RPG Master Class

Currently Playing: Uncertainty Avoidance in TTRPGs

Dr. Ben discusses Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance in TTRPGS. Full Lecture (Episode #115). #dnd #pathfinder #ttrpg #wfrp Website https://rpgphd.com/ RPG PHD swag!!! https://rpg-phd.myspreadshop.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089593636905 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rpg_phd/ Blyesky @rpg-phd.bsky.social Patreon https://www.patreon.com/user?u=87730462&view_as=patron --------------------------------------------- Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:48 Uncertainty Avoidance 03:16 UAI in Gameplay 04:04 Rules and Mechanics: Structure vs. Flexibility 08:13 Decision-Making and Risk-Taking: Caution vs. Creativity 11:23 Narrative and Storytelling: Guided vs. Emergent Stories 16:30 Player Behavior and GM Facilitation Styles 21:00 Case Examples of UAI 29:48 Thoughts? --------------------------------------------- Music and Sounds: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Erdns8jA3D/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/MRyCi54t7M/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/AQBpWzOsID/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUe/ Music: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZ/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yCvSWOBYUe/ Music: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/bWHPOsoaql/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/uDAHxg3lIS/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZ/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZ/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/e3mQvva1kZ/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/2dLRmfzdA5/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/jrNZjxJQqZ/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/c0X3Z8H8uZ/ https://www.epidemicsound.com/sound-effects/tracks/8c51eca6-dbb5-4925-b4ec-7ee51630322e/ Works Cited Hofstede, G. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill. Hofstede, G. (n.d.). “Uncertainty Avoidance.” ClearlyCultural.com – Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions. Retrieved from clearlycultural.com. Inafune, K. (2007). Interview in 1UP.com, as cited in RPGWatch Forums – Differences between Western and Japanese game design philosophies. OpenStax – Principles of Management. Section 6.2: Hofstede’s Cultural Framework. (2018). Definitions of uncertainty avoidance​ Landis, C. M. (2018). Uncertainty Avoidance and the Japanese. Penn State University Global Context Blog. (Japan’s UAI score and cultural traits)​ sites.psu.edu Scoping Review of TTRPG as Psychological Intervention (2023). Frontiers in Psychology / PMC11299717. (Cultural distinctions influence reactions in TTRPGs)​ Wikipedia. “Uncertainty avoidance.” (Last modified 2025). Definition and characteristics of high vs low UAI​ Wikipedia. “Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory.” (Last modified 2025). E The Retired Adventurer (2021). “Six Cultures of Play.” (Discussion of RPG play cultures and tournament module fairness)​ retiredadventurer.blogspot.com Gnome Stew – 10 Things I Learned about Japanese TRPGs (2018). (Notes on structured formats and replays in Japanese RPG culture)​ gnomestew.com