More Games Need Traveler Mechanics

Scheduling is often a major barrier to people getting into the board game hobby. Adults have jobs and responsibilities, and their free time does not always align. This is especially difficult for games with many players because more people means more chances someone will arrive late or leave early, potentially ruining the game.

The mafia-style social deduction genre is heavily impacted by this issue because it often features large groups and long playtimes. One player leaving can ruin the game by revealing or removing key information or an essential role. Blood on the Clocktower found a solution to this problem, and it is possibly its greatest innovation.

In Blood on the Clocktower, a player who might not stay for the whole game or arrives partway through can choose to play as a Traveler. Travelers have a role with a publicly known ability but unknown team alignment. They can be voted out independently of the normal vote and do not affect the game’s end condition. Their roles matter to the game but can be removed or added without spoiling anything.

More games should have explicit rules for late arrivals like Travelers. Have you ever arrived late to a game night and had to wait half an hour or more for people to finish so you could join? Providing rules for late additions is a public good, enhancing everyone’s experience at large game events by minimizing waiting time.

Some games do have rules for players to resign. Through the Ages clarifies that when a player resigns, ongoing wars against them are resolved in favor of the remaining players, along with other necessary administrative tasks. Resignation works well in games like Through the Ages where players can fall hopelessly behind due to game length. It is useful in any long game because players may need to leave for reasons unrelated to the game. A well-defined process for removing them from the game prevents certain players from benefiting unfairly from their departure.

Traveler mechanics may not be possible for every game and are unnecessary for short games. However, if you are making a long game, consider rules that support players joining late or leaving early. It is gratifying to see a latecomer’s pleasant surprise when they find out they can join a game even after it has started.