WORLDS OF PULP: The Art of Simple

When it comes to role playing games, there are many different ways to approach the mechanics of dice rolling. Some games use complex systems with multiple dice, modifiers, and special rules, while Worlds of Pulp sticks to a simple two-dice system with minimal modifiers. While both approaches have their merits, there are several advantages to using simple dice mechanics over complex ones.

First and foremost, WoP is much easier for new players to understand and use. When you’re trying to introduce someone to a new game, you don’t want to overwhelm them with a bunch of complicated rules and dice rolling procedures. By keeping things simple, you can get new players up to speed quickly and keep the game moving smoothly.

In addition, Worlds  of Pulp is more intuitive and streamlined. When you’re using fewer rules, it’s easier to get a sense of how your character’s abilities and stats are affecting the outcome of the roll. With complex dice systems, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different modifiers and factors that go into each roll, leading to more confusion and slower gameplay.

Finally, Worlds of Pulp mechanics are often more versatile and adaptable. With only two dice, you can easily tweak the difficulty of a given task by adjusting the target number or adding or subtracting a modifier. This makes it easier for game moderators to tailor the game to their players’ skill levels and preferences, without having to worry about balancing a bunch of complex rules and mechanics.

Overall, while there are some advantages to using complex dice mechanics in role playing games, there are also countless benefits to keeping things simple and straightforward. By using a simple dice system with minimal modifiers, you can create a more intuitive, adaptable, and accessible gaming experience for players of all levels.

WoP dedicates it’s time to expanding its worlds and campaign settings rather than adding additional rules. They seek to reduce rules presence as much as possible, by streamlining, not complicating their system. This approach supports the designer’s philosophy: smaller rules equal bigger gaming, which is definitive of the Art of Simple.

A.T. Worth
Scaldcrow Games