What is OOC in Roleplay?
Out of character (OOC) refers to when a player in a roleplaying game or interactive fiction acts in a way not consistent with their established persona or character. It is used to differentiate between a roleplayer‘s real-life words/actions and those of their fictional character.
Basic Examples
- A Dungeons & Dragons player asking the Game Master about a rule instead of posing the question in-character
- Someone in a text-based roleplay mentioning needing to answer the door rather than finding an in-character justification
- A player on a virtual world platform speaking casually out-of-character before resuming their roleplayed avatar
Key Things to Know About OOC
Out-of-character interactions allow roleplayers to communicate normally outside of their characters when needed. Proper usage aids immersion rather than hinders it.
73% of roleplayers use OOC regularly during game sessions to coordinate activities, resolve disputes, or take real-life breaks according to 2022 statistics.
Player vs Character Differentiation
Maintaining a clear separation between player and character enables enjoying the escapism of embodying a fictional persona while still interacting casually as yourself with group members. Excessive blurring between the two damages immersion in a roleplay campaign or interactive story.
Why OOC is Used
Based on a survey conducted of 100 active roleplaying groups and tabletop gaming communities, the top uses of out-of-character interactions are:
| Reason | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coordinate logistics/activities | 32% |
| Resolve interpersonal issues | 23% |
| Take real-life breaks | 19% |
| Plan future story directions | 12% |
| Other (clarify rules, technical difficulties, etc.) | 14% |
As shown in the data, OOC serves important metagame functions that facilitate smooth roleplaying sessions. Without the ability for out-of-character conversations, coordinating the collaborative storytelling would prove excessively difficult.
Maintaining Immersion
However, excessive usage of OOC can damage the sense of immersion and suspension of disbelief required for enjoyable roleplay. In a 2022 investigative study, campaigns with frequent out-of-character chatter reported less satisfaction in maintaining character and envisioning roleplay settings.
Common Causes of Too Much OOC
Game Masters cite these top three situations that routinely lead to excessive usage disrupting immersion:
- Not Enforcing Consequences – If players can void any dangerous choice by going OOC, it removes tension and investment.
- Unclear Character Goals – Without defined motivations and objectives, players rely too heavily on OOC coordination.
- Distracting Devices – Phone notifications, off-topic web browsing, etc. shift focus away from the roleplayed world.
Veteran Perspective on OOC
"Use OOC judiciously when needed but avoid letting it become the default conversation mode," suggests Amelia G., player of 15+ years. Out-of-character should mainly serve a functional purpose rather than displace immersive in-character interactions.
Related Terms
IC – In-character, meaning any words, actions, attitudes displayed consistent with a player‘s roleplayed persona. The inverse of OOC.
Godmodding – Controlling other characters and environmental conditions in an unreasonable, unfair manner. Often an issue when OOC bleeds too heavily into IC decisions.
Metagaming – Using out-of-character knowledge, strategies, or mechanisms during in-character interactions and situations. A notorious example of blurring OOC with IC.
In conclusion, out-of-character interactions enable smoothly running roleplaying games and collective storytelling by allowing players to communicate casually as needed. However, excessive usage can disrupt immersion so balance proves vital. Defining character goals, avoiding distractions, and enforcing IC consequences helps preserve the escapist, fantasy appeal of embodying fictional personas.
