I think there is a lot of potential in converting some of the design principles from parlour games (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parlour_games) (and perhaps some improve theatre, theatresports (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatresports) and Alternate Reality Games (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternate_reality_games)) into roleplaying games. I think the spartan rules and the focus on creating interesting social dynamics (Rather than conflict resolution or simulating situations etc) could be rather refreshing in a roleplaying game.
In particular, i think Mafia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mafia_%28game%29) (or 'Werewolf') and Wink Murder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wink_Murder) have a lot of promise, since they are essentially roleplaying games already. Though the elimination of players from the game is not very good design from a 'fun' perspective.
Obviously there is a lot of room for creating entirely new games using a tight structure for play which encourages interaction and relationships but essentially leaves the details of the roleplaying up to the individuals.
So, are there any games like this? Most importantly, is this a good idea?
I was kind of aiming at that with Executive Decision (http://www.gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip).
-G.
Inciteful Games is all-about that style of parlor LARP: their system basically uses a trumps mechanic, and a character is nothing but a Motivation/Goal, a handful of Relationships to other characters, and a set of cards that represent "skills" or "abilities" in which they trump all other characters.
Having played in a couple of their initial playtest games, it works well to jump-start players in a party game, and if the story is sufficiently complex, then it can play for a good long while. But each game is only good for one shot, as their system is SO directly coupled to the situation and particular plot.
Or are you thinking more of a *system* for deriving such play and situations, so that one can get repeat play out of it? That is harder to handle, as you have to generate player points of contact directly in the situation setup, rather than through efficacy or abilities that are "poised" to handle a variety of situations. It's not impossible, I just think it could create a significant prep issue for GMs or require a lot of pre-prep, each game, for all players.
Or are you going in another direction? I have a fair bit of LARP experience, in a variety of play styles and formats: I could probably either point you to something already doing what you'd like, or help you build up a system that does. Unfortunately, the LARP system I am currently designing is the exact OPPOSITE of such a play system, so I can't go with my usual (shillish) recommendation to use GLASS.... :-)
David
Yeah, I've been thinking about that a lot, as well as Surrealist games (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealist_game). Shock: has a certain amount of both of these in it. Prime Time Adventures (http://www.dog-eared-designs.com/games.html) is closer than just about anything else, I think: it uses cards, some pieces of paper, and pencils. It also consistently makes good fiction.
Greg, I haven't played Executive Decision yet. It looks like the Western Mass Story Game crew might have to assemble for that!
Hey David,
Inciteful Games is all-about that style of parlor LARP: their system basically uses a trumps mechanic, and a character is nothing but a Motivation/Goal, a handful of Relationships to other characters, and a set of cards that represent "skills" or "abilities" in which they trump all other characters.
Inciteful Entertainment is Joe McDonald and his game Perfect. Is there an Inciteful Games? Or do you mean Shifting Forest Storyworks?
Paul
Ah, hell, I don't know what I mean. Yeah, I got Joe's company confused with my buddy's company that he is forming. I will ask him again about it and post an update.
Hey David,
Shifting Forest Storyworks did a nice line of games they explicitly called "parlor larps". Jonathan Tweet gave one of them his Pick of GenCon last year:
http://www.jonathantweet.com/jotgamesgcpicks.html
But the Shifting Forest website looks to be M.I.A., and no one seems to know how to contact them. Your buddy isn't associated with them, is he?
Paul