Summary
An Agenda is a set of explicit goals that define what the facilitator (and sometimes the players) should strive to accomplish during play.
Design Purpose
Agendas align everyone at the table around the intended experience of the game. They establish priorities that guide rulings, improvisation, and interpretation of the rules.
Problems Solved
- Prevents conflicting expectations.
- Creates consistency in GM decision-making.
- Reinforces the game's themes.
- Helps facilitators understand the intended play style.
Core Loop
The game presents an Agenda. During play, participants use the Agenda to evaluate choices and determine appropriate actions. When uncertain, the Agenda serves as a decision-making compass.
Player Decision
Which choice best fulfills the Agenda of the game?
Narrative Effect
The Agenda continuously steers play toward specific themes, genres, and experiences.
Strengths
- Strongly aligns play culture.
- Encourages consistent facilitation.
- Reinforces genre and themes.
- Works even when specific rules do not apply.
Weaknesses
- Can be ignored if poorly written.
- May feel restrictive.
- Relies on participant buy-in.
- Difficult to enforce mechanically.
Variations
- GM Agendas
- Player Agendas
- Shared Table Agendas
- Hidden or implicit agendas
- Campaign-level agendas
Related Patterns
Agendas pair naturally with Playbooks, which encode character-facing priorities and roles.
Examples
Pattern Definition
An Agenda is an explicit statement of priorities that guides how participants make decisions and shape play.