Railroading
Definition
When a GM forces the story along a predetermined path regardless of player choices. Generally considered poor practice because it removes player agency.
Example
“Players: 'We don't trust the king, we're leaving the kingdom.' GM: 'The guards stop you. You have to take this quest.' That's railroading - players had no real choice.”
Common Mistakes
- Confusing railroading with having a plot (plots are fine; ignoring player choices isn't)
- Thinking sandbox games are the only alternative (you can have strong story AND player agency)
- As a player, refusing all hooks because 'that's what my character would do'