a bridge between online and offline social interaction for gamers who may feel socially anxious or less confident in direct social settings. The possibility of building significant, lasting change in individuals’ social habits and skills, facilitated by the engaging, low-risk nature of role-playing games.
Evidence
The full recording and transcript can be accessed here. Please note that this content is hosted on UAL OneDrive and requires you to be logged into your UAL student or staff account for access. The video is restricted to internal use and is available exclusively for academic purposes.