Basic Game Loop

The Basic Game Loop is the root cycle of play. Many game procedures (travel, encounters, combat) are essentially this same loop running at a different pace.

Used by: the start of play.
Uses: any specialized procedure as the game calls for it.
Goes back to: itself.
Records to update: none directly.

The three steps

The loop has three repeating steps:

• Inform. The DM explains the situation; players ask questions and discuss intentions.
• Declare. The players say what actions their characters take.
• Adjudicate. The results of the actions are decided and the situation changes.

The loop depends on created material (e.g. the game world, an encounter) and upon further material created by game procedures, the DM, and the players.