
Ben Robbins (Microscope 2nd ed, This Means War) ep 288
War Never Changes. And yet, most games still haven't figured out how to make it actually...fun.
Ben Robbins makes great games. His unique approach to mechanics and world-building makes many of his games — like Microscope, Kingdom, and In This World —ideal places to dive deeper into world-building and scratch an itch you usually can't get in games.
He joins us today to discuss his upcoming game This Means War, touch on Microscope, and, most importantly, talk about his unique approach to mechanics and how they can create worlds far vaster and more controlled than the players themselves. He also dives deep into the most interesting element of This Means War... the mysterious Waracle that controls the game as players struggle within its constraints. It's a long, truly interesting episode and a fun listen.
Check out the Microscope 2nd Edition Kickstarter, which is wrapping up soon, and keep an eye out for This Means War!
Microscope Second Edition: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lamemage/microscope?ref=profile_created&category_id=34
This Means War Playtest: https://lamemage.itch.io/this-means-war-playtest
Other Games by Ben! https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/lamemage/created?ref=project_creator_tab
Episode Mentions:
Microscope: Chronicle
GURPS
Little's Narrative Dice System
Edge of Empire
Age of Rebellion
For the Queen
Fiasco
Master and Commander
The True Believer Eric Hoffer
DTF St Louis
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