These interactive entertainment formats blend the historical setting of the American frontier with structured systems of rules, character development, and storytelling. Participants typically assume the roles of characters within this setting, making decisions and taking actions that affect the unfolding narrative. Examples include tabletop exercises using dice and rulebooks, as well as digital simulations on computers and consoles.
Their significance lies in providing opportunities for collaborative storytelling, strategic thinking, and social interaction. The genre fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, while simultaneously offering a window into a specific period of history. Furthermore, such formats can encourage an appreciation for the challenges and complexities of life on the frontier.