Which are the major RPG rule systems?

[Rel]

Although I wouldn't classify it as "major" (certainly not these days), Rolemaster was definately a "system" and not merely a single game. The rules for Spacemaster and Cyber(something - I thought it was Cyberpunk but I might be mistaken) were based on the same system and you could model a variety of settings with that system.

I'll also note that ICE (the company that produced Rolemaster) has a new system out called HARP (High Adventure Role Playing). So far it only supports fantasy gaming but I'm getting the vibe that they'll expand into other genres if it succeeds.

 

[Kannik]

Major systems I am currently involved with:

d20 (duh)
Silhouette
HERO

Other majorish systems I have been involved with in the past (not counting other DnD):

d6 (Star Wars)
ICON (LUG Trek)
Interlock
Space Master
Palladium (eep)

And more that are single-game and others I probably am not thinking of right now...

Kannik

 

[Stormborn]

I don't think I would call it a major system, but Unknown Armies is a well done and interesting system.

 

[Particle_Man]

And one up and comer might be the Savage Worlds system. Wait and see!

 

[Ron]

I would say that the major systems today are:

d20
Storyteller
Palladium
GURPS
HERO
BRP
Unisystem
Tri-Stat

All those are still selling good (including BRP, which is the engine behind Call of Cthulhu), and were applied to several different settings.

The Minor League would include:

Silhouette (Heavy Gear)

and I believe it may include in the near future

d6

A few games were major systems in the past. Specifically d6 was, and may became again, as well as Rolemaster (which I don't think it will ever came back that strong although a derivative, HARP, may have a chance), Shadowrun, and EarthDawn.

 

[Staffan]

Edit: I would no longer count the BRP % System (Call of Cthulu, Elric, Runequest) but in its day it was certainly a major system.

BRP is still going strong here in Sweden, probably because the old game Drakar och Demoner (the game "everyone" started with back in the 80s and early 90s) used it. The new edition of Mutant, one of the most acclaimed Swedish RPGs of the last few years also use it (the original edition of Mutant was basically Gamma World using BRP, but it has evolved a quirky feel and setting of its own now).

 

[Chacal]

It translates quite literally, IIRC: The Black Eye.

Funny that. I was wondering if "l'oeil noir" was a well known system.
I've seen "Das Schwarze Auge" referenced quite a few times, but not knowing german didn't help me.
You learn something every day ...


Chacal

 

[Sado]

Funny that. I was wondering if "l'oeil noir" was a well known system.
I've seen "Das Schwarze Auge" referenced quite a few times, but not knowing german didn't help me.
You learn something every day ...


Chacal

There is an english version now, called "The Dark Eye". It's a good system and Aventuria is an interesting game world. Unfortunately I will probably never get to play it because no one here in the USA has ever heard of it.

If you have played any of the old "Realms of Arkania" computer RPG's, those are based on DSA.

 

[Fieari]

It always saddens me to see Paranoia on the "minor" list, even though I know it is. It's the only game in that style I know of. No other tabletop rpg offers actual competition. Teamwork isn't for everyone you know... every once and a while it's nice to be able to have a winner and a loser, after all. And I've never laughed more than while playing Paranoia.

Downside is you can generally only ever have one DM who never gets to rotate, but that's how it goes when the rules are confidential secrets, hoarded away from the players on pain of painful execution.

 

[Aelryinth]

Hah, you all forgot one.

AEG's d10 system for Lo5R and it's Seven Seas world.

==Aelryinth