Participatory games are valued by many researchers as innovative tools to facilitate science-practice communication in transdisciplinary research processes. This article explores the diverse potentials of role-playing games (RPGs) in natural resource research and management. Based on a literature review, we discuss different types of game design, the stakeholder groups involved, and outcomes that may be achieved by this method. Our results display how game elements, rationales and rules can be adapted in accordance with the conveners’ intentions, and outline the roles that scientists, land users, institutional actors, and technicians assume in the RPG. We argue that RPGs have the potential to serve scientific knowledge production while also facilitating collective decision-making, conflict mediation, and joint learning. A case study from Madagascar illustrates that land users can easily relate RPGs to their real lives. The participants in this case study reflected on their livelihood systems, collectively analysed problems, and discussed possible solutions. Finally, we critically discuss the validity and legitimacy of the research results, and measures to avoid bias and manipulation.