Metagaming

Metagaming in roleplay is the act of acquiring information about a person, place, event or thing from a source while not in character, then allowing that information to affect your actions in character. Metagaming often leads to one side of roleplay feeling cheated that their character's identity or secrets become common knowledge through unfair means.

While it may seem like a good idea to metagame for some advantage, it is often not without consequence. Metagaming is looked down upon by many players in the roleplay community. It also generally ruins roleplay experiences for both parties involved, as well as making possible roleplay experiences impossible.

Examples of metagaming in roleplay

Larry the Vampire is a character who pretends to be blind to hide his red eyes from the public. The player who roleplays as Larry speaks in a conversation, letting it slip that his character is a vampire and the player who roleplays Joe the Trader hears this information. The next time Joe sees Larry, Joe alerts the guards of Larry's vampirism. In this example, Larry's character may be executed, disallowing the player to continue his plans he had for his character, and making him feel that his trust was betrayed.

Robert Coolname steps into the tavern, his first time ever in Regalia! After buying himself a drink and ready to have a good time, Kattie the Vampire walks up to him, greeting him "Why hello Mr. Coolname." without ever actually meeting Robert in character. In this example Robert has never been to Regalia, nor has he ever met Kattie. This sort of metagaming is often overlooked, however it tends to have an unsettling effect. Robert may feel awkward that someone knows his name impossibly, feeling that roleplaying in Regalia isn't worth his time if somehow everyone knows his name.