Theory of Games
Storied Gamist
... and fun for those of us who enjoy that level of complexity. I'd rather have a system that does everything than one that won't let me play a certain character or genre.
Kickstarter: GURPS Mission X
- Thread starter Argyle King
- Start date
MGibster
Legend
I tend to view GURPS less as a game and more as a toolkit to build a game with. With most games, even a complicated game like Pathfinder, you're getting a complete game in the package. The GM doesn't have to create the player character classes, species, spells, equipment, skills, etc., etc. because that work has already been completed. With GURPS, you're getting a toolkit to build a game with. You want elves? Well, better create one. (I know they have examples of common species in various sourcebooks.) You want wizards? Better decide how spells work and then create them. When it comes to GURPS, the GM, and I'd argue the players, have to put in a little more work upfront to get the game going.
The last time I used GURPS was circa 2005, 4th edition, and I was running a Delta Green campaign. As far as world building goes, it was relatively easy because it's set in the modern era, all the PCs are human, and at the beginning they don't have access to supernatural abilities. I gave the players somewhere between 150-200 points to build their characters with instructions to avoid any supernatural advantages, disadvantages, and powers. And of course I offered guidance such as suggesting Advantages like Legal Enforcement Powers for the PCs who were special agents with the FBI and the ATF. I really only had one player who was difficult, but I chalk that up to the player rather than any problem with GURPS itself.
The biggest problem my players ran into were the sheer number of skills available. It just felt like a lot of work on their part to pore over the list and decide which ones might be of use in the campaign. This is when one of the players laughed upon discovering there was a Dropping skill. I did have one problem player whose opinion of what a "normal" human differed greatly from mine. He kept trying to buy psychic powers and silly advantages like extra arm strength and I constantly had to tell him no. This was more of a problem with the player than it was with GURPS I think.
The drawbacks of GURPS came for me as a GM when I had to decide how magic works and to stat out creatures. What abilities should a ghoul have? How about a wizard? A byakhee? It was a bit more work than I cared to put into the game. As a GM, I'd rather concentrate on interesting plots and encounters rather than building creatures, NPCs, spells, etc., etc.
Theory of Games
Storied Gamist
To me that's the beauty of GURPS and other "generic" systems: you can make exactly what you want, rather than being limited by whatever the non-generic systems give you. Does it take a greater level of time and creativity to set-up? Yup. Is it worth it in the end for groups that like having more creative control? Yup.
Also, GURPS has produced supplements for nearly every imaginable setting and they're a great aid for GMs looking for inspirational material. No other ttrpg can match GURPS' library IMO
Also, GURPS has produced supplements for nearly every imaginable setting and they're a great aid for GMs looking for inspirational material. No other ttrpg can match GURPS' library IMO
MGibster
Legend
That's exactly the beaty of GURPS, it's just I don't think that particular type of game is currently in favor. Rather than building a game from the ground floor, most gamers would rather buy something ready to play out of the box. But who knows? Maybe in 10-15 years GURPS will make a comeback?
