RPG XRAY

This episode’s topic is Licensed IP, which provides RPG gamers the promise of being a hero in stories they already love, while utilizing their knowledge of a property’s setting and tropes to improve the tabletop role playing experience. Join us, to learn how licensed IP can enhance, or break, your gameplay.

HOSTS:

• Erik Saltwell
• Ethan Schoonover
• Brendan Power

APPENDIX X:

• A Murder at the End of the World (TV, Brendan)
• Warlock (Book, Ethan)
• Blood Meridian (Book, Ethan)

GAMES MENTIONED:

• Ghostbusters
• Star Trek Adventures
• Blade Runner RPG
• Terminator RPG
• Dune RPG
• Alien RPG

SUMMARY:

In Episode 9 we delve into the topic of licensed intellectual properties (IPs) in role-playing games.

We discuss the advantages and challenges of using licensed IPs in RPGs including how licensed IPs can facilitate play by providing familiar settings and narratives, lowering the barrier to entry for new players. We also consider how these IPs can constrain creativity due to their predefined worlds and stories. Our conversation touches on various examples, including "Alien," "Blade Runner," and "Terminator," exploring how these IPs have been adapted into RPGs and their impact on game design and player experience.

We compare licensed IPs with original content, discussing the impact of world-building versus story-building in games and the mechanics used by different games to capture the essence of their respective IPs. We reflect on our experiences playing RPGs based on licensed IPs and original content, sharing insights on what makes these games compelling and challenging.