Today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt is "roleplaying game with well-supported one-shots." And honestly? I have no idea. Seriously, I’m not being modest here—I really only know about my own work and things that are over a decade old. But hey, that’s not going to stop me from talking about why I love one-shots and why they’re such an essential part of the roleplaying experience.

What Makes a One-Shot Special?

One-shots are like the appetizers of the roleplaying world. They’re small, satisfying, and perfect for when you’re not ready to commit to a full campaign. They offer a taste of what a system can do, giving you just enough to whet your appetite without demanding weeks or months of your life in return.

There’s something refreshing about a one-shot. You get to dive in, create a character, and jump into the action without the weight of long-term character development hanging over your head. It’s a low-pressure environment where you can experiment, try out new ideas, and just have fun.

One-shots are also fantastic for learning a game. Let’s face it, no one wants to slog through a 300-page rulebook before rolling their first dice. With a one-shot, you can get a feel for the mechanics, understand the flow of play, and decide if the game is worth investing more time in—all without committing to a full campaign.

The Practical Side of One-Shots

One of the biggest perks of one-shots is how they fit into our busy lives. We’re all juggling work, family, and countless other responsibilities, and sometimes a weekly game just isn’t in the cards. That’s where the one-shot comes in—a single session, maybe two or three hours, and you’re done. It’s the perfect solution for when you want to play, but life is getting in the way.

Then there’s the matter of group dynamics. We all have that one friend who’s impossible to schedule with. Or maybe you’ve got a rotating cast of players who can’t commit to a regular game. One-shots let you gather whoever’s available, whenever they’re available, and just roll with it. It’s flexible, it’s fun, and it means you’re not tied down to a long-term commitment that might never materialize.

One-Shots in Conventions and Game Days

Let’s talk about conventions and game days. These events are tailor-made for one-shots. You’re surrounded by like-minded folks, there’s a palpable energy in the air, and everyone’s there to play. One-shots are the perfect way to meet new people, try out different systems, and have a great time without worrying about what happens next.

One of the things I love about running one-shots at cons is the variety. You can go from a gritty, hard-boiled detective story in one session to a whimsical, fairy-tale adventure in the next. It’s a playground for creativity, and the short format means you can pack a lot of action, drama, and laughs into a single game.

My Take on One-Shots

As I said, I’m not exactly up to date on what’s out there beyond my own work and some older games. But in my experience, one-shots are invaluable. They’re a way to dip your toes into a new system, keep the gaming spirit alive when time is tight, and connect with friends (or strangers) without the burden of long-term commitment.

Whether you’re running a one-shot for a group of seasoned players or a table full of newbies, it’s a chance to showcase the best a game has to offer. You can focus on the highlights, the unique mechanics, the memorable moments, and then wrap it all up with a satisfying conclusion—all in the span of a few hours.

The Takeaway

So, when it comes to one-shots, I may not have a long list of well-supported games to recommend. But what I do know is this: one-shots are a key part of the roleplaying experience. They offer flexibility, creativity, and fun, all without the demands of a full campaign. Whether you’re learning a new game, looking for a quick pick-up session, or running something at a con, one-shots are where it’s at.

And if you haven’t tried one yet, what are you waiting for? It’s time to gather some friends, roll up some characters, and dive into a one-shot. You might just find it’s exactly what you needed.