The Rule of Rules-Light(er) on RPBlog II is a well-thought reflection of what most of us here at The Dice of Life have been struggling with. We want structure in our RPGs, but we have little room in our lives for complex rules.
So here are a few questions I have:
- What do you look for in a game that defines it as rules-light for you?
- As gamers get older, do you think there's a growing market for rules-light or rules-simple games to replace the traditionally more complex games?
- What are some of the traditional 'sacred cows' in an RPG that you're willing to part with if it means playing a traditional RPG that requires a lower cost of investment of time, energy and money?
in reference to:
"Gamer Dads, Moms, and older, busy professionals still want structure, but they want fast gameplay and easier rules, too. Is there still a market for the complex? Of course, but I think the trend towards rules-light is going to continue and gain momentum. It doesn't have to be hand-wavy freeform, but a streamlined, fast-play set of rules is much in demand, I think."
- RPG Blog II: Lessons From Gen Con: The Rule of Rules-Light(er) (view on Google Sidewiki)
Update: I've gathered some responses from across various venues.
Antonio Reyes posted via a comment on Google Buzz:
- I look for a game that I can run after reading the book only once. I doesn't have to be a slim book, but the rules ( skills, task resolution, combat, ect) should be covered in less than a 100 pages. Preferably a unified mechanic should govern all aspects of the game, that way you don't have to constantly check the book to make sure you made the right call.
- I think that's the allure of the resurgence of the retro-clone.
- I'm willing to part ways with Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder.
I think now-a-days I'm sticking with the games that I already know or very simple and engaging games. I'm really excited about Call of Cthulhu (BRP), Savage Worlds, FATE, and Tunnels and Trolls. I like them because they are simple and flexible both in terms of rules and ideas.
Gnome Stew's Kurt "Telas" Schneider chimed in with his thoughts on Google Buzz as well.
- Can my wife learn it before she gives up? (D&D no, Savage Worlds yes)
- Absolutely. Look at the retro-D&D movement...
- Race & class. Granular spell and weapon stats. Charts. Lack of supplemental books.
Our very own Brennen had replied with a lengthy response on his own blog, The Everlasting Game Hunters: Ruminations on Rules-light Games.
And Peter Mancini, friend of The Dice of Life, simply commented on Google Buzz, "Decent [sic] by FFG is about as rules light as I'll get."
Thanks to all who replied. Anyone else who has some thoughts should feel free to share them here.
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