What is metagaming? Metagaming is the use of out-of-game knowledge to affect one’s in-game decisions. It can be something as simple as looking up your opponent’s deck on a website before the match starts, or trying to predict their moves during the game.
While it can be used to gain an advantage, metagaming can also be a powerful tool for strategic thinking. Metagaming is often referred to when playing RP (role-playing) games.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what metagaming is, why it’s called that, and some examples.
Table of Contents
What is Metagaming?
Metagaming is the act of using out-of-game information to make in-game decisions. In other words, it’s using real-world knowledge to give your character an advantage in the game.
For example, if you know that the dragon in the next room is vulnerable to fire, you might decide to use a fire spell against it, even if your character doesn’t know that. Metagaming can be a useful tool for making informed decisions, but it can also be abused.
In some cases, players will use metagaming to make decisions that are unfair or contrary to the spirit of the game. For example, if a player looks up the statistics of a monster before fighting it, they might choose to avoid confrontations with particularly powerful creatures.
As a result, metagaming can add an element of challenge and excitement to the game, but it should be used responsibly.
Why is it Called Metagaming?
The term “metagaming” comes from the word “meta,” which means “outside of.” In other words, metagaming is using information that is outside of the game itself.
The term is often used in tabletop role-playing games, where players are constantly making decisions based on both in-game and out-of-game knowledge.
For example, a player might use their knowledge of the game’s mechanics to make a decision that is contrary to their character’s personality. In this case, the player is metagaming in order to gain an advantage.
What are Some Examples of Metagaming?
There are many different ways to metagame, and the extent to which it is used can vary greatly. Here are a few examples:
- Looking up information about your opponent’s deck before the match starts
- Trying to predict your opponent’s moves during the game
- Using out-of-game knowledge to make in-game decisions
- Avoiding confrontations with powerful creatures
- Using metagaming to add challenge and excitement to the game
What Types of Games Does Metagaming Take Place?
Metagaming can take place in any type of game, but it is most common in tabletop role-playing games and collectible card games.
In these types of games, players are constantly making decisions based on both in-game and out-of-game knowledge. As a result, metagaming can add an element of challenge and excitement to the game.
Is Metagaming Allowed?
The answer to this question depends on the game and the group of people you are playing with.
Some people believe that metagaming is a necessary part of the game, while others believe that it ruins the spirit of fair play. In some cases, metagaming may be allowed in certain situations, but not in others. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow metagaming is up to the game’s creator and the players.
What are Some Pros and Cons of Metagaming?
Pros:
- Can be used to make informed decisions
- Can add challenge and excitement to the game
- Can be a powerful tool for strategic thinking
Cons:
- Can be abused
- Can lead to unfair or contrary decisions
- Can add an element of chance to the game
How to Use Metagaming Responsibly
Metagaming can be a useful tool for making informed decisions, but it can also be abused. In some cases, players will use metagaming to make decisions that are unfair or contrary to the spirit of the game.
As a result, it is important to use metagaming responsibly. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t use metagaming to gain an unfair advantage.
- Use metagaming to add challenge and excitement to the game, but don’t let it take away from the fun.
- Be respectful of other players and their decision-making process.
- Use metagaming responsibly and have fun!
Powergaming vs. Metagaming
It is important to note that there is a difference between powergaming and metagaming.
Powergaming is a term used to describe a player who uses their knowledge of the game’s mechanics to make decisions that are contrary to the spirit of the game.
In other words, powergaming is using game mechanics to gain an unfair advantage. Metagaming, on the other hand, is using information that is outside of the game itself. While both powergaming and metagaming can be used to gain an advantage, they are two different things.
Conclusion
Metagaming can be a useful tool for making informed decisions, but it should be used responsibly. In some cases, players will use metagaming to make decisions that are unfair or contrary to the spirit of the game. As a result, metagaming can add an element of chance to the game. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow metagaming is up to the game’s creator and the players. Thank you for reading! I hope this article was helpful.
