About the Journal

Aims and Scope

RPG学研究: The Japanese Journal of Analog Role-Playing Game Studies (JARPS) is an online-only Diamond Open Access, bilingual, peer-reviewed journal published by the Japanese Association for Role-Playing Game Studies. JARPS publishes articles about (primarily) non-digital ("analog") forms of role-playing, with a focus on table-top/table-talk role-playing games (TRPG) and live-action role-play (larp) in, from, and beyond Japan in a global context.

JARPS is a peer-reviewed academic journal established as a bridge between English and Japanese discourses and between researchers and practitioners. Possible topics include not only theoretical and empirical research on the practice, producers, and users of analog RPGs such as TRPGs and LARPs (for example, as entertainment or leisure practices), but also a wide range of other areas, including research on educational, political, and medical applications of analog RPGs. In addition to research papers, we also welcome reports on practical applications, materials and tools for the use of these games in society and education, and book reviews and short notes that provide a wide range of information about analog RPGs.

Submissions

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Peer Review Process

Initially, all original submissions are evaluated by the editors to determine their overall suitability for our journal. Selected submissions then proceed through a stringent double-blind peer review to ensure the high quality of our publications. We strive to secure two reviews for each chosen submission. The review criteria include:

  • Factual relevance and timeliness of the topic
  • Originality of the approach
  • Incorporation of previous research concerning role-playing games
  • Transparency in procedures, methods, and results (if applicable)
  • Traceability of results (if applicable)
  • Structural coherence and logical progression of the work

We request our reviewers to complete their reviews within four weeks. Reviewers are chosen based on recommendations from our Editorial Board members or from our extensive reviewer pool.

Publication Frequency

Each original submission undergoes a rigorous double-blind peer review. Once a submission is accepted for publication, it is meticulously copy-edited and prepared for print. We publish at least one issue per year, usually in the fourth quarter. The submission deadline usually is in the first quarter.

Accepted rolling submissions (manuscripts submitted not in response to a specific call) will be released with the next, most fitting issue.

Open Access

This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or their institution. We do not collect any fees or processing charges from authors or readers. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.