Would be interesting to see a fantasy version where (almost) everything is equipment with your characters developing proficiencies. In Final Fantasy: Four Heroes of Light, all your spells are books in your inventory (and each of your character only has 15 inventory spots for everything) so you even your magic is gear. I’d do that for a Fantasy gear game.
I'll see your Cyberpunk 2020 and raise you Shadowrun's sinsational library of splatter.
Shadowrun's equipment lists are awful.
It's crazy but, from a design angle, never discount the amusement of Fashionable Consumption®
I like how Burning Wheel and Torchbearer do it: *I acquire <such and such a widget>" is an action declaration like any other, most often resolved by making a Resources test (ie if you're buying it from someone) but in the appropriate context resolved using some other ability (eg a Scavenging test if you're finding it lying around, or an Enchantment test if its a magical widget and you're making it yourself, etc).
I was and am still very interested in equipment lists, because it's a big part of worldbuilding. What technology exists in the setting, or just a particular part of it? How do different cultures vary in what's available and how much? It ties into trade too, with questions about supply and demand in a fantasy economy. As a lover of history I find the idea of making this stuff work in an imaginary world endlessly fascinating. When I started my massive house rule document I began with a consolidated equipment list, roughly divided by era, and split by culture when I do setting work. As a player, I also enjoy pouring over those lists and seeing what's out there. Have ever since I first saw the Metzer rules when I was 9.
I still have all my Chromebooks, and love looking through them for inspiration when I play sci-fi games.
