What video/computer game could (or has) replaced TTRPGs for your group. +

[Reynard]

First and foremost: why the + ? Simply put, I don't want this thread to be about "no video game can replace TTRPGs." That's may be true. I might even agree. But arguing about it will just obscure the real question.

And that real question is: if a computer or video game were to replace your group's regular TTRPG game night, what game(s) would it be?

Would it be an MMORPG? Or a co-op CRPG? Would you shift to digital board games? Or co-op shooters and adventure games?

My own regular group has flirted with everything from BG3 to WoW to (digital) Gloomhaven, but in the end we always drift back to TTRPGs via a VTT.

I guess that brings up an additional question: with regards to this question, if there is a game that could replace TTRPGs for you, does that have anything to do, do you think, with you playing via a VTT or otherwise online (if you do)?

 

[Zardnaar]

Not replacement but grand strategy comes close.

Crusader Kings, Eurooa Unversalis IV, Stellaris. Very sandbox cheaper per hour than D&D.

 

[jdrakeh]

The only thing that ever came close was Ultima Online, and that only worked because four of us lived in the same house and had all of our PCs set up in the same room, allowing us to talk to each other in real time. It was a great setup.

 

[Kromanjon]

I don't really enjoy playing video games with other people so if I were to replace ttrpgs with videogames it would remove my friends from the equation all together. The game would then most likely be some kind of metroidvania.

 

[Deset Gled]

My group will occasionally branch out on days when we can get together but we're missing party members, on a break, or just not playing D&D for some reason.

Plaid Hat Games makes what they call "Crossroads Games". These are cooperative board games that are kind of RPG-like, and use an app with pre-made scenarios to move a semi-randomized story along. They can be played online, or in-person on a board with an app device.

Link: Board and Card Games | Plaid Hat Games

We've played Forgotten Waters (pirate themed) online, and Freelancers (fantasy themed) in person. Both were fun, and get my recommendation. They have some (but not infinite) good replayability.

These won't replace an RPG full time, but IMO do a good job of scratching the itch when you're in a gaming lull, or just don't want to fully invest in a short term RPG for any reason.

 

[GreyLord]

if it were a group all playing the game together it would depend on which group of People I was playing with. I introduce different people to D&D and RPGs, so it depends on who it is.

Forza Motorsport would work with some, but I don't think that would be a popular choice for those on these forums.

Same goes for Street Fighter.

Most likely, the biggest one that would work with those on these forums with a group would be a game such as Gloomhaven (digital).

If it were just me and I had no one to game with, but determined to have a game night I'd probably play something like one of the BG series, ToEE, or Pathfinder (or any Owlcat game, not that there are a ton, but they are growing).

 

[Parmandur]

Most of the people I play with are into Stardew Valley or Terraria, and sometimes play with each other, though that's more my wife's jam than mine.

Never used a VTT, no real interest: a Zoom call works fine with TYRPG play for TotM.

 

[payn]

For a time it was Dungeons and Dragons Online the MMO. Though after a couple years I burned out. I could see getting back in with the right group and motivation, but I dont see that coming into being anytime soon.

 

[SkidAce]

It would have been Everquest (dating myself I know).

Baldur's gate 3 is fun, but we get tired running though the same quests over again.

 

[Autumnal]

World of Warcraft and City of Heroes both did for a while. Great times, but eventually two things led me away:

1. Ever-increasing complexity at the top end (which is where the new stuff is), past first my level of comfort and then my level of competence. I simply cannot play as well as the endgames required.

2. Th lore went in directions I don’t like and had an ever harder time engaging with.