Sunday Nonsense: Which TTRPG Systems Survive

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

So based on this being EN World, I am not surprised that 5E is the largest share. I am a little surprised that GURPS is so high, tho.

We've got a lot of folks who started playing in the 1980s.

 

[Reynard]

We've got a lot of folks who started playing in the 1980s.

Sure. I am among them (although I would guess I first discovered GURPS in the early 90s). It is just so very granular and crunchy and I don't know anyone who still plays it.

 

[bsss]

is it? That apparently is not really saying much then…

I think it was always pretty tongue-in-cheek anyway, in the "ergo it's not anyone's ideal D&D" sense.

 

[kronovan]

Cepheus Engine would have to be in my top 3, since it allows a GM to run Traveler, as well as a huge list of other settings. But TBH I don't think I could narrow it down to just 3 anyways. If I had a choice of 5 they'd be:

Savage Worlds
Cepheus Engine
D&D TSR Era (OSRIC, OSE, etc)
BRP
Fate

And I'd be very unhappy that 13th Age and Modiphius' 2d20 System couldn't be on my list.

 

[dbm]

So based on this being EN World, I am not surprised that 5E is the largest share. I am a little surprised that GURPS is so high, tho.

The love that dares not speak its name…

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Sure. I am among them (although I would guess I first discovered GURPS in the early 90s). It is just so very granular and crunchy and I don't know anyone who still plays it.

I don't think these poll results represent what people play. I think we're seeing people reflecting back the gaming world that they wished existed. And often on ENWorld, that's "I wish I was 40 years younger."

 

[Reynard]

"I wish I was 40 years younger."

15 for me. Man, 35 was a GREAT age.

 

[bsss]

I don't think these poll results represent what people play. I think we're seeing people reflecting back the gaming world that they wished existed. And often on ENWorld, that's "I wish I was 40 years younger."

Can't speak for everyone, of course, but two of my picks (13th Age and Cypher) are games I'm actively running campaigns right now, and they're fairly modern compared to where I started. Maybe what you say is true for me with Tri-Stat, though, especially since I think of the simplicity in the early BESM books... but I can still convince myself that it's a system I would enjoy. Though now I think I would replace it in the poll with GUMSHOE... so I'll do that.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Can't speak for everyone, of course, but two of my picks (13th Age and Cypher) are games I'm actively running campaigns right now, and they're fairly modern compared to where I started. Maybe what you say is true for me with Tri-Stat, though, especially since I think of the simplicity in the early BESM books... but I can still convince myself that it's a system I would enjoy. Though now I think I would replace it in the poll with GUMSHOE... so I'll do that.

If I phrased it as saying everyone was trying to recapture their youth -- or even suggested that was a problem in any way -- I apologize.

I also put down what I'm running myself (Shadowdark, Mork/Pirate Borg), but given how little most of the winning games are actually discussed here or at the purple site, I am skeptical that's what most people are doing.

 

[bsss]

If I phrased it as saying everyone was trying to recapture their youth -- or even suggested that was a problem in any way -- I apologize.

I also put down what I'm running myself (Shadowdark, Mork/Pirate Borg), but given how little most of the winning games are actually discussed her or at the purple site, I am skeptical that's what most people are doing.

Sorry, no, I was just making conversation really, and trying to also disclaim the idea that I was some/most/all responders. =)

On the subject of true interest though, going back to a previous post you'd made about how you don't see a lot of these games discussed nearly as often, I struggled with a reply to that as well. I adore --- absolutely adore --- so much of 13th Age and Cypher System (two games that are quite different in many ways), but honestly, I just don't know what to post about them half the time. I'm excited when they get mentioned in passing, but I can't find myself gushing over them as a thread-starter. (Incidentally, however, I am doing a Let's Read of 13th Age 2E's player book on the purple site.)

Point is, I feel there could definitely be some deep appreciation for these games that just doesn't translate into forum activity.