# GNS theory

- Term: Tabletop term
- Date: 1999
- Canonical: https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/gns-theory/

> Ron Edwards's model of roleplaying that sorts players' priorities into Gamism (overcoming challenges), Narrativism (creating meaningful story) and Simulationism (exploring a consistent world). Controversial and much revised, it shaped a wave of indie story games.

Ron Edwards's model of roleplaying that sorts players' priorities into Gamism (overcoming challenges), Narrativism (creating meaningful story) and Simulationism (exploring a consistent world). Controversial and much revised, it shaped a wave of indie story games.

**Origin:** First set out in Edwards's essay System Does Matter, posted in July 1999, and developed on The Forge forums.

## Quick answers

**What does "GNS theory" mean?**
Ron Edwards's model of roleplaying that sorts players' priorities into Gamism (overcoming challenges), Narrativism (creating meaningful story) and Simulationism (exploring a consistent world). Controversial and much revised, it shaped a wave of indie story games.

**Where does the term "GNS theory" come from?**
First set out in Edwards's essay System Does Matter, posted in July 1999, and developed on The Forge forums.

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From The Lantern Hall (https://www.lanternhall.org/), a museum of fantasy literature and roleplaying games.