dicedriven

Dicedriven is a neologism used to describe design approaches, systems, or practices that are guided by dice-based randomness. The term combines "dice"—the common randomizing tool in gaming—with "driven," signaling that outcomes, progressions, or decisions are anchored to dice results rather than fixed rules alone. Dicedriven concepts appear primarily in discussions about tabletop role-playing games, narrative design, and probabilistic algorithms, where intentional randomness is used to shape structure and flow.

In practice, dicedriven methods can take several forms. In tabletop and live-action settings, designers create tables or charts mapping die results to actions, encounters, or plot twists, creating variability while preserving a controllable framework. In computational contexts, dice or dice-like random sources can drive state transitions, selection among options, or sampling steps, often with explicit probability mappings to maintain balance and reproducibility. A common example is a quest or story generator that uses different dice to choose arc, obstacle, and reward, producing diverse outputs from a compact rule set.

Considerations include probability distribution, balance, and player perception. Because dice introduce true or simulated randomness, outcomes may be uneven or biased if the dice are loaded or the mapping is unclear. Proponents argue that dicedriven design enhances replayability, transparency, and educational value in teaching probability, while critics contend that excessive randomness can disrupt narrative cohesion.

The term is mostly used in hobbyist and design communities and does not have a formal standard definition in mainstream practice.