Enemy at the Gatekeeping

In my previous blogs on the topic of plot, we discussed how to find plot, request plot, and engage with plot. This time I will discuss Gatekeeping as it relates to plot, how to prevent it, and how to handle it when it occurs.

What is Gatekeeping?

Gatekeeping is the activity of controlling or limiting access to something. Simply put, it means exclusion on an OOG level. This can be deliberate or unintentional. Deliberate gatekeeping is against our Community Standards, as “Dystopia Rising is a cooperative gaming environment.” When Gatekeeping does occur, it is much more likely to be unintentional. That’s good news, because it means it can be solved through communication. Gamerunners are happy to assist with mediating any discussion around possible gatekeeping.

Example #1, Gatekeeping Character or player ability

“We need people who are stronger fighters. You should stay in town.” This is gatekeeping because one player is limiting another due to their character build or OOG abilities. Giving a player a warning that a combat might be dangerous is entirely fine - that gives them the information they need to make an informed decision. However, a player should not be telling another that they cannot participate. This applies to all skills, not just combat. Some blueprints or zones of mechanics may require a higher level of skill to engage with mechanically, but a small effort to be inclusive goes a long way. You could say “this needs a higher level of expertise to complete, but why don’t you help us out by [insert task here]?”

Example #2, Gatekeeping Plot Items

One character searches a corpse and finds a unique plot item. Another character asks them, “Did you find anything interesting?” and they reply “not really.” This is gatekeeping because the item is clearly intended to further a plotline. By hiding it, the player is controlling who can continue to interact with that plot. In this case, the best practice would be for the player to keep the item, but offer to show it to interested parties. This is not to say that LCs cannot have secrets from each other. If a found note were addressed to the player’s LC directly, or the item was directed to an in-game secret society, keeping it secret would be fine. It would also be good to negotiate OOG on the topic. The player could go OOG and say, “I’m really invested in this plot, do you mind if I get first crack at this, and I’ll share it later?” Consider that notes and unusual plot items are seeded as a way for players to find and further plot, and limiting access to these limits other players’ ability to engage with that story. Such “plot cookies” taste best when shared!

Example #3, Gatekeeping Information

You find some spire crystal fragments and want to know what to do with them. You ask another LC what they are useful for, and they reply “That’s gravemind bullshit. I don’t fuck with that, and neither should you.” This is gatekeeping because they are becoming a dead-end because of their LCs perspective. Best practice here would be to say “That’s gravemind bullshit; I don’t fuck with that. I let [invested LC] and the eggheads at Parasol deal with that stuff.” Think of this as redirecting rather than dead-ending. If you feel like all your avenues are coming up short even with cooperative play, try involving a Support Character (played by the Gamerunners) and we can open up some new routes.

Example #4, Gatekeeping Membership

You want to be baptized into a faith, or join a society. You find someone who can baptize or induct you, but they tell you that you have to practice for a year first, because that’s what they did. This is gatekeeping because they are adding a limitation that isn’t part of the faith or society’s requirements. Note that their character has agency, too. They can’t be forced to baptize you if they don’t want to - but they also can’t prevent you from being baptized, or give you crap for it if you get baptized elsewhere (unless you consent to that social CvC). Best practice would be to decline, but do some OOG negotiation. Maybe they can refer you to someone else, or come up with a trial requirement that you both agree would be fun. Note as well that most societies and faiths in SoCal can be joined with a simple Action Request and some OOG conversation with currently involved players.

Non-Examples

Some modules do have requirements, such as a particular skill or society membership (cough crimes cough murder). Let’s say you stumble into such a scene, and ask “Hey, what’s going on?” You’ll likely get an answer like “Don’t worry about it.” Either party may wish to drop OOG and clarify that this is a private mod. This is not gatekeeping because the player is not adding a limitation - story added the limitation to make the module deliver a certain experience. Part of the fun of “secret” plot stuff is that it feels secret. Sometimes story will add skill or item requirements to add value to a player’s choice to spend XP or resources in a particular way (we try to make such cases more a bonus than a requirement, but sometimes it really only makes narrative or practical sense that way).

Similarly, it is not gatekeeping to have a private scene. Maybe it is a highly emotional scene, or a pivotal moment built upon a shared history between certain characters. If someone stumbles into your private scene, you can drop OOG to say as much. If you want to continue the longstanding ‘Merican tradition of “barging,” ask for OOG permission.

The Gatekeeping Rule of Thumb

Ask yourself, “Does this limit another player’s event experience?” If the answer is “yes,” then it is gatekeeping, and you should steer another direction. If the answer is “maybe,” then you should drop OOG and negotiate. If you’re not sure, any Gamerunner can help you figure out how to proceed.

Give Feedback

We’re always looking for feedback on how to improve the event experience. What are your thoughts on gatekeeping? Let us know by filling out the Event Feedback form, or by getting in touch with your local gamerunners.

Next Time…

Oh no! It’s the consequences of my own actions! Let’s talk about how Story responds when LCs poke the hornet’s nest and act as “Gluttons for Funishment.”