Exploit: Zero Day takes place in an ongoing story setting, where you are roleplaying agents that can talk to characters and each other about the nature of the world and your challenges.
However, there’s also some story, mostly in jobs, that doesn’t make sense as a shared world. It stretches disbelief that the same celebrity could be hacked multiple times, or a terrorist group would carry out the same plan repeatedly, foiled by a lone hacker each time.
Here are some recommendations for how to behave in these cases.
Let Other Players Be the Star
If a player asks for help with the exciting car chase they’re in the middle of, don’t respond, “You’re having trouble with that? I did that last week!” Let them pretend that their experience is unique.
Instead, try playing the role of mentor. You can talk about how you have experience hacking traffic cams and give them a suggestion. Or maybe hype them up, warning them how much risk they’re taking and making the job more intense.
Let People Play How They Want
Some players will want to really get into their role, carefully maintaining the illusion of a consistent, shared world. Others will be more casual about it and be willing to stretch disbelief. Either approach is fine; don’t try to police other players’ playstyles.
If someone’s posts don’t match your own play style, feel free to ignore them or reinterpret them to fit your approach. Poking holes in someone’s story or teasing people for being dedicated isn’t kind or productive.
When in Doubt, Be Vague
A lot of inconsistencies and disruptions to the illusion of a real fictional world can be avoided by being vague. You’re certainly welcome to use character’s names and mention details, but if you can’t figure out how to avoid disrupting your own suspension of disbelief, try being vaguer.
Instead of saying Sk3tch told you to hack into the security feeds for Super Bowl 50, you can say that a friend asked you to hack into the cameras at a major sporting event. That’s specific enough that people will know what you’re talking about, but vague enough that they can pretend it’s not the same job they did last week.