Tabletop role-playing games are a type of game where players create or assume the role of various characters and collaborate to imagine and build a story or world. The players themselves create characters that are often sorted into archetypes, allowing each character to specialize and bring their unique talents together to collaboratively solve challenges.

In recent years, role-playing games have expanded to include game creators from diverse and marginalized communities who have come together to produce new games that explore identity, marginalization, inclusivity, and building a brighter future. Game systems such as Belonging without Belonging ask players to envision themselves as a marginalized community thrust together and working as one to survive. Masks put the players in the role of young adults grappling with their identities and the expectations placed on them. Glitter Hearts, Girl by Moonlight, and Monsterhearts all touch on themes of queer acceptance and romance. Games have also allowed BIPOC creators to explore and share their own cultures. Games such as Coyote & Crow, The Wagadu Chronicles, and Gubat Banwa allow players to explore and express cultures and identities outside of the normal spectrum of role-playing games. These games invite players to learn about diverse beliefs and cultures, help marginalized players feel represented in their role-playing games, and welcome everyone to learn new perspectives and histories. With the support of donors, the library can purchase all the games mentioned and more as a brand new collection to provide students with active and engaged role-playing games that build and connect communities, and explore and affirm identities.