Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have come a long way since the early days of Dungeons & Dragons. While D&D is still the most well-known and popular TTRPG, there are now a variety of indie games that are pushing the boundaries of what was once considered the norm. Here's a look at the evolution of TTRPGs, from Dungeons & Dragons to modern indie games.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons was first published in 1974, and it quickly became the standard for TTRPGs. The game was simple and easy to learn, and it provided players with a framework for creating their own characters and adventures. D&D was heavily influenced by fantasy literature, and it included elements like elves, dwarves, and wizards.
Over the years, D&D has evolved and expanded, with new editions and supplements that add new rules and options for players. However, at its core, D&D remains a game about exploring dungeons, battling monsters, and finding treasure.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D):
D&D was first published in 1974, and it has gone through several editions over the years. Some of the key differences between the editions of D&D include:
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Rules Complexity: The early editions of D&D were relatively simple and easy to learn, with a focus on improvisation and player creativity. Later editions added more complex rules and mechanics, making the game more strategic and tactical.
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Character Customization: Later editions of D&D introduced more options for character customization, allowing players to create more unique and specialized characters with a wider range of abilities and skills.
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Setting: D&D has always been associated with a high-fantasy setting inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and other fantasy authors. However, later editions of the game introduced more varied and diverse settings, including steampunk, horror, and science fiction.
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D):
AD&D was first published in 1977, and it was intended to be a more complex and sophisticated version of D&D. Some of the key differences between D&D and AD&D include:
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Rules Complexity: AD&D was designed to be more complex and detailed than the original D&D, with a focus on strategic gameplay and tactical combat. It introduced new rules and mechanics for character creation, combat, and magic.
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Setting: AD&D was set in the same high-fantasy world as D&D, but it placed a greater emphasis on world-building and lore. It introduced detailed descriptions of the various races, classes, and monsters in the game, as well as information about the history and geography of the game world.
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Supplements: AD&D was supported by a wide range of supplements and sourcebooks that expanded on the game world and introduced new rules and mechanics. These supplements included new character classes, spells, and monsters, as well as detailed descriptions of new regions and cultures in the game world.
3rd Edition
Released in 2000, the 3rd edition of D&D represented a major overhaul of the game's mechanics and rules. Some of the key differences between the 3rd edition and earlier editions include:
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Character Creation: The 3rd edition introduced a new system for creating characters that allowed for more customization and flexibility. Players could choose from a wide range of races, classes, and skills, and they had more control over their characters' abilities and attributes.
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Combat Mechanics: The 3rd edition introduced new rules for combat that made it more strategic and tactical. It introduced a new system for determining initiative, as well as rules for flanking, cover, and other tactical considerations.
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Magic System: The 3rd edition introduced a new system for magic that made it more balanced and flexible. It introduced new rules for spellcasting, including rules for preparing spells and casting them spontaneously.
4th Edition
Released in 2008, the 4th edition of D&D represented another major overhaul of the game's mechanics and rules. Some of the key differences between the 4th edition and earlier editions include:
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Combat Mechanics: The 4th edition introduced a new system for combat that placed a greater emphasis on tactical gameplay and strategy. It introduced new rules for positioning, terrain, and other tactical considerations, as well as a new system for tracking hit points.
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Character Classes: The 4th edition introduced new character classes that were designed to be more balanced and flexible. It also introduced new rules for character advancement that made it easier to customize and develop characters over time.
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Powers System: The 4th edition introduced a new system for powers, which were special abilities that characters could use in combat. It included rules for at-will, encounter, and daily powers, which could be used to create a wide range of different character builds.
5th Edition
Released in 2014, the 5th edition of D&D represented a return to the game's roots, with a focus on simplicity, flexibility, and storytelling. Some of the key differences between the 5th edition and earlier editions include:
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Simplicity: The 5th edition was designed to be simpler and more accessible than earlier editions, with a focus on ease of play and fast-paced action. It introduced a new Advantage/Disadvantage system that simplified the game's mechanics and made it easier to resolve actions.
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Flexibility: The 5th edition introduced new rules and mechanics that made it easier to customize and develop characters over time. It also introduced a new system for backgrounds, which gave characters unique skills and abilities based on their backstory and experiences.
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Storytelling: The 5th edition placed a greater emphasis on storytelling and roleplaying, with rules for inspiration and character bonds that encouraged players to develop interesting and engaging characters. It also introduced new rules for downtime activities and other non-combat actions, which helped to flesh out the game world and create more immersive experiences.
In general, the 3rd edition represented a major overhaul of the
game's mechanics and rules, the 4th edition introduced new systems for
combat and character development, and the 5th edition represented a
return to the game's roots with a focus on simplicity, flexibility, and
storytelling. Each edition of D&D has its own unique strengths and
weaknesses, and players continue to enjoy and play all three editions to
this day.
Pathfinder
Pathfinder is often referred to as the spiritual successor to D&D, as it was created by players who were dissatisfied with some of the changes made in D&D's fourth edition. Pathfinder is similar to D&D in many ways, but it also includes some unique mechanics and features.
Pathfinder is known for its complex character customization options, which allow players to create highly specialized characters with unique abilities and skills. The game also includes extensive rules for tactical combat, making it a popular choice for players who enjoy strategy games.
White Wolf and the World of Darkness
White Wolf Publishing was a company that made a big splash in the 1990s and is perhaps best known for its World of Darkness games.
The World of Darkness is a series of interconnected TTRPGs that take place in a dark, supernatural version of our world. The games emphasize storytelling and character development, and they explore themes of morality, identity, and power.
The World of Darkness includes several different games, each with its own unique setting and themes:
Vampire: The Masquerade: This game focuses on the world of vampires, where players take on the roles of powerful undead creatures struggling to maintain their humanity while navigating the dangerous politics of their own kind.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse: This game focuses on the world of werewolves, where players take on the roles of shape-shifting warriors fighting to protect the natural world from supernatural threats.
Mage: The Ascension: This game focuses on the world of mages, where players take on the roles of powerful sorcerers struggling to control their own powers and navigate the complex politics of the magical world.
Changeling: The Dreaming: This game focuses on the world of changelings, where players take on the roles of faerie creatures who have been stolen away to the mortal world and struggle to maintain their connection to the magical realm.
Other White Wolf Games:
In addition to the World of Darkness series, White Wolf has also published several other popular TTRPGs:
Exalted: This is a high-fantasy game that emphasizes epic heroism and powerful magic. Players take on the roles of demigods fighting to protect their world from evil forces.
Scion: This game is inspired by mythology from around the world, and players take on the roles of demigods struggling to balance their mortal and divine natures.
Trinity: This game is set in a science-fiction world where players take on the roles of psionic superheroes fighting to protect humanity from threats both internal and external.
White Wolf games are known for their complex mechanics, mature themes, and emphasis on storytelling and character development. They have a dedicated fanbase, and have had a significant impact on the TTRPG industry over the years.
Cyberpunk & Shadowrun
Cyberpunk was first published in
1988 by R. Talsorian Games. It is set in a dystopian future where
advanced technology has led to the creation of cybernetic enhancements,
artificial intelligence, and virtual realities. Players take on the
roles of "edgerunners," mercenaries who take on dangerous and illegal
jobs for wealthy clients.
Shadowrun was first published in 1989 by FASA Corporation. It is set in a dystopian future where magic has returned to the world and advanced technology has led to the creation of cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence. Players take on the roles of "shadowrunners," mercenaries who take on dangerous and illegal jobs for wealthy clients. It's the one with the elves.
Shadowrun and Cyberpunk have a similar setting and themes but have some key differences.
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Setting: While both games are set in a dystopian future where advanced technology and cybernetic enhancements are commonplace, they have different interpretations of that future. Shadowrun has a fantasy element, with magic and mythical creatures coexisting with technology, while Cyberpunk is more focused on the gritty, corporate-dominated world of the near future. Or, if you're playing the 1st or 2nd edition, which were set in 2013 and 2020, the near past.
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Character Creation: Both games offer a wide range of character customization options, but they differ in their approach. Shadowrun allows players to create characters with a mix of technology and magic, while Cyberpunk focuses on cybernetic enhancements and other technological upgrades. Shadowrun also includes a unique system for purchasing and upgrading cybernetics, known as "essence," which can affect a character's magic abilities.
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Mechanics: Both games use different mechanics to resolve actions and combat. Shadowrun uses a pool of six-sided dice to determine success or failure of actions, while Cyberpunk uses a 10-sided dice system.
Indie Games
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in indie TTRPGs. These games often push the boundaries of what was once considered the norm, and they explore a wide range of genres and themes.
One of the most popular indie TTRPGs is Apocalypse World, a post-apocalyptic game that emphasizes player collaboration and improvisation. Another popular indie game is Blades in the Dark, which combines elements of heist movies, steampunk, and horror.
These games often have simpler rules than traditional TTRPGs, and they focus more on narrative and storytelling. They also often explore more mature themes, such as politics, sexuality, and mental health.
The Forge
The Forge was an online community of tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) designers and enthusiasts that was active from the early 2000s to the mid-2010s. The Forge community was known for its focus on game design theory and its commitment to promoting innovative and experimental TTRPGs. Here are a few examples of TTRPGs that were developed or influenced by the Forge community:
Dogs in the Vineyard: This is a TTRPG designed by Vincent Baker that is set in a fictionalized version of the American West. Players take on the roles of "God's Watchdogs," tasked with maintaining order and justice in a world of sin and corruption.
Apocalypse World: This is a post-apocalyptic TTRPG designed by Vincent Baker that emphasizes player collaboration and improvisation. It has since spawned a number of spin-off games, including Dungeon World and Monsterhearts.
The Burning Wheel: This is a TTRPG designed by Luke Crane that emphasizes character development and a complex, interlocking set of mechanics. It has been praised for its innovative mechanics and its emphasis on player agency.
Fiasco: This is a TTRPG designed by Jason Morningstar that emphasizes storytelling and improvisation. It is a game of high-stakes and bad decisions, and it's perfect for players who enjoy dark comedy and satire.
These are just a few examples of the many TTRPGs that were developed or influenced by the Forge community. The Forge was a hotbed of innovation and experimentation, and it had a significant impact on the TTRPG industry over the years.
Developments
Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have evolved significantly over the years in terms of mechanics and storytelling. Here are some of the key ways in which TTRPGs have changed and developed:
Mechanics:
Simplicity: Early TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons had complex rules that could be difficult to learn and remember. Many modern TTRPGs have simpler rules, making them more accessible to new players.
Narrative-Driven Mechanics: Many modern TTRPGs have mechanics that emphasize storytelling and narrative over rules and mechanics. These games often use mechanics like "story points" or "narrative control" to encourage players to create interesting and engaging stories.
Customization: Many modern TTRPGs allow for more customization than older games. Players can often create more unique characters with more varied abilities and skills.
Storytelling:
Focus on Character Development: Many modern TTRPGs place a greater emphasis on character development and growth. Players are encouraged to create backstories for their characters and to develop their personalities and motivations over time.
Collaborative Storytelling: Many modern TTRPGs encourage collaborative storytelling, where all players contribute to the development of the story. This can lead to more interesting and complex narratives.
Exploration of Mature Themes: Many modern TTRPGs explore mature themes like politics, sexuality, and mental health. This can lead to more complex and nuanced stories, but it also requires careful handling to avoid causing offense or discomfort.
Nonlinear Storytelling: Many modern TTRPGs allow for more nonlinear storytelling, where the story is not necessarily told in a linear fashion. This can lead to more interesting and complex narratives, but it also requires players to be able to handle multiple storylines and plot threads at once.
Conclusion
The evolution of TTRPGs has been a long and interesting journey. From the simple beginnings of Dungeons & Dragons, to the complex character customization of Pathfinder, to the narrative-driven indie games of today, TTRPGs have come a long way.
One thing that remains constant, however, is the sense of community and camaraderie that TTRPGs provide. Whether you're playing a game with your friends around a kitchen table, or participating in an online game with players from around the world, TTRPGs bring people together and provide a space for creativity and imagination.
So whether you prefer the classic dungeon-crawling of D&D, the tactical combat of Pathfinder, or the narrative-driven indie games of today, there is a TTRPG out there for everyone.
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