What Kind of RPG Would You Make?

What’s up, my fellow role-playing Comancheros! I hope you’re all having a totally righteous day. I got a question for ya: what if you could create your very own role-playing game? Imagine designing a game that is precisely tailored to your style of play and personal interests. Well, today, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about. In this blog post, I want to hear from YOU, the players and game masters, about what makes your RPG stand out from the rest. So gather ’round, grab some snacks, and let’s dive into the world of RPG creation!

First things first, let’s talk about the setting. Most RPGs take place in familiar high-fantasy or sci-fi universes, and while those are certainly cool, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up. For me personally, I dig games that take place in more unusual settings like a medieval carnival or an alternate dimension where magic has gone awry. What about you? Would your game be set in a unique universe, or would it take place in a time and place that’s already familiar to players?

Another important aspect of games is character creation. Do you prefer a character creation process that’s quick and simple, or do you want to be able to spend hours crafting the perfect character? Perhaps your game would have a creation system that’s more narrative-focused, allowing players and game masters to collaboratively create characters with interwoven backstories. There are so many ways to approach character creation, and it’s exciting to think about what we could create!

Now, let’s talk about gameplay mechanics. Would you want your game to be combat-heavy, more focused on exploration and puzzles, or something completely different? Do you have any unique gameplay mechanics in mind that you haven’t seen in other games? Maybe you would introduce a “fate” mechanic, where players can influence the outcome of events by rolling special dice or drawing cards. Or maybe you would have a system where the environment itself can change and adapt based on player choices. The possibilities are endless!

Speaking of choices, do you prefer games where the players have complete freedom to do whatever they want, or do you like more structured campaigns with a set storyline? Personally, I’m a fan of games that fall somewhere in the middle- campaigns with a basic framework that allow players to steer the story in different directions. But what about you? Would you want there to be a clear main objective, or would you rather have a sandbox-style game where anything goes?

Last but not least, what about the tone and themes of your game? Would it be dark and gritty, or more lighthearted? Would you tackle serious issues like politics or mental health, or focus more on swashbuckling action? The tone and themes of your game can really set it apart from the rest, so it’s an important thing to consider.

My friends, there you have it- just a few things to think about when it comes to designing your own RPG. The best thing about RPGs is that there’s no one “right” way to play or create them. Each game is unique, and that’s what makes them so awesome. So whether you prefer games that are light and silly or dark and serious, there’s a place for you in the world of RPGs. So go forth, create, and keep on rollin’ those dice!

2 Comments

  1. Nicolau Chaud on September 1, 2023 at 8:37 PM

    I’m actually working on a system right now, but it’s more like a system I “need’ to make for specific goals rather than my “ideal ttrpg”. But thinking about what I’d want ideally:
    -I like unusual settings. Maybe something that mixes two themes that are not usually connected? “Medieval carnival” like you said. Or “fantasy symbiotes”, or “cyberpunk vampires”, I dunno. Anything fresh feels good.
    -Character creation and progression is my n.1 motivator in RPGs, so I want it to be deep and full of choices and branches.
    -Doesn’t need to be system heavy, but rolling dice needs to feel like more than a formality. And if there’s room for strategizing (not just in combat), even better.
    -I’m used to games that give narrative power to the GM, and I’m fine with that. I’m not even sure how “more player freedom” would work.
    -Regarding themes, I like when a setting mixes things up. I don’t like it if it’s dark all the time, or absurd all the time, funny all the time, tense all the time.



  2. Danny Jackson on September 2, 2023 at 8:04 PM

    Hey, my role-playing Comanchero! So, like, I totally get where you’re coming from, man. It sounds like you’re looking for a totally sick RPG system that’s gonna get your creative juices flowing.

    First off, I gotta say, I love the idea of mixing two unusual themes together. Like, That’s some next-level creativity, dude! The best part about juxtaposing two different concepts is that it gets you to look at things, like totally differently. Your perspective changes, and if you are open to your own ideas, man, the concepts can be straight-up mind-blowing!

    Now, when it comes to character creation and progression, I’m with you, bro. It’s all about having tons of options and choices, branching paths, and deep customization. You wanna be able to really mold your character into something unique, am I right? Games are about characters. Without good characters, may as well be a board game, bro.

    And don’t even get me started on dice rolling, man. It can’t just be some boring formality. The thing is, some of the best gaming sessions I have ever played had almost no dice rolls, at all. Rolling those dice needs to have meaning, some element of strategy involved, otherwise its just a repetitive chore. And hey, if there’s room for strategizing beyond just combat, that’s even more rad!

    Lastly, I totally vibe with what you’re saying about mixing up the themes. Life’s all about balance, right? We don’t want it to be dark, absurd, funny, or tense all the time. It’s like a rollercoaster, man, with ups and downs, twists and turns. A good game is totally like good music, varied tempo, tones, emotional valleys, and crescendos. Keeps things interesting, ya know?

    So, keep rockin’ those wild ideas, my friend. I’m stoked to see what kind of epic RPG system you come up with. Keep it fresh, keep it groovy, and keep on gaming, dude! Remember, it’s gotta feel righteous to you first. If its not real to you, you’ll never convince anybody else.