Source: https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/04/12/dungeon-master-to-corporate-strategist-the-surprising-career-skills-hidden-in-tabletop-rpgs/169808

Dungeon master to corporate strategist? The surprising career
skills hidden in tabletop RPGs


By Ian Jeremiah Patrick
Saturday, 12 Apr 2025 7:00 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 ? You?ve likely encountered the buzz around
tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG), also commonly referred to as
RPGs, as a hobby that has existed in Malaysia for
decades.

From dynamic communities and bustling events to cafes like Here Be
Dragon, where board game enthusiasts gather to have fun, TTRPGs
are quickly gaining popularity in the local community.

But what exactly are TTRPGs, and why are they gaining so much
traction? Malay Mail is here to break it all down, in addition to
how players are leveraging the skills they gain through these
games in their careers.

A session of the ?Star Trek Adventures? role-playing game in
progress. ? Picture courtesy of Ivan Tam
A session of the ?Star Trek Adventures? role-playing game in
progress. ? Picture courtesy of Ivan Tam

What are tabletop role-playing games and how do they work?

A tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) is a collaborative
storytelling experience that goes beyond simply moving pieces on
a board.

Players assume the roles of characters in a fictional world,
making decisions, interacting with the environment and
influencing the narrative.

At the heart of the experience is the Game Master (GM), also known
as a Dungeon Master (DM) in D&D, who is both like a referee and
storyteller, creating challenges, scenarios and the world where
the adventure unfolds.

TTRPGs typically use dice, ranging from D4 to D20 ? referring to
how many sides the die has ? to introduce randomness and
unpredictability into the game, simulating chance and uncertainty
while creating a sense of tension and suspense.

Some TTRPGs, however, do not require a GM, with gameplay guided
instead by cards or dice.

TTRPGs prioritise teamwork, with success depending on the group?s
ability to collaborate, whether battling enemies, solving puzzles
or navigating social dilemmas.

Setting up a battle map for a D&D game at Here Be Dragons Board
Game Store. ? Picture courtesy of Here Be Dragons
Setting up a battle map for a D&D game at Here Be Dragons Board
Game Store. ? Picture courtesy of Here Be Dragons

What types of TTRPGs are popular among Malaysians?

There are many types of TTRPGs on the market these days, spanning
various genres, including many self-published by their authors.
These are some of the most popular titles:

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): The most iconic and widely known
TTRPG, Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy adventure game with magic,
mythical creatures and epic quests where you can even play
different species other than human, such as dwarves, elves or
orcs. Many different versions of this have been developed over
the years, including Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) and
Pathfinder.
Call of Cthulhu (CoC): Based on the works of HP Lovecraft,
known for his weird, science fiction, fantasy and horror writing,
Call of Cthulhu is a horror fiction TTRPG. It is set in a darker
version of our world, where players investigate mysteries and
conspiracies while battling to maintain their sanity. Players
take the roles of ordinary people drawn into the realm of the
mysterious, playing roles such as detectives, scholars, artists,
socialites and anything you can think of.
Pathfinder: Fantasy TTRPG based on the revised 3rd edition of
D&D. It features similar races, classes and mechanics as D&D, but
with updated rules for a more detailed role-playing
experience.
Star Wars Roleplaying Game: If you think TTRPGs are all about
fantasy or fictionalised versions of our world, don?t worry,
there are many sci-fi TTRPGs out there, including this one, based
on the rich and varied Star Wars universe featured in the movie
series.
Vampire: The Masquerade: Another iconic TTRPG, while not as
popular as the other games locally, still maintains a following.
Vampire is a dark urban fantasy where players play the role of
vampires while the Masquerade refers to an organised conspiracy
by one of the main factions in the game to convince the general
public that vampires do not exist. It is set in the World of
Darkness ? a fictionalised ?gothic-punk? version of the modern
world.
Kala Mandala (Malaysian-made TTRPG): It is centred on a
fantasy world inspired by South-east Asian cultures, mythologies
and environments.


Why are TTRPGs growing in South-east Asia?

Several factors are driving this growth. Sharifah Hanna, 30,
highlights the role of global communication and social media,
which help people connect and share interests.

There?s also a cultural shift in South-east Asia, where creative
hobbies are becoming more accepted beyond traditional notions of
productivity.

TTRPGs are especially popular because they meet the human need for
connection.

?Storytelling and play are one of the best ways to develop those
connections,? says Sharifah.

Kirthana Kuhendran, 27, adds that mainstream media is fuelling the
rise of TTRPGs, with shows like Stranger Things, the Dungeons &
Dragons movies and Vox Machina, along with big brand
collaborations with Lego and Funko Pop.

These factors are driving growing interest in TTRPGs across the region.


TTRPG skills used in the workplace: Ambassador, corporate
strategist and pro wrestler

Many individuals have found ways to incorporate skills learned in
TTRPGs into their careers.

Razdan, 52, an ambassador, said TTRPGs helped him think outside
the box, enhancing his imagination, language skills and ability
to visualise.

?They teach problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking in
3D, while teamwork improves focus and awareness,? he told Malay
Mail.

These skills help him assess and predict outcomes more accurately.

Lalitha, 35, a strategic planner, applies her gamemaster skills in
her daily work, using storytelling, adaptability, improvisation,
role-switching, and consensus-building to navigate strategic
decisions and engage with C-suite executives.

?Being able to convey a compelling story during meetings to gain
buy-in from stakeholders is key, as is adapting to their needs
and opinions,? she explained.

She also pointed out that ?on-the-fly improvisation? mirrors the
flexibility required in TTRPGs, where quick thinking and creative
solutions are essential.

Rayden, 33, uses his TTRPG skills, creativity and character
development in his professional wrestling career.

Having grown up playing Dungeons & Dragons, he developed a passion
for creating characters, which helped him craft his wrestling
persona.

While storylines in professional wrestling are largely determined
by the booker, Rayden?s TTRPG background allows him to contribute
creatively by building compelling characters and
narratives.


TTRPG events in Malaysia

If you're curious about TTRPGs, many groups on Facebook and other
social media, as well as various events, offer opportunities to
try them out.

Events and conventions featuring TTRPGs in Malaysia include:

MejaCon: A board game convention where enthusiasts gather to
play and showcase games. It serves as a platform for both casual
and professional gamers.
Asian Board Games Festival: A festival celebrating board games
from across Asia, highlighting games created by local and other
Asian designers.
International Tabletop Day: Organised by Kakitabletop, a
tabletop gaming community, in conjunction with International
Tabletop Day, this event celebrates tabletop games, including
Trading Card Games (TCGs), board games, TTRPGs and more, in
Malaysia.
Any Games Con: One of Malaysia?s largest tabletop games
conventions, Any Games Con brings together enthusiasts of TTRPGs,
board games, TCGs, miniature war games and more. The event
features exhibitors, designers, artists and tournaments, creating
a comprehensive gaming experience for attendees.

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