Apocalypse World
Apocalypse World is a tabletop role-playing game designed by Vincent Baker and first published in 2010 by Lumpley Games. It is set in a post-apocalyptic landscape where players navigate through a world that has undergone a catastrophic event, often referred to as the "apocalypse."
Game Mechanics
- Setting: The setting of Apocalypse World is intentionally vague, allowing for maximum creativity. The game does not specify the nature of the apocalypse, leaving it up to the group's imagination.
- Playbooks: Players choose from a variety of character archetypes called "playbooks," which define their roles in this harsh environment. These include characters like the Chopper (gang leader), Hardholder (settlement leader), and Battlebabe (combat specialist).
- Move System: The game uses a move-based system where actions are triggered by player choices, with outcomes determined by rolling two six-sided dice (2d6) and adding relevant stats. Moves include combat actions, social interactions, and world-altering decisions.
- MC (Master of Ceremonies): The role traditionally known as the "Game Master" in other RPGs is called the Master of Ceremonies in Apocalypse World, emphasizing narrative control and improvisation.
- Agendas and Principles: The MC follows specific agendas and principles to guide the game, focusing on creating a dynamic and evolving world where player actions have significant consequences.
Impact and Legacy
Apocalypse World has been influential in the tabletop RPG community for several reasons:
- It introduced the Powered by the Apocalypse engine, which has been adapted for numerous other games, spawning a whole genre of RPGs with similar mechanics.
- The game's focus on narrative control, player agency, and the fluidity of the game world has influenced how many designers approach game creation.
- It won several awards, including the 2010 Indie RPG Awards for Best Game and the 2011 Diana Jones Award for Excellence in Gaming.
Community and Development
The community around Apocalypse World has been active in developing and sharing new playbooks, settings, and hacks. The game's open-ended nature encourages players and MCs to add their own content, leading to a rich ecosystem of fan-created materials.
External Links
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