Adding Play-by-Post to a TTRPG Campaign

Scheduling conflicts and long work hours can sometimes make gathering everyone around the table—virtual or in-person—an impossible challenge. One of the ways I’ve found to keep the adventure alive is by weaving in a play-by-post approach alongside our regular game.

Play-by-post gaming is nothing new—it’s been around since the days of dial-up modems and bulletin board systems, where players would take turns posting their actions and reactions. In modern times, platforms like Discord, Roll20, and EN World have kept it alive and thriving, letting players write out their characters’ actions and dialogue at their own pace.

What I like most about play-by-post is that it doesn’t just fill in the gaps between scheduled sessions—it also gives everyone more time to think about their characters’ choices. I’ve noticed that it can lead to deeper roleplaying and richer storytelling. Plus, there’s the added benefit of having a permanent written record of everything that’s happened in your campaign—like your own digital campaign journal!

Of course, play-by-post can’t replace the magic of in-person (or virtual) gatherings. The spontaneity, the laughter, the camaraderie—those things are tough to replicate in a text-based format. But that’s why I love the hybrid approach: using in-person or virtual sessions for the core of the campaign, then using play-by-post to keep things going in between. It’s been a game-changer for groups who want to keep the story alive despite busy schedules or players living in different time zones.

If you’re thinking about giving this hybrid approach a shot, here are my three biggest tips:

Establish clear ground rules so everyone knows how to participate and what’s expected.

Use a consistent platform to keep everything accessible and easy to find.

Stay open and flexible so you can adjust the approach as you see what works (and what doesn’t) for your group.

There’s no perfect formula—it’s about experimenting, staying in touch, and figuring out what works best for you and your players.

If you’re curious to see how I put this approach into practice, check out the full video. And if you’ve got any of your own experiences or tips about using play-by-post in your games, I’d love to hear them in the comments!

Cheers,
Brian