whatiswhat

A project is underway to create a set of techniques for the application of APOCalypse 2500 a books and dice RPG in an electronic 3D chat environment. Since the game will not be played in a custom environment the goal is to come up with some processes by which GM's can administer rules, tell stories, and present visually satisfying encounters. It's like marrying two completely apposing points of view especially getting the idea of structure and limitation into 3D chat RP's like IMVU.

Why do it at all you ask, good question, and the answer is two fold. First it is an attempt to help broaden the market for my inde game in a world dominated by MMORPG's and a few large pen and dice publishers. The second motivation is to create a way for rural living gamers like me to play pen and dice games online without constructing a custom engine.

There are several hurtles to be crossed not the least of which is explaining to chat RP'ers who have never played tabletop games just exactly what they are. Chat RP vs. pen and dice PRG etiquette is the second issue where the latter is very rules driven and the former is make it up as you go along. It is tough to get people used to the idea in some cases of rolling dice and sticking to a character profile when they are used to just pulling "super scion powers" out of their armpit. I realize there are plenty of online players who use books and dice but courting a new market in the 3D chat world there seems to be far less.

Visual environments do have some advantages that simple text and even live gaming don't. For instance on some sites you can costume your avatar to appear as a whole host of fantasy beasts. You can sometimes invoke special visual and audio effects to enhance the experience. Traps, secret doors, etc can sometimes be created by the cleaver application of furniture or scenery items thus eliminating some die rolls. Needless to say the project is becoming an interesting one and those who want to know more can read the pdf published online at www/painbrain.com/apoc2500/3drp I have published the techniques as a free pdf which can be viewed on line.