
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this Beyond the Book episode of Tales & Tactics, we examine how turns and timing shape play in RPGs and wargames, from rigid "I go you go" structures and phased turns to initiative systems, simultaneous actions, and narrative timing. We explore how different approaches to sequencing time affect pacing, tension, fairness, player agency, and cognitive load, and why certain genres demand precision while others thrive on flexibility. Ultimately, this episode looks past the surface mechanics to show how timing systems quietly guide player behavior, tactical thinking, and the overall feel of a game at the table.
By Neonlithic4.3
33 ratings
In this Beyond the Book episode of Tales & Tactics, we examine how turns and timing shape play in RPGs and wargames, from rigid "I go you go" structures and phased turns to initiative systems, simultaneous actions, and narrative timing. We explore how different approaches to sequencing time affect pacing, tension, fairness, player agency, and cognitive load, and why certain genres demand precision while others thrive on flexibility. Ultimately, this episode looks past the surface mechanics to show how timing systems quietly guide player behavior, tactical thinking, and the overall feel of a game at the table.

401 Listeners

48 Listeners

6,310 Listeners

36 Listeners

15,666 Listeners

1,440 Listeners

28 Listeners

80 Listeners

15,820 Listeners

16,381 Listeners

11 Listeners

13 Listeners

2,450 Listeners

53 Listeners

25 Listeners