Metagaming in Tabletop Roleplaying Games

This article explores the phenomenon of metagaming as it occurs in tabletop role-playing games. A preliminary literature review into the phrase metagaming yields the foundation for defining the various aspects of what metagaming has come to encompass. Utilizing the work of Carter, Gibbs, and Harrop (2012), multiple meanings of metagaming are clarified and elaborated upon. The author posits the development of two unique facets of metagaming within tabletop role-playing games: mechanical and narrative metagaming. It concludes with a discussion on the morality of utilizing metagaming processes during gameplay.