Online Play Basics

You can play tabletop RPGs anywhere you can talk. A digital table—playing via voice or video chat—works just like in-person play, with a few practical adjustments for microphones, cameras, and remote comfort.

What you'll learn

• How online play compares to sitting around a table.
• Simple mic and camera norms that keep the flow smooth.
• Online consent signals that protect comfort across distance.

Core idea

A digital table means playing via voice or video chat, sometimes with shared tools like dice bots or map software. The conversation loop is identical to face-to-face play. You describe actions, the Game Master (GM) frames scenes—focused moments with a place, time, and purpose—and everyone reacts.

Some groups share visuals—character art, simple maps, or reference images—through screen share or a shared web tool. Others play purely by voice, imagining everything together. Both work. Choose what fits your group's comfort and tech.

Agree on mute habits. Many groups mute when not speaking to reduce noise. Some leave cameras on for social connection; others voice-only to save bandwidth or ease anxiety. Discuss preferences in your first session.

Physical cues like raised hands don't always show in video chat. Agree on text or emoji consent signals in your group chat. A simple "pause" message or a specific emoji can signal discomfort or request a rewind just as clearly as an in-person tool.

Try this (2 minutes)

Write one mic norm and one safety signal for your group. Examples: "Mute when not speaking" and "Type 🛑 to pause the scene." Share them in your group chat before your first session.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming everyone sees your facial expressions—narrate reactions aloud.
• Skipping a tech check; test audio and screen share five minutes early.
• Forgetting to establish a typed pause signal; distance makes verbal interruptions harder.

Do this next: Safety & Comfort in Play