As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), researchers from UWM’s School of Information Studies are exploring the ethical questions that arise when AI enters collaborative storytelling and learning environments.
Dr. Wan-Chen Lee, together with doctoral candidates Juliana Hirt, the project’s lead researcher, and Amanda Gottesman, recently conducted six focus group interviews with TTRPG players who use AI tools during gameplay. Their preliminary findings examine emerging concerns related to bias, fairness and safety, offering insights for libraries, educators and others interested in using TTRPGs as educational tools.
The team’s research, Ethical Inquiry into AI-Assisted Tabletop Roleplaying Games, has been accepted for presentation at the 2026 ALISE Annual Conference.