Our language constantly adapts to new perspectives and developments in the ever-expanding universe of adventure gaming. How do we categorize #wargames, #boardgames, #TTRPGs, and other forms? We must remain patient defining our terms and understanding others across disciplines.
https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-language-of-games.html
@PSchweig86 I do think it is helpful to discuss the language around gaming even if we can't agree on "naming/defining" things.
A good example in the solo RPG space is the phrase "Journaling Games." There are quite a few Journaling Games and quite a few players who have a very strong negative reaction to them. The problem is that some folks like to paint any solo RPG with an interpretive oracle component as a "Journaling Game" so this discourages people from trying certain games.
@PSchweig86 As an example -- Ironsworn/Starforged will get lumped into the Journaling Game category because some people like to publish narrative heavy actual play reports online - it appears they "journaled" their play and so that must be "required."
You could play an entrie session of Ironsworn with just a single page character sheet and another loose sheet of paper for tracking your Vows. You would never have to write a "reflective answer" to a game prompt.
@soypunk I was reading your first comment and journaling and Ironsworn came to mind! Many of the new breed of indie cooperative narrative RPGs could seem like journaling games, though they don't all mention it in gameplay.
And I agree talking respectfully about games is helpful, a kind of give-and-take including explaining our definitions and concepts and thoughtfully considering other viewpoints.
Peter Schweighofer
Pteryx the Puzzle Secretary
Shawn Medero