Teens in Space Wins Best RPG Origins Award

The 2020 Origins Awards have been announced, and in the role-playing game category, the winning game was Renegade Game Studios' Teens in Space.

Teens in Space uses the same system as Kids on Bikes. Renegade Game Studios has a partnership with WotC owner Hasbro, and recently announced an official Power Rangers RPG (and hinted at GI Joe, Transformers, and My Little Pony).

The Origins Awards cover a range of tabletop gaming categories, including board games, card games, and more. You can see all of this year's winners here.

 

[Jd Smith1]

That's the market judging popularity for you, just like you want! Mike Mearls and Jeremy Crawford do just fine, I'm sure.

Never heard of them, but in all fairness I've never paid attention to game designers other than Kevin Hite (met him), Monte Cook (puts his name in the title, and you (because you told me). But after reading so many threads here about starving RPG writers, it is good to hear that at least a few are reaching the good life.

I'm also not impressed by popularity. Popularity in RPGs, IMO, usually equates into bland, middle-of the road, stereotypical products, much like Hollywood blockbusters tend to stick with the same old plot lines (which, to be fair, does sell). You find innovation in the indies who dare to build new systems rather than copy the same old same old. Sadly, these days that breed is almost extinct. Not not yet completely: currently my group is playing Degenesis, and while the system is junk, the setting is amazing.

What they need is recognition for the tireless GMs who patiently house-rule the bland cut&paste we get these days into systems worth playing.

 

[Morrus]

You find innovation in the indies who dare to build new systems rather than copy the same old same old. Sadly, these days that breed is almost extinct. Not

What like Teens in Space? Maybe somebody should give them an award!

 

[Gradine]

What like Teens in Space? Maybe somebody should give them an award!

I see what you did there

 

[Jd Smith1]

What like Teens in Space? Maybe somebody should give them an award!

They came up with a new game system? I didn't know that. Otherwise, just another Saturday morning cartoon turned into a setting.

 

[Gradine]

They came up with a new game system? I didn't know that. Otherwise, just another Saturday morning cartoon turned into a setting.

Turns out there's a lot of really neat innovation going on if you actually bother to pay attention to any of it.

 

[Jd Smith1]

Turns out there's a lot of really neat innovation going on if you actually bother to pay attention to any of it.

A rules-lite system based on exploding (d20-series) dice? That was innovative in the 90s.

Innovation refers to something new, as in new ground, new ideas, new applications. Adding a existing game system to a setting that can draw its basis back to 70s TV shows is not innovation, its repackaging.

But hey, if they make millions, good for them. It's about time someone gave D&D serious competition.

I'm not knocking the game, just pointing out that it isn't innovative.

 

[Morrus]

They came up with a new game system? I didn't know that. Otherwise, just another Saturday morning cartoon turned into a setting.

You misspelled “congratulations”.

 

[Jd Smith1]

You misspelled “congratulations”.

It also turned out to be unwarranted. But as you noted, the big bucks they'll get for their product will be thanks enough.

 

[Laurefindel]

Most industry awards aren’t popularity contests, although many of the bigger ones like oscars and Grammys, will also include a “public’s choice” or “best seller” category. Recognition amongst peers is more than self-congratulation.

Fan-based Awards like the ENNIES fill a different role with different “audience“ and are just as important, but that doesn’t make industry awards less pertinent.

I for one am glad to discover a game I would have missed otherwise.

 

[whimsychris123]

Ordered the game. I also want to try Tiny Towns and Point Salad. Cool award!