Seven 48-Word TTRPGs

A free collection containing seven games for the 48-word TTRPG Jam This collection includes seven business-card TTRPGs, each under 48 words in total (not including title or copyright notice). They are available as text files, PNGs, and a collected PDF. They cover a wide range of themes, mechanics, and player counts (the required players and components are marked in bold for ease of selecting a game convenient to your situation). I hope you find something enjoyable and inspiring within... -------------------------------------------------- 1. MISMATCHED A game of undead revenge CONSTRUCT A BODY OUT OF THE REMAINS Mismatched is a collaborative and comedic oneshot game about suburban necromancy for two or more players plus a GM . You'll need something to write on as a baseline, but drawing a rough sketch of your collaboratively assembled character is a good idea too. -------------------------------------------------- 2. RIVERBOAT A game of quiet wandering FALL ASLEEP TO GENTLE ROCKING Riverboat is a meditative conversational game for 1-2 players . You don't really need anything at all to play it except time, though background sounds of water, wind, and birds would probably go a long way to aid immersion, and journaling is welcome if you prefer your games to create a permanent record. -------------------------------------------------- 3. BRUTE. A game of gentleness and violence NAME YOUR GIANTS. PICK YOUR DREAM. BRUTE. is a dice-stacking comedy game for one or more players and a GM . Any dice can be used for stacking but a decent collection of d6s (at least 6 per player) is a good idea. Note that as this is a dexterity game, please consider altering the rules (such as decreasing stack height or ignoring the fist requirement) to accommodate any players who struggle with motor skills. -------------------------------------------------- 4. DESERTERS A game of war and censorship THE MINISTRY IS READING EVERY WORD Deserters is an epistolary game for two or more (but ideally two) players . You will need lots of paper or an email client in order to pass letters back and forth. The end of the game will require a brief live conversation , either in person or over the phone. Please note the content warnings of warfare, oppression, censorship, and collaboration; you are (as always) encouraged to discuss expectations and boundaries before play. -------------------------------------------------- 5. RUM A game of pirates and revelry UNFORTUNATELY, YOU ARE SMASHED Rum is a dexterity-based drinking game for two or more players and a GM . This game must be played in person . You will need a flat surface like a table or a bar (playing in a pub is recommended), at least one d6 and at least one glass . Each player will also need a drink of their choice (alcoholic or not). Tracking your character's health with a d6 is recommended, but notes or a notes app work just as well. To Be Very Clear: No alcohol consumption is required to play this game . Please drink responsibly, be clear about your limits with other people at the table, and never drive under the influence. Note that as this is a dexterity game, please consider altering the rules (such as allowing two attempts, doubling health, or inventing alternative challenges ) to accommodate any players who struggle with motor skills. -------------------------------------------------- 6. END TIMES FM A game of music and monologues SOMEONE COULD STILL BE LISTENING... RIGHT? End Times FM is a solo game engaging with themes of loneliness, songs, and lingering after the end of the world. You'll need a way to play music , a way to make tallies , a room that you can be alone in and close the door of, and a willingness to awkwardly talk to yourself. If you wish to journal, the preferred format is an audio recording. -------------------------------------------------- 7. PARK A game of community in the ruins THE PARK CLOSED; YOU REMAINED Park is a game for two or more players and a GM about protecting the new world you've built out of an abandoned theme park. It's got the most traditional mechanics of the collection; you'll need somewhere to write down some character details and at least 3d6 per player to make up dice pools. Spending time to collaboratively create the world of your Park session is recommended, and including arbitrary IP infringement (anything done unrecorded at your own table is safe from lawsuits) in that process is also encouraged. -------------------------------------------------- Credits Design, Writing, and Art by Matthew Marsland Additional Reviews and Creative Prompting by Jordan Reece Thanks to the hosts of the 48-word TTRPG Jam - there's some really clever and creative stuff in there; give the submissions a look if you haven't already! I really loved making games for the 36-Word TTRPG Jam last year so I was very excited to make some new ones for this year. And thank you, dear reader, for making it this far! If you find the games interesting, please do let me know what you think; feedback is extremely welcome.