Is It Considered Cheating to Research Other Players' Characters in Dungeons and Dragons?

Often, discussions around Dungeons and Dragons (DD) revolve around the mechanics and rules, but sometimes the core ethical questions are overlooked. One such question is whether it is considered cheating to learn about another player's character before a session. This piece explores this issue within the context of DD, the cooperative and story-driven nature of the game, and the concept of meta-gaming.

Cooperation Over Competition

DD is fundamentally a game built around cooperation. Players collaborate to achieve shared goals and co-create an engaging story. This cooperative model means that any advantage gained by one player does not naturally put the others at a disadvantage. For instance, if you learn about a fellow player's character, it’s not because you have an advantage over the player, but rather, you are simply part of the same team (DM and the players).

The Concept of Meta-Gaming

Meta-gaming is a practice where a player uses in-game knowledge not available to their character or any other character. While some players strongly oppose meta-gaming, they do not generally consider it cheating. Their stance hinges on the understanding that the DD campaign is not a battle between players and the Dungeon Master (DM) but rather a collaborative storytelling experience.

Meta-Gaming and Ethical Dilemmas

For some, meta-gaming can undermine the immersion and role-playing experience. For instance, if a player uses information not intended for their character, it can break the narrative and the joy of discovery. However, this is not necessarily about cheating; it’s more about the quality of the experience. Sometimes, knowing extraneous information does not lead to meta-gaming—a skillful player can role-play a character that doesn’t know what the player knows. This requires practice and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone.

A Hedonic Perspective

It is important to acknowledge that what works for one group may not work for another. In some circles, the DD campaign is seen as a strategic competition, and in others, it is purely a story-telling endeavor. If you are playing with a group that considers it cheating, it might be best to explore different groups that align better with your preferences. However, if a player is genuinely interested in exploring the ethical gray areas of DD, here is an edge case:

An Edge Case

Suppose you are in a situation where you have a character (‘target’) who is hiding or keeping a secret, and you need to create a new character (‘assassin’) to uncover the truth. If you and the 'target' player agree to engage in this kind of DD meta-game, it might be acceptable. However, it is crucial that both parties are fully on board. It is important to approach this with caution and ensure that everyone is comfortable with the level of immersion or meta-gaming.

Role-Playing and Ethics

Ultimately, the core of DD lies in role-playing. The concept of role involves the player adopting a character role, which constrains and shapes their actions within the game. If a player cannot fully embrace this constraint, they might be better off exploring other types of table-top games or competitive games like skirmish war games. There is no shame in seeking a game that aligns better with a preference for competition or strategic play.

Conclusion

In summary, whether researching other players' characters is considered cheating in DD hinges on the group’s values and the specific context. While it is not generally considered cheating, it can impact the quality of the shared experience and the ethical boundaries of the game. The most important thing is that all players feel respected and comfortable at the table. As Bartle’s taxonomy of player types suggests, different players seek different forms of enjoyment. Understanding and respecting these differences can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable gaming experience for all.