In role-playing games (RPGs), a player action that utilizes knowledge their character would not possess is a deviation from immersive play. For instance, a player knowing a monster’s weakness because they read the monster manual, but their character having no in-game exposure to that information, is an example. Such actions stem from outside-of-game data influencing in-game decisions, breaking the established fiction.
Understanding the distinction between player knowledge and character knowledge is crucial for maintaining game integrity and fostering a shared narrative experience. A consistent adherence to character limitations and motivations enhances believability. Historically, tabletop RPGs relied heavily on shared agreement to avoid this, while video games, with their codified rules, present a different set of considerations for players.
