Summary
Moves are structured resolution procedures that are activated when specific fictional triggers occur. Rather than choosing a rule from a list of abilities or skills, players describe what their characters do in the fiction. When that description matches a move's trigger, the move is resolved according to its rules.
Design Purpose
Moves ensure that the mechanics emerge directly from the fiction while reinforcing the themes, genre, and intended style of play.
Problems Solved
- Connects mechanics directly to fictional events.
- Reinforces genre-specific behaviors and themes.
- Reduces ambiguity about when resolution is required.
- Ensures important story situations receive mechanical support.
- Creates consistent outcomes for recurring narrative situations.
Core Loop
A player describes an action in the fiction. If the fictional trigger of a move is met, the move is activated. The move is resolved, usually through a roll, and the result generates new fictional consequences that drive play forward.
Player Decision
What does my character do in the fiction, and is this the moment to trigger a move?
Narrative Effect
Moves focus attention on the situations the game considers important. By defining triggers around specific actions, emotions, conflicts, or discoveries, moves shape the stories that emerge during play.
Strengths
- Strong connection between fiction and mechanics.
- Reinforces genre and themes.
- Encourages descriptive play.
- Creates predictable resolution procedures for important situations.
- Easy to expand through custom moves.
Weaknesses
- Trigger interpretation can create disputes.
- Players must learn the move language of the game.
- Overlapping moves can create ambiguity.
- Large move lists can become difficult to navigate.
Variations
- Basic Moves
- Playbook Moves
- GM Moves
Related Patterns
- Fiction-First Play
Compare Moves with Actions, which are chosen by approach rather than triggered by a fictional condition.
Examples
Pattern Definition
A Move is a triggered resolution mechanic that activates when a specific fictional condition occurs and provides a structured procedure for determining the outcome.