What is the Threefold Model?
The Threefold Model is one way of grouping many aspects of “group contracts” into logical categories. Full group contract includes every facet of how the game is played: not just the mechanical rules, but also how scenarios are constructed, what sort of behavior is expected of PCs, how actions not covered by the rules are resolved, allowance of outside distractions, and so forth. The Threefold divides up many of these into categories known as Drama, Game, and Simulation. An important part of the model is recognizing that there are valid different goals for gaming. Many models of RPGs or gamers tend to have derogatory categories of “munchkin,” “poser,” “rules lawyer,” etc. which are contrasted with “true role-players”. The Threefold model is intended to promote looking at different styles as just other ways of play. Role-playing games don’t simply classify into good and bad. The exact same game which one player enjoys, another might dislike. Rather than say that one or the other has bad
