Why Organized Play?

To introduce players to their games, its not uncommon for role-playing companies to have some sort of organized play (OP) program. An organized play program is a structured system of shared rules that allows players to participate in campaigns or adventures together, often across different locations and with a variety of players and Game Masters (GMs). These programs might involve prepared one-shot adventures or GMs running their own creations in a shared world or setting. Player choices in one game influence the overall narrative and future scenarios. These sorts of campaigns are often referred to as “living campaigns.”

I have had the good fortune to have been involved in administering or writing for roughly a dozen of living campaigns, and played in probably a dozen more. I’ve had the chance to see the pros and cons of being involved in these OP programs and I believe there are a lot more pros than cons. So, if you have never participated, or played and had a negative experience, let me give you some reasons to encourage to try it for the first time, or even again.

Fun!

The first, and perhaps best reason, is that tabletop role-playing games (ttrpgs) are fun. Organized play offers a low-pressure way to enjoy a game; you can simply show up to a pre-planned session and experience an exciting, self-contained adventure without the long-term commitment or prep work. It also lets you test drive a game you are curious about before you buy it.

While not every game will suit your taste, OP games are usually reviewed by the author, an editor, some playtesters, and often even a second editor, developer, or sensitivity reader. These adventures are not always to the level of a company’s published work, but they are close and will usually be pretty fun. Who doesn’t want to have fun? And if you did have a negative experience, don’t worry, there’s lots more OP programs, lots more adventures, and lots more GMs. You can always try the next one until you find what suits you best.

Friends I have met through organized play!

Availability

One of the most obvious advantages is that there are readymade adventures to play. Many publishers release a steady stream of scenarios, ensuring there's almost always a new adventure to play at local game stores, conventions, or online. The number of adventures released exceeds the pace most busy home GMs could maintain. The scenarios are pre-written, balanced, and ready to go, dramatically cutting down on preparation time. Organized play programs often have their adventures available on a website, for a small price or even for free. Others make them available to game stores and conventions. This gives you a lot to play without having to craft it yourself or convince one of your friends to do it for you!

Portability

Do you have to travel a lot for work? Are you often away from your regular crew? Perhaps you travel to a lot of conventions. Living organized play programs give you the chance to have your character grow with the story. You keep treasure you find. Favors from NPCs are recognized in future events. Even though you’re not always playing with the same players or GM, your character’s story grows as the campaign advances. OP programs are great if you don’t have a regular group or enjoy dropping in at a local store or convention.

Finding a Group

Maybe you wish you had a regular group, but aren’t sure how to find one. Anyone playing the organized play program is at least interested in the same game system as you are. Playing in an OP program at your local store or convention is the a perfect "audition" space to play with others and find those whose play style and personality matches yours. It’s a great way to find others that you might invite to a permanent home game.

Community

Now we are getting to one of the best reasons to be involved in organized play. There is a sense of community one finds when surrounded by likeminded fans that want to grow their hobby. Whether you are sharing stories about playing the same adventure, or you sign up to be a GM at a convention, there is a feeling of shared experience and belonging. It creates an instant sense of camaraderie and shared history with fellow players across the globe. Play some games, and then tell your friends, family, and even strangers on the internet, what happened and how much you loved it!

As an aside, I want to encourage everyone to make the OP community the community that you want it to be. Celebrate good GMs. Tell authors of your favorite adventures how much fun you had.  Tell convention organizers what you enjoyed. If there is a change that you’d like to see from anyone, politely tell them what you’d love to see and why it’s what you like without any personal attacks. Realize that change sometimes might not happen right away or at all, but they will appreciate your feedback if its politely delivered.

The Baldman Games GMs for Gen Con 2025.

Player Style and Game Knowledge

Nothing will teach you more about game rules, contributing to others’ fun, or how to run a table, than playing with a group of mostly strangers in a public venue. You will witness rules combined in new ways you would have never considered yourself. You will pick up tips from players and GMs on how to manage initiative, see new combat tactics, and witness creative ways to breath life into your character or an NPC. There is no better teacher for learning how to play or write for a ttrpg than experience lots of people playing that game.

Joe Raso from Ghostfire Gaming runs a Grim Hunt OP adventure at Gen Con 2025.

Breaking Into the Industry

I am asked a lot about how to break into the tabletop roleplaying industry. In the current age of streaming live plays and YouTube channels, being active in one or more OP programs isn’t probably as much the leg up that it used to be when I and many of my friends did it, but it doesn’t hurt. If you are active in an OP program, you will make connections. People take note of you running games, helping organize store and convention games, and marshaling tables at conventions. Active volunteers get asked to playtest OP adventures. If you are known to be helpful or provide good feedback, you might be asked to write an adventure. Your adventure will be played by thousands of people, and might draw the notice of other organizers or even companies. It rarely happens on the first try, but there are many, many examples of people working full time in the ttrpg industry that started in OP. There are even more that are regular freelancers. The training, exposure, and networking that you can get through the OP community cannot be understated.

Last Thoughts

Tabletop role-playing game organized play programs are more than just a convenient way to find a game. They are offer a unique intersection of storytelling and new friendships, a place where your hero's journey contributes to a larger, evolving narrative. It strips away many barriers to entry like finding a group or creating an adventure, and leaves the best parts of fun and community. It’s the ultimate solution for those with a busy schedule and a great way to meet fellow gamers. So, whether you're a brand-new player looking for a welcoming first step or a seasoned veteran seeking new challenges, organized play has a seat ready for you. The adventure is written, the table is set; all you have to do is roll for initiative.