Tomo

My ideal RPG: an 8-12 page booklet with a moderm infographic-style design that explains all the rules. All the reference stuff (monsters, magic, feats, classes, playbooks, you name it) as cards, bigger or smaller, depending on the need.

The goal would be to make it as accessible as possible, ideally to be picked up and learned in 15-30 minutes. Just like board games. Some publishers did try that in the late 80s, but it went nowhere.

If I get angry enough, I'll do it. 😀​

Jul 10, 2018 at 6:24pmWeb
Show threadCanageek (Roleplaying account)Jul 10, 2018
@tomo I've had discussions with people about if you could actually convey RPG rules using Graphics instead of words, I don't think it would work very well but I'd be interested in seeing someone make the attempt. the role-playing game I'm writing I'm expecting to come in at about 20 pages but I could probably get that lower if I simplified it a bit.
Show threadTomoJul 10, 2018
@Canageek
Unfortunately I have no design skills whatsoever. I would have to pair with a kick-ass (information) designer to do it. So it probably never happen.
Show threadCanageek (Roleplaying account)Jul 10, 2018
@tomo Have you read the D&D basic box they put out in the 3.0 era? It was pretty close to this I think. Lots of diagrams, images of the dice. Designed for kids, with punch out miniatures.
Show threadTomoJul 11, 2018

@Canageek No, I haven't seen it. I didn't even know it existed :) First, because I'm not into D&D. Second, we don't get a lot of English-language RPGs in my corner of the world.

The "simple, designed for kids" thing is backwards, I think. I didn't mind sophisticated rules and thick books when I was playing back in school. Now, with kids, a dog and a job, I would appreciate simple, easy to pick up games.

Show threadossifogJul 11, 2018
@tomo Just out of curiosity, why do you think rpgs diverged from board games in this way? I guess the fatter the book the more you can convince someone to pay for it.
Show threadTomoJul 11, 2018

@ossifog Let's see....
Eldritch Horror: $59.95.
Mansions of Madness: $99.95.
Arkham Horror: $59.95
CoC Keeper's Rulebook + Investigator's Handbook: $99.90

And I think FFG makes a lot more money. I don't think Chaosium will even start approaching the volume of sales FFG is making with any of the games.

I did enjoy FFG's 3rd ed of Warhammer FRP. I wonder how things like their "L5R Roleplaying Beginner Game" are doing.

Show threadWilhelm FitzpatrickAug 16, 2018
@tomo there's been some activity in RPGs oriented toward no-prep, pick up and learn style play in small form factors in the "indie" RPG world. Consider _Lady Blackbird_ which provides a ready to go system and adventure in about the page count you reference: http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/
Lady Blackbird: Adventures in the Wild Blue Yonder

Show threadTomoAug 16, 2018
@rafial
Yeah, I know Lady Blackbird and it's hacks. It's one of my inspirations.