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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AriochQ" data-source="post: 7769442" data-attributes="member: 6793324">One thing the article did not do, which it should have, is to define what is meant by "Old School" and "New School".  It is very difficult to carry on a conversation/debate when people take the terms to mean different things.  All these comments relate to D&D.  Including other games broadens the topic to such an extent that dialog becomes very difficult.  It is my belief that OS equates from ODD to early 2e AD&D.  NS is everything since.I am by no means the final word on the topic, but I believe, the following characteristics are the most agreed upon for each type:Old School-More DeadlyLess story driven, more simulationistRules light, rules are often missing or by DM fiat, rules are sometimes quirkyGreater DM authority - Rulings not rules. The DM accesses the rules. High trust in DM by players.Not Balanced- 'asymetrical' game design. Classes, abilities, adventures, etc. do not worry so much about balance.Character actions - Concrete. Players observe and describe. Goals are often achieved through a series of concrete action rolls (e.g. "I wedge an iron spike into the floor panel to wedge the trap door shut.")Heroic - PC's are still 'realistic' versions of normal peopleSlow Advancement - Character ability advancement is often not as important as equipment or experienceNew School-Less deadlyRules heavy - Most possible actions have an associated rule or standard resolutionLesser DM authority - Players access rules.  Players expect DM to follow written rules (Low Trust)Balanced - Strive to achieve a zen-like state of balance across multiple aspects of the game: class abilities, encounters, spell effects, etc.Character actions-abstract. Characters will often make one roll to resolve action with no description of methods (e.g. "I disarm the trap")Superheroic - PC eventually have abilities far exceeding human capacityFast Advancement - PC gain new powers and abilities at a quickened, and consistent, rate.There are ton of other topics that could be included, but are more debatable: Effects of failure, strategy and tactics, importance of 3 pillars, campaign focus, etc.There are also several areas that should not be included as they are not dependent on NS/OS, but instead exist across all game types: Sandbox/Railroad, The Importance of Story and the PC's role in the campaign, Team/Solo, DM Skill, Rules Mastery, etc.As stated above, I don't purport to be an expert on the topic, but it is helpful to agree upon a general set of definitions before starting a spirited debate about the details.</blockquote>

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